Fabric has secured a new patent for its multi-tote size automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). This technology enables the storage of multiple varying tote sizes within the same shelving unit, optimizing warehouse efficiency.
Fabric’s AS/RS is capable of handling multiple tote sizes in one shelving unit. This flexibility allows companies to optimize their use of space, especially in micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) in smaller local areas or within the confines of their retail stores. By storing large and small products in the same location, businesses can accommodate a broader range of SKUs, avoid wasted capacity and minimize their storage footprint.
A key element in warehouse management is the ability to utilize vertical space effectively, maximizing storage capacity. In an automated system, each tote can hold either one SKU or a few, but each SKU must be stored in a separate bin within a tote to ensure precise tracking of product locations and quantities. When dealing with diverse SKU sizes ranging from large toilet paper to small mascara, being limited to a single tote size results in wasted storage space, effectively holding nothing but air. With the ability to use different tote sizes, which can be stored freely in multiple locations, the multi-tote size AS/RS opens opportunities for “smart stock management” algorithms and ultimately denser storage. This allows companies to streamline their operations, stock a wider range of products and adapt to changing customer demands.
