AutoStore

Your Global AutoStore System Integrator

AutoStore is an innovative goods to person storage solution that allows complete configurability and flexibility. Its unique design allows for easy and quick scalability through the addition of robots or bins, with no operational downtime. Bins are stacked vertically in a grid and retrieved by robots that travel on the top layer of the system. This makes it possible for the grid to be placed around columns, on mezzanines, and on multiple levels.

Commonly leveraged in a variety of industries by both large and small operations, Bastian Solutions experts can help you identify the best size and plan for forecasted growth and industry considerations. Whether used in fast-paced ecommerce, managing various SKUs and fulfillment methods at omnichannel or third-party logistics (3PL) facilities, AutoStore introduces speed, accuracy, efficiency and ergonomic work environments for an overall improved customer experience. Combined with Exacta intralogistics software and other picking and conveying solutions, this goods to person solution can easily support a fully automated order fulfillment process.

With our ability to integrate material handling systems, large and small, Bastian Solutions has seen repeated success with AutoStore installations across North and South America. Now as a global AutoStore integrator, we look forward to continued success with our clients on an international scale.

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AutoStore Customer Success Stories

Bastian Solutions is recognized as one of the top AutoStore integrators. See our top customer success stories featuring AutoStore.

How AutoStore Works

An AutoStore system is comprised of 4 main components: a structural grid, delivery robots, storage bins, and an operator port. Products are stored in stacked bins within the dense aluminum grid. As a product is needed to fulfill an order, the system software and controls alert a robot to find the bin containing the item.

If the bin is buried beneath other bins, a robot stages the extra bins on top of the grid until it retrieves the desired bin. It then takes that bin to the edge of the grid and delivers it to the operator fulfilling the order. As the bin is delivered, another AutoStore robot cleans up the staged bins on top of the grid by returning them to their original position.

As this process continues, the AutoStore system self-profiles, meaning the bins with faster moving products begin moving toward the top of the system, and bins with slower moving products transition to the bottom.

Components:

Grid: aluminum structure in which bins are stored on top of each other
Bin: unit in which products are stored
Port: where bins are delivered to operators
Robot: unit that transports bins throughout grid
Controller: plans and executes all AutoStore activity

Similar to other goods to person options, AutoStore can be integrated with additional picking and conveying technologies – pick to light, conveyors, goods to robot – for a more fully automated order fulfillment solution.

Features & Benefits

Space efficiency

High storage density and more storage locations
40-60% reduction of space
Easy to integrate into existing warehouses
Flexible layout – Build grid around pillars and other static obstacles
Applicable in low ceiling buildings
Easily increase capacity by adding robots, workstations and grid (bin locations)
Expand the system during full operation
3 bin sizes available to accommodate a variety of products

High Performance

Minimum 98% availability
Reduced single point of failure issues
Consolidation of orders at the workstations
Accommodates ecommerce and web shopping’s fast fulfillment needs
Seasonal changes automatically adjusted
Capacity throughput depending on SKU-rotation for optimal bin distribution
Improve order structure
24/7 lights out operations
Different port options for low, moderate and high throughput rates

Green Usage & Cost Savings

A cost-effective choice for low and medium throughput operations
Low power consumption and fewer moving parts
No roof-lighting is needed/used during normal operation of the system
Battery regeneration during operation
Reduced air to heat/clean/cool
Up to 50% more effective picking compared to traditional, manual picking methods
Labor cost savings
Fast port workstation learning curve for operators
Raas (robots as a service) option to reduce upfront expense

Total Control & Reliability

Extreme high warehouse stock accuracy
Eliminates the need for manual inventory counts
Strong reduction of process and delivery errors
Inventory secured within the grid, when not accessible via the workstations

Micro-fulfillment (MFC) Application

Fully configurable and designed based on needs
Localized, in-store and dark store capabilities
Maximize capacity within a small footprint
Supports standalone, automated order buffering
Multi-zone and multi-order pick to cart operation option
Software order consolidation functionality

Considerations

To find the most effective storage and piece picking solution, whether you are deciding between different technologies, or AutoStore Red or Black Line, it’s important to consider:

Facility size, layout, and infrastructure (ex: slab thickness and obstacles to build around)
Potential facility modifications
Product size and weight
Order volume and speed
Peak-season, microfulfillment, same-day demands
Business growth forecast and objectives