When choosing a warehouse type, semi-automated warehouses and fully automated warehouses have their own advantages. Generally speaking, a fully automated warehouse refers to a four-way shuttle solution , and a semi-automated warehouse is a forklift + shuttle warehouse solution.
Semi-automated warehouses usually combine manual operations with some mechanical auxiliary equipment. They are a good choice for companies with limited budget or relatively stable businesses that require high flexibility. If you consider introducing four-way shuttles, you can achieve efficient goods handling in specific areas and improve some operating efficiency.
Fully automated warehouses’ features are high intelligence and automation. Four-way shuttles can play a greater role in fully automated warehouses, enabling accurate storage and handling of goods, and working in conjunction with other automated equipment to greatly improve warehouse operational efficiency. However, fully automated warehouses are expensive to build and require strict technical maintenance.
Whether to choose a semi-automated warehouse or a fully automated warehouse, companies can make a judgment based on the following aspects.
1.Analysis from the degree of automation and information management
The four-way shuttle project is a fully automated project and must be equipped with warehouse management software, which can realize both automated scheduling and information management, and is in line with the country’s strategic requirements for intelligent warehousing.
The forklift + shuttle solution is a semi-automated system that can run independently without management software.
2.Analyze from product type
Generally speaking, the more types there are, the more suitable it is to use a four-way shuttle solution.
The more types, the more difficult it is to implement shuttle solutions, as each time a forklift has to switch lanes to operate, which reduces efficiency and the safety of the shuttle cannot be guaranteed.
3.Analyzing from the perspective of project efficiency
The efficiency of the same number of shuttle is definitely greater than that of four-way shuttles, because shuttles only run in one direction and run fast, while four-way shuttles have to turn around and switch directions frequently, so their efficiency is relatively low. However, after the technology of four-way shuttle is upgraded, the efficiency gap can be narrowed.
4.Analyze from the warehouse height
Generally speaking, the taller the warehouse, the more suitable the four-way shuttle solution is.
The shuttle solution is limited by the height and load capacity of the forklift and is only suitable for warehouses within 10 meters.
5.Analyze from the project cost
The cost of the four-way shuttle solution is much greater than that of the shuttle solution. One is a stand-alone device, and the other is an automated system, and the cost difference is huge.
6.Analysis from the perspective of industry application
The forklift + shuttle solution is suitable for occasions with low warehouse height, large storage capacity, and extremely high efficiency of warehousing and retrieval, such as Yili, Mengniu, yihai kerry, Coca-Cola, etc.; it is suitable for occasions with smaller customer budget, such as large private enterprises; and it is suitable for occasions where the warehouse is small and the customer wants the maximum storage capacity.
In other occasions, the four-way intensive warehouse solution is more appropriate.
In short, when enterprises choose warehouse solutions, they can make judgments based on the above points and choose the solution that best suits them. If enterprises still have doubts about the two solutions, welcome to our company for consultation.
Nanjing 4D Intelligent Storage Equipment Co., Ltd. mainly focuses on the research of four-way intensive storage systems and pays attention to the design and development of four-way shuttle. Meanwhile, we also knows a lot about semi-automated warehouses. Welcome friends at home and abroad to consult and negotiate!
Post time: Nov-01-2024