Automatic pallet warehouse AS/RS - high-density, high-speed and flexible automatic sorting, storage, warehousing and retrieval solution that saves time with vertical storage space of up to 40m.
AS/RS automatic warehouse is ideal for frozen warehouses, spare parts and equipment, semi-finished products and finished products.
Contact us for advice on automated warehouse solutions, smart warehouses and automation solutions for smart factories . Please contact:
VIETNAM CNC & TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Hotline: +84.916 63 9355 / +84.915 74 4664
Email: Sales01@cncvina.com.vn / Sales03@cncvina.com.vn
Automated pallet storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) is an automated warehouse solution designed to store, manage and retrieve palletized goods. The system combines storage racks, pallet handling and retrieval equipment, conveyors and control software to move goods to the designated storage location or inbound/outbound area according to operational requirements. Instead of relying solely on forklifts and operators to move pallets between storage locations, an automated pallet storage system can automate part or multiple stages of the receiving, storage and dispatch processes. Goods are managed based on their storage locations and system data, enabling businesses to centrally monitor pallet quantities, inventory status and inbound/outbound flows.
An AS/RS pallet warehouse is suitable for factories, logistics centers and warehouses that handle a large number of pallets, require multi-level storage or need a highly automated inbound and outbound process. The system can be applied in industries such as food and beverage, frozen food, mechanical manufacturing, electronics, spare parts, logistics and other industrial production sectors. As a component of a smart factory, an automated pallet AS/RS system can be integrated with WMS, WCS, ERP, conveyors, AGV/AMR systems and other automation equipment. Depending on project requirements, the system can be configured to coordinate with production processes, material replenishment, finished-goods storage and material transportation within the factory.
AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) is an automated storage and retrieval system that uses mechanical equipment and control software to place goods into designated storage locations and retrieve them when required. For pallet storage applications, AS/RS is typically deployed with multi-level storage racks and pallet handling equipment to move pallets between inbound/outbound areas and their assigned storage locations.
A basic pallet AS/RS can include the following components:
When a pallet enters the warehouse, its information is recorded in the system and the pallet is transferred to the receiving area. Based on predefined rules, the system determines a suitable storage location and controls the equipment to move the pallet to the assigned position.
When an outbound request is generated, the software sends a command to the control system. The retrieval equipment identifies the pallet's storage location, retrieves it from the rack and transfers it to the dispatch area or the next processing stage. The overall process can be centrally managed through the management software and control system. Depending on the solution architecture, an AS/RS can be integrated with a WMS (Warehouse Management System) for warehouse data management and a WCS (Warehouse Control System) for equipment coordination. Integration with ERP or other management systems depends on the software architecture, communication protocols and specific requirements of each project.
An automated pallet storage system is not limited to storage racks and lifting equipment. It is an integrated system combining mechanical structures, electrical and control systems, and software. The specific configuration is selected based on product characteristics, pallet load capacity, number of storage locations, warehouse height and inbound/outbound throughput requirements.
The racking system forms the main storage structure and provides designated pallet storage locations. In an AS/RS, pallet locations are typically arranged across multiple levels to make better use of available vertical space. The dimensions and structural design of the racking system should be determined based on pallet dimensions, load capacity, number of storage levels, building height and relevant technical requirements. For heavy loads, the rack structure needs to be designed according to the actual load and the operating method of the system.
Storage and retrieval equipment places pallets into designated locations and retrieves them when required. One of the common configurations for pallet AS/RS is a stacker crane, which travels along the storage aisle and performs pallet storage and retrieval operations across multiple rack levels. Depending on the system design, other solutions such as shuttle systems or suitable automated handling equipment can also be used according to warehouse characteristics and throughput requirements.
Conveyors are used to transport pallets between different areas of the system. Depending on the layout and material flow, the system can use roller conveyors, transfer conveyors or other conveyor configurations. The conveyor system can connect the receiving area, dispatch area, storage and retrieval equipment, inspection areas and subsequent processing stages. Conveyor layout and configuration should be determined based on pallet dimensions, load capacity, material flow direction and throughput requirements.
Software plays an important role in managing system data and coordinating equipment operations. Information such as product codes, pallet IDs, storage locations, inventory quantities and inbound/outbound status can be recorded according to the software configuration. In systems equipped with WMS or WCS, warehouse management software can exchange data with the equipment control system. This integration connects product and inventory information with the actual operation of storage racks, conveyors and storage and retrieval equipment.
After a pallet is delivered to the inbound area, it is checked according to the conditions configured for the system. Depending on the system configuration, pallet information can be identified through barcodes, identification codes, or data transmitted from the management software. Once the information has been verified, the system determines a suitable storage location based on criteria such as product code, load capacity, pallet dimensions, storage area, and the availability status of storage locations.
After the storage location has been determined, the control system instructs the storage and retrieval equipment to move the pallet to the designated location. Conveyors and intermediate material-handling equipment can be used to transfer the pallet from the inbound area to the storage equipment. The equipment then moves the pallet to the designated level and position within the pallet racking system. Information about the pallet's storage location is updated in the management system for subsequent retrieval operations.
During storage, pallet and location information can be centrally managed through the software system. Operators can search for products by product code, pallet ID, or other information registered in the system. Location-based management allows businesses to identify where each pallet is stored, monitor the remaining inventory, and track inbound and outbound status based on the data recorded by the system.
When an outbound request is generated, the system receives the retrieval command and identifies the storage location of the required pallet. The storage and retrieval equipment removes the pallet from the racking system and then transfers it to the dispatch area through conveyors or other material-handling equipment, depending on the system configuration. Actual retrieval performance depends on various factors, including the number of storage locations, travel distance, equipment type, inbound and outbound throughput, warehouse layout, and control strategy. Therefore, system throughput should be calculated based on the specific requirements of each project rather than applying a fixed performance figure to every warehouse.
