Guide to staging systems for work-in-process

Selecting suitable-powered storage/retrieval systems for work-in-process depends on storage, control, and throughput needs. Horizontal and twin-bin carousels provide large part-size and weight capacities at low initial and operating costs, using considerable floor space. On the other hand, vertical carousels and vertical storage modules provide the best use of floor space by making excellent use of overhead air space. Meanwhile, miniload and microload AS/RS can be designed to accommodate almost any size or weight of parts, entailing high initial costs. With these equipment qualifications, one must take a close look at the characteristics of parts being handled, production line needs, and corporate priorities.