4.2 FUNCTIONS OF STORAGE SYSTEM AND

DEFINITION OF AS/RS

An automated storage/retrieval system (AS/RS) can be defined as a storage system under

which a defined degree of automation is to be implemented to ensure precision accuracy

and speed in performing storage and retrieval operations. These automated storage and

mechanized systems eliminate human intervention in performing basic sets of operations

that includes :

 Removal of an item from a storage location automatically

 Transferring the above item to a specific processing or interface point

 After receiving an item from a processing or interface point, it is

automatically stored at a predetermined location.

A list of possible objectives that a company may want to achieve by installing an

automated storage system is presented in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 : Objectives for Installing an Automated Storage System in a Factory

Increasing the storage capacity

Increasing the stock rotation

Utilization of maximum floor space

Recovering the space for manufacturing facilities

Customer service to be improved

Control over inventories to be improved

Ensuring safety in storage function

Increasing the labour productivity in storage function

Reducing labour cost in storage operation

Reducing pilferage and improving security

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