Evaluating Shuttles: The Best Applications and Essential Features
Cold Storage
Throughput
Shuttles are sometimes compared to mini load cranes – for example Swisslog’s Tornado – when evaluating options. In short, for the same number of cases or totes, both occupy roughly the same footprint but shuttles are much faster. Performance equates to cost, of course: some systems are made up of a combination of shuttles and miniloads to fit both budget and performance desires.
Total Operating Cost
Balancing throughput with efficiency reduces long-term costs. Automated systems need to be able to keep up with or be ahead of peak demands, but during slower parts of the day (or year) don’t need to operate at full speed. CycloneCarrier’s dynamic performance management adjusts shuttle speed based on system demand, reducing wear-and-tear and energy consumption.
Availability and uptime
Another feature that can improve product handing is automatic error correction. Products that sit in shuttle storage for longer periods can shift their position due to vibration from the system. A system capable of recognizing and correcting misaligned products can significantly reduce the manual intervention required by the system.
Case handling and item picking
Cases and cartons can arrive at a warehouse all beaten up. Versatility is not much use unless the design of the shuttle enables it to accommodate variability without intervention. Swisslog’s CycloneCarrier uses intelligent fingers and variable slides that allow the system to handle various widths and challenged cases, cartons and totes.
Storage density
Availability and uptime
When evaluating throughput, it’s important to not only look at system specifications but also features that will allow the shuttle to deliver the highest availability.
Another feature that can improve product handing is automatic error correction. Products that sit in shuttle storage for longer periods can shift their position due to vibration from the system. A system capable of recognizing and correcting misaligned products can significantly reduce the manual intervention required by the system.
CycloneCarrier Shuttle Auto Correction
Tackle omni-channel fulfillment challenges head-on! Manage SKU proliferation, meet rising customer expectations for fast, accurate delivery, and overcome worker shortages to streamline your operations