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Universal Workstation

Universal Workstation
What:

A single integrated workstation using best of breed material handling equipment (determined after analysis) in a single workstation to minimize labor while providing high throughput, space savings and accuracy. By combining automated technologies such as horizontal carousels, vertical carousels, VLMs (Vertical Lift Modules) and manual pick-to-light flow rack a single operator works in a round-robin style as directed by the pick-to-light on each piece of the equipment.

Each piece of the workstation is integrated with inventory management software. The workstations software is often (and should be) linked to the WMS or host system via a direct connection or middleware.


Where:

Used in distribution, manufacturing and warehouse operations. By determining the physical SKU size, quantity, order velocity and stocking levels you can determine the best equipment an analysis can be done to determine the best of breed material handling equipment to use in the workstation. 


Why:

A Universal Workstation provides maximum throughput, productivity, space savings and accuracy in very cost effective “plug & play” solution. A facility is able to analyze their SKU profile into different classes which allows the physical attributes of each piece of material handling equipment within the Universal Workstation to provide its best benefits. This helps provide a fast Return On Investment (ROI) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). How The Universal Workstation Operates?

  1. A wave of orders is electronically downloaded to the workstation.
  2. A batch or group of orders is automatically processed through software algorithms for order commonality.
  3. The operator acknowledges the batch on the PC.
  4. Orders are automatically assigned a position on the tote matrix.
  5. The operator scans a box’s or tote’s bar code and a position on the tote matrix This marries a specific order to a tote or box.
  6. The carousels and VLM automatically position for the first pick.
  7. The operator picks a quantity of a SKU from bin 1 on the carousel. The adjacent Pick Light Tower tells him the quantity.
  8. The operator disperses the SKUs in the quantity directed by the sortbar light into the boxes or totes.
  9. The operator hits the task complete button and moves to the next waiting pick light and repeat the process round robin from the carousels to the VLM to the flow rack. Each piece of equipment automatically positions itself as soon as the operator hits the task complete button for the next pick virtually eliminating operator wait or idle time.
  10. Once the operator has picked everything in the batch, he pushes the totes or boxes onto awaiting conveyor routed to shipping or consolidation if there are multiple islands of automation, manual pick areas, or cross dock inventory required to complete the order.
  11. The operator begins the cycle again until all the orders in the wave are completed.
  12. Replenishment may be done between waves, off-shifts, pre-determined times or between picks, depending on the circumstances and order velocity.

Remstar’s Universal Workstation Solution:

Integrated Systems Solutions | Horizontal Carousel | Shuttle VLM
Vertical Carousel | Pick-to-Light Systems | Inventory Management Software

Press Releases:
View Press Release

New Remstar Carousel Workstations Combine Automation & Variable Labor Levels To Increase Distribution Efficiencies

Benchmark Briefings:
View Briefing

Nazarene Publishing integrates e-commerce & traditional sales into one high speed pick & return system

View Briefing

“The number of orders we process per man-hour has more than doubled, we can ship upwards of 98% of our orders within 24 hours.”

View Briefing

Pharmaceutical Retailer Discovers Payback with DC Carousel System

View Briefing

Order Picking Costs Reduced by 88% With Perfect Accuracy


Horizontal Carousels QuickPick Light Systems Shuttle VLMs Vertical Carousels Controlled Access Inventory Management Software

Sales - Automotive Division Sales - Industrial Division Sales - Systems Division

Remstar
Portland, ME | San Diego, CA | Charlotte, NC | Dallas, TX | Marietta, OH
(800) 639-5805 | Fax (207) 854-1610 | info@remstar.com

Copyright 2008 © All Rights Reserved

Video Library

Universal workstation integrates automated and manual devices into one batch picking workstation.
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Audio Library
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Benefits
Productivity Enhanced by 2/3
Accuracy up to 99.99%
Enhanced Product Security
Increase Space Savings Up To 85%
OSHA Friendly Ergonomics