Modern logistics demands increasingly agile, precise and scalable processes. In this scenario, having a automated storage system becomes a strategic differentiator for companies seeking operational efficiency and cost reduction.
Automation applied to storage optimizes your space, in addition to improving productivity and safety in operations.
This article explores the key benefits of automation, the different types of systems available, how to implement them, and the essential elements of an efficient automated warehouse.
What is an automated storage system?
One automated storage system is a solution that uses advanced technologies to manage, store and retrieve goods with minimal human intervention. These systems integrate equipment such as stacker cranes, industrial conveyors and autonomous robots, operating with specialized software that guarantees precise inventory control.
Main benefits of automation in storage
Logistics automation brings a series of competitive advantages to companies. The main benefits include:
1. Space optimization
Automated systems allow for a more efficient use of available area, using vertical structures and high-density solutions, such as self-supporting systems. This reduces the need for physical expansion of warehouses.
2. Increased productivity
Automated cargo handling reduces operator travel time and improves the internal flow of goods. Systems such as stacker cranes and industrial conveyors ensure greater speed in order processing.
3. Reduction of operating costs
Automation minimizes the need for intensive labor, reducing personnel expenses and increasing process efficiency. In addition, Accurate inventory control reduces losses and waste.
4. Greater safety in the workplace
By reducing the manual handling of heavy loads and eliminating dangerous operations, automated systems contribute to a safer work environment. Bertolini offers solutions that follow strict safety protocols, ensuring compliance with standards such as NR12.
5. Real-time accuracy and control
With the integration of software such as WMS (Warehouse Management System), automated systems allow full traceability of products, avoiding errors and improving inventory management.
Types of automation in storage systems
Warehouse automation can be implemented in a variety of ways, depending on the level of investment and the operational needs of the company. The main types of automation are:
Partial automation
It consists of the implementation of specific solutions to optimize processes without completely replacing manual operation. Examples include:
- Industrial conveyors to reduce internal travel time.
- Automated picking systems, such as flow rack and vertical spiral.
Full automation
In this model, the warehouse operates with minimal human intervention, using equipment such as:
- Mini loads and Unit loads for pallets and boxes.
- Self-supporting systems and stacker cranes, which integrate storage structures into the warehouse construction.
Bertolini Sistemas de Armazenagem offers integrated intralogistics solutions, allowing companies to advance in the level of automation as needed.
How does the implementation of an automated storage system work?
Implementing an automated storage system requires strategic planning to ensure an efficient return on investment. The process can be divided into the following steps:
1. Diagnosis and feasibility analysis
The first step is to perform a detailed study of the logistics flow and operational demand. At this stage, metrics such as movement volume, characteristics of stored products and available space are analyzed.
2. Choosing the right system
Based on the analysis, it is defined which solution will best meet the company's needs.
Bertolini Storage Systems offers a specialized consultancy to help choose between systems compatible with automated systems such as:
3. Integration with management software
Automation requires a efficient management system, such as WMS, which allows total control over stock, movement and traceability.
4. Training and operational adaptation
Even the most advanced systems require skilled personnel to operate them. Bertolini Storage Systems offers technical training and expert support to ensure a smooth transition to automation.
5. Continuous maintenance and optimization
To ensure high performance, it is essential to carry out preventive maintenance and performance monitoring. Bertolini's technical inspection services ensure the longevity and safety of automated structures.
Essential elements of an automated storage system
The implementation of a automated storage system requires the integration of different technologies and equipment to ensure efficiency and precision. Among the main elements, the following stand out:
Stacker cranes
You stacker cranes are essential to automate the vertical movement of pallets and boxes, optimizing the use of space and reducing operating time. The structures developed by Bertolini have:
- High storage density, maximizing the occupation of the available space.
- Automated movement, reducing operational failures.
- WMS Integration, allowing precise inventory control.
Available in two formats: Unit Load (for pallets) and Miniload (for boxes), can be combined with flow racks and systems automated picking, optimizing logistics processes.
