28 November 2021 Discover the automation that optimizes storage space and brings impressive speed to picking The supply chain is undergoing a period of great transformation. With the new era of consumption, triggered by the advancement of digital channels and the prominent role of major players like Amazon, for example, companies have begun to face a constant flow of challenges. Now more than ever, it is necessary to invest in new logistics solutions and also in redesigning processes to offer a personalized and high-level service to customers. And all this without burdening the operation. It is in this scenario, of high competitiveness and the need for better resource utilization, that technology companies have launched solutions capable of generating greater productivity without requiring more space or labor. Among these is the Shuttle. But after all, what is a Shuttle? Shuttle is an automation solution that stores and transports products to separators. It is composed of modular blocks including scalable shelving, conveyors (shuttles), lifts, safety fencing, and access control system and, in some models, a “pre-zone.” In other words, we can describe the Shuttle as a system with high-density vertical storage modules, “carts” that travel the depth of the shelves to pick up or deposit products, and elevators that move the carts between various levels. This structure, which stores products with high security and also separates them, eliminating manual work, is considered by many to be the “heart” of modern logistics operations. Its operation depends on integration with the warehouse management system, the WMS, which is responsible for transmitting the picking wave to the Shuttle so that it automatically sorts, bringing the right product to the operator in the right quantity and at the right time. In which cases is the Shuttle used? The use of the Shuttle is recommended both for operations with dense storage areas that need to optimize storage space and for small warehouses that do not have space to install forklifts. To achieve maximum ROI, the recommendation is to use the Shuttle in warehouses that store a large quantity of the same SKU. The system is not valid for operations that have multiple SKUs per aisle and more items stored per pallet. However, what can be done is to use the Shuttle for low-turnover items, thus optimizing storage space and reducing the labor required to separate these items. In operation, low-turnover products remain in automation, especially those of higher value, as high security in storage is guaranteed. When requested in an order, the WMS sends a command to the Shuttle and the items are automatically separated, bringing them to the employee, who is stopped in the same position. As a result, movements are avoided, and the need for more operators to perform the separation is reduced. Using the technology integrated into the WMS and combined with the pick-to-light for high-speed products, customers are able to significantly optimize order processing: it takes only 10 minutes between the customer swiping the credit card and the start of the order at the separation line. Additionally, with innovations, the company has managed to achieve record delivery times: 90 minutes in the city and D+1 in the interior (orders placed by 6:00 PM are delivered by 6:00 PM the next day). Benefits It is already possible to perceive a series of advantages of using the Shuttle, among which the following stand out: Greater efficiency in picking Better space utilization Reduction of labor and separation errors Greater storage security Faster order fulfillment and, consequently, deliveries Reduction of product damage from handling Additionally, we can say that the Shuttle is a scalable investment system as it adapts to changing needs and business models. It is, therefore, an investment that brings permanent results. If you are interested in installation in your operation, the first step is to talk to your WMS provider so they can be guided on the ideal solutions for your type of business. Next, it’s time to explore the options available on the market, evaluating the advantages they offer and also their “cons.” With the choice defined and good planning for implementation, you will have everything to reap the excellent results provided by the automation that connects your operation to the future of logistics! How does the Shuttle system work? Deagor WMS per ecommerce può aiutarti!