Grand Rapids, MI -- (SBWire) -- 07/11/2016 --viastore Systems recently released a new eBook titled, "15 Myths About Warehouse Automation, Debunked." The eBook is a compilation of the 15 most common myths about warehouse automation, debunked with facts. The first myth: Warehouse automation means only complicated, "lights out" technologies. The fact is that there is more than just one level of automation, and most are not "lights out."
Automation has four levels of increasing complexity, including:
Level 1: Conventional picking with productivity and accuracy improvements delivered via warehouse management system (WMS), radio-frequency (RF) or voice-directed picking, and/or a labor management system (LMS).
Level 2: Mechanized solutions that automate horizontal movement and reduce staffing, such as conveyor, pick modules, stretch wrap applicators, label print-and-apply, and layer picking equipment.
Level 3: Semi-automated installations that boost storage efficiency and minimize travel and manual handling operations with automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), conveyor and sortation, and warehouse control software (WCS) to direct equipment operation in line with the WMS.
Level 4: Fully-automated, high-speed (and yes, potentially "lights out"), greenfield installations that include a combination of high-density AS/RS, extensive conveyor and sortation, automated layer picking, case palletizing, WCS and WMS.
To read more about Myth #1, go to: http://bit.ly/1PFLe7T
About viastore Systems, Inc.
For over 40 years, viastore Systems, Inc. has been a leading international provider of automated material handling solutions including AS/RS (automated storage and retrieval systems) and conveyor systems, warehouse management systems software, material flow and process controls, and integrated SAP logistics solutions. The company employs over 470 people worldwide and has annual sales of over $140 Million. viastore's focus is on consulting and planning, together with the implementation and constant improvement of intralogistics solutions with locations in Germany, USA, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Russia, China, Croatia, Turkey, Poland, Israel, Ukraine, Sweden, and Brazil.
viastore Systems, with North American headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI, (http://www.us.viastore.com) is an integrated and certified partner for all major ERP system database and operating system suppliers such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft. viastore Systems earned a return spot on Food Logistics' 2015 FL100+ list of software and technology providers whose products and solutions are key to the global food supply chain. viastore Systems is a proud member of MHI.
Follow viastore on Twitter at @viastoresystems.
New eBook Debunking 15 Myths of Warehouse Automation by Viastore Systems