Pallet AS/RS systems arrange storage locations across multiple levels, allowing businesses to utilize vertical space rather than relying solely on additional floor area. This is an important consideration for factories with a large number of pallets but limited warehouse space. The system height and number of storage levels should be determined based on the building height, load capacity, pallet dimensions, equipment requirements, and actual operating conditions.
AS/RS can automate multiple stages of pallet storage and retrieval operations. When integrated with conveyors and control software, pallets can be transported between different areas according to a predefined workflow, reducing the need for manual handling at individual storage locations. This configuration is particularly suitable for warehouses with high inbound and outbound volumes or continuous shift-based operations.
Linking product codes, pallet IDs, and storage locations within the software enables businesses to manage inventory using centralized data. Operators can search for pallet locations and initiate inbound or outbound operations through the management interface instead of manually locating pallets throughout the racking system.
In conventional warehouses, forklifts and operators often need to travel between storage aisles to place or retrieve pallets. With AS/RS, storage and retrieval operations can be performed by automated equipment according to the system configuration. Reducing human movement within pallet racking areas can also support more organized warehouse layouts and safer operating procedures. However, safety requirements, maintenance access, and equipment accessibility still need to be considered during system design.
When connected to management software, the system can record product information and inbound/outbound history according to the configured functions. Businesses can use this data to support inventory counting, stock reconciliation, and pallet retrieval. For products that require batch or expiry-date management, the software can be configured to apply appropriate inventory issuing rules such as FIFO or FEFO, depending on the business requirements and system capabilities.
Stacker crane AS/RS uses an automated crane that travels along aisles between pallet racking rows. The equipment can place and retrieve pallets at different storage locations within the racking system. This configuration is suitable for pallet storage systems with multiple levels and a large number of storage locations. Racking height, pallet load capacity, aisle length, and required throughput are among the factors that need to be considered during system design.
Shuttle AS/RS uses rail-guided shuttle vehicles to place pallets into or retrieve them from storage locations. Depending on the configuration, shuttles can operate on individual storage levels or be combined with lifting equipment to serve multiple levels. The shuttle approach is suitable for certain applications requiring high storage density and material flows that are compatible with lane-based storage. The choice between a shuttle system and a stacker crane should be based on pallet load capacity, pallet quantity, inbound and outbound volume, and operational requirements.
For products with smaller dimensions and lower load capacities than standard pallets, businesses can consider small-load AS/RS solutions or Mini-Load AS/RS. These systems typically use trays or containers instead of pallets and are suitable for products that need to be stored and handled as individual units. This configuration should not be considered equivalent to a pallet AS/RS because the storage method, equipment, and operating requirements are different.
A Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is an automated vertical storage solution that uses trays arranged vertically. VLM systems are suitable for components, spare parts, materials, and other products that can be managed by tray. Because the product characteristics and storage mechanisms differ from those of pallet AS/RS systems, VLM should be selected for applications that match the business's product dimensions, load capacity, and picking requirements. For palletized goods with higher loads, an automated pallet storage system generally requires dedicated racking and equipment designed for the specific application.
Automated pallet storage systems can be used to store raw materials, packaging materials, and palletized finished products in the food and beverage industry. For factories with high material flows, AS/RS can be integrated with conveyors and warehouse management systems to organize material flows between production areas and finished-goods warehouses.
In cold-storage environments, reducing the need for personnel to move frequently within storage areas can be a factor for businesses to consider when selecting an automation solution. AS/RS can be designed for low-temperature environments when the equipment, materials, control systems, and related components meet the requirements of the operating conditions.
Mechanical engineering and supporting-industry factories can use pallet AS/RS to store raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products, spare parts, and other palletized goods. Managing products by product code and storage location can facilitate the allocation of materials to production.
In the electrical and electronics industry, AS/RS can be used for raw materials, components, finished products, and other goods packaged on pallets. When integrated with management software, the system supports businesses in monitoring inventory locations and quantities.
For logistics and distribution centers, automated pallet storage systems can be used to store goods before they are distributed to subsequent areas. AS/RS can be combined with conveyors, sorting systems, and automated material-handling equipment to create a more continuous goods-handling process.
CNC-VINA automated pallet AS/RS is one of the warehouse automation solutions that can be implemented for factories, logistics warehouses, and distribution centers requiring palletized storage. The system configuration is evaluated based on product characteristics, pallet quantities, load capacity, warehouse height, inbound and outbound volume, and the company's inventory management requirements. CNC-VINA provides warehouse and factory automation solutions, including automated pallet storage systems, material-handling equipment, industrial conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGV), collaborative robots, and palletizing robots. Depending on the actual application, these systems can be considered for integration to establish material and finished-goods transportation and storage processes within the factory. For businesses looking for an automated pallet storage solution, surveying the warehouse layout, products, inbound and outbound volume, and existing management systems is an important basis for determining a suitable AS/RS configuration. CNC-VINA can discuss technical requirements and automation options based on the actual conditions of each project.
Customers interested in automated pallet AS/RS and automation solutions for a smart factory can contact CNC-VINA to discuss their requirements, warehouse layout, and system configuration.
CNC VIETNAM TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION & CNC JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Factory: Song Cung Industrial Cluster, Dong Thap Commune, Dan Phuong District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Office: Rox Tower (Rox Center Goldmark City), 136 Ho Tung Mau Street, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +84.916 63 9355 / +84.915 74 4664
Website: https://cncvina.com.vn/ ; https://www.cncviname.com.vn/
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