Third-party logistics or 3PL plays an increasing role in the daily commerce of the United States. Whether it is B2B, B2C, or D2C (direct to customer), warehouses and logistics coordinated by a third party are handling everything from Amazon orders to container loads. Third party fulfillment warehouses are the middlemen between the consumer and the manufacturer, retailer, or importer, and need to operate at maximum efficiency, with maximum accuracy, while at the same time holding down overhead costs associated with servicing their inventory.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
Automated storage and retrieval system is abbreviated as ASRS. These are advanced inventory management systems used not only by three PL, but in manufacturing, distribution, and other industries. The key advantages of ASRS systems are as follows –
- Minimize operational downtime. ASRS systems can run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.
- Decrease in workplace accidents. Heavy lifting and repetitive motion are the consequences of working in a pull, pack, and ship operation. Automatic storage and retrieval systems eliminate workplace accidents in both put-away and picking.
- Lower the cost of servicing inventory. ASRS systems require an outlay of capital, but the savings when it comes to servicing inventory can be significant. Labor hours required to tally, maintain, put away, pick, and handle inventory can eat away at profits.
- Handle difficult working conditions. Working in cold storage or hot and humid conditions, can be miserable for human beings. However, a well-maintained ASRS system finds these extreme conditions to be no trouble at all.
- Improve vertical and horizontal space utilization. Shelving can be stacked closer together, and ASRS systems can pick from the highest shelves with safety and efficiency.
Work with the Best
ASRS systems are not just something you can pick up at the local Home Depot. An experienced company can help to build a functional automatic warehouse that keeps product moving three shifts a day year in and year out. Look to industry leaders for the highest quality systems.