Industrial conveyors
You industrial conveyors ensure the efficient movement of goods within warehouses, reducing costs and improving logistics flow. Bertolini models include:
- Driven roller conveyor: suitable for continuous transport of pallets and boxes.
- Gravity roller conveyor: ideal for movement without energy consumption.
- Canvas roller conveyor: resistant solution for varied loads.
These conveyors can be integrated with stacker cranes and picking systems, optimizing order separation and dispatch.
Self-supporting systems
Self-supporting warehouses are designed to support automated 100% operations, eliminating the need for additional structures. Their benefits include:
- Optimization of useful area, making better use of the available headroom.
- Greater structural strength, ensuring operational safety.
- Flexibility for different types of loads, adapting to different industries.
Flow racks and picking systems
Flow racks ensure a continuous supply of products, optimizing order separation processes. Picking systems (such as Pick-by-Light and Pick-by-Voice) provide:
- Reduction of separation time, increasing productivity.
- Fewer shipping errors, ensuring greater accuracy in orders.
- Better ergonomics for operators, reducing manual efforts.
Digital Inventory
Efficient inventory management requires precision and continuous monitoring. Digital Inventory Bertolini Sistemas de Armazenagem offers a technological solution for tracking and controlling goods in real time, ensuring greater reliability in logistics operations.
Main benefits of Digital Inventory:
- Automated physical analysis of inventory using advanced technology, reducing human error.
- Continuous monitoring and real-time tracking, allowing strategic adjustments in storage.
- Detailed reports to optimize inventory management and identify movement patterns.
- Operational efficiency by reducing inventory counting time and minimizing losses.
The solution enables intelligent inventory management, making processes more agile and reliable for companies seeking efficiency and control in intralogistics.
The future of automated warehousing
Advances in technology have driven new trends in the storage sector. Some of the innovations expected to impact logistics include:
- Internet of Things (IoT): Connected sensors for continuous monitoring.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Algorithms that optimize inventories and improve demand forecasts.
- Augmented and virtual reality: Used for operational training and storage layout planning.
Bertolini is at the forefront of these transformations, developing solutions that guarantee more efficiency, safety and competitiveness for your customers.
Automated solutions cases
Panvel Case (Dimed Group)
Panvel, one of the largest pharmacy chains in Brazil, needed to modernize its distribution center. Bertolini has developed a intelligent design, focused on cost reduction and space optimization.
The solutions implemented include:
- Bertolini Mezzanine, increasing storage capacity and facilitating access to storage structures flow rack and shelves.
- 7,200 pallet positions, distributed over 9 height levels.
- 25,000 flow rack positions, optimizing product picking.
- Full integration of storage systems with automation, ensuring faster order separation.
MOR Case: self-supporting storage and complete automation
MOR, a leading company in products for home, camping and leisure, needed an automated solution to optimize its logistics operations.
Bertolini Storage Systems, in partnership with Cassioli, delivered a self-supporting building with a ceiling height of 38 meters, equipped with:
- 25200 pallet positions, moving 4,200 pallets per day.
- Five stacker crane corridors, ensuring high storage density.
- Miniload system for picking, reducing the need for labor by 30%.
The implementation allowed MOR to more efficiently supply markets in Brazil, Mercosur and other countries, ensuring organization and total control of inventory.
Conclusion
THE storage automation goes beyond a trend, as it is a vital necessity for companies seeking greater competitiveness. After all, as we saw in this article, automated storage systems optimize spaces, reduce costs, increase productivity and ensure operational safety.
Bertolini Storage Systems develops automated solutions for a variety of sectors, from e-commerce to heavy industry. With cutting-edge technology, these systems ensure high storage density, intelligent tracking and safe and efficient operations.
If your company is looking for efficiency and cost reduction of up to 50%, discover the automation solutions from Bertolini Storage Systems.
Discover automation strategies for your warehouse and increase your productivity.
