December 16, 2008 - Remstar automated storage and retrieval systems can help supply chain automation organizations impact their lean manufacturing or distribution initiatives. The literature focuses on how simple automation impacts the standard lean principles. The principles detailed include overproduction, wait time, transportation, processing, inventory, motion and defects. Remstar provides automated carousel and Vertical Lift Module (VLM) systems that are designed to store various sized products and can easily be configured to accommodate any physical changes of stored goods quickly. Organizations that run into the dilemma of overproduction can utilize automated storage systems that only keep what is needed for an application on hand, effectively reducing overproduction.
Along with reduced overproduction, Remstar systems provide multiple levels of integrated “point and click” software that helps manage inventory removing any unnecessary inventory. Due to inefficient layouts or an inability to match demand with output levels, operators experience wasted wait time between jobs or when retrieving parts. The automated system brings items to the operator at an ergonomic height eliminating this walk and search time. The ergonomic height that the items are delivered at also reduces unnecessary or excess motion such as walking, searching, reaching and bending that can cause worker fatigue due to poorly designed processes. By installing an automated system, organizations can replace overly complex processes simply by storing goods in a point of use solution.
The unique storage of parts in one location allows operators to avoid moving goods from work cell to work cell helping to eliminate defects and reduce unnecessary processing and transportation.
