Mechanization, Automation, and Robotics Rationalization

Define the Optimal Level of Supply Chain Logistics Technology

The increasingly high cost of labor and unavailability of labor for warehousing, distribution, and e-commerce fulfillment operations has underscored the need to consider supply chain mechanization, automation, and robotics options.

Over the past 20+ years, OPSdesign Consulting has designed some of the most highly automated supply chain operations on the planet. While we always start by crunching the data and applying best process first (eliminating unnecessary fingerprints and footsteps), we perform a comparative analysis of mechanized, automated, and robotic alternatives to identify the ones that best contribute to your service level requirements, capacity, throughput, flexibility, scalability, risk, and return-on-investment criteria.

We are experienced with and deliver unbiased analysis on a variety of information systems (ERP, WMS, WCS, LMS, TMS, etc.), infrastructure, process, and human-machine interface (HMI) options. Since we are not predisposed to any particular solution (we have no financial interest in any equipment, software, brand, or technology), we protect your interest at all times.

Among the advanced technologies we have successfully designed and deployed are:

• Pallet Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
• Mini-Load AS/RS Systems
• Shuttle Systems AS/RS Systems
• Gantry Systems AS/RS Systems
• Goods-to-Person Picking Technologies
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
• Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
• Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
• Vertical Carousel Systems
• Horizontal Carousel Systems
• Conveyance Systems (pallet, case, unit, zone-routed, pick and pass, etc.)
• Sortation Systems (case and unit sorters)
• Pick and Place Robotics Systems
• A-Frame Picking Systems

• Pick-to-Light Systems
• Put-to-Light Systems
• Bar-Code and Scan Technology
• Voice Picking Technology
• Packing/Packaging Systems (case and unit)
• Palletizing/Wrapping Systems
• Vision Systems Technology
• Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)
• Wire-Guidance Systems
• Infrared Guidance Systems
• Laser Guidance Systems
• Lidar-Guidance Systems
• Sensors and Controls

We can help rationalize and design fully or partially automated operations or develop less capital-intensive alternatives. In addition to our highly mechanized and automated designs, we have also planned many “functionally pragmatic” operations - focusing on minimizing non-value-added processes by applying industrial engineering techniques such as Six Sigma/Lean.

Mechanization, Automation, and Robotics Gallery