Warehouse shuttle systems have long been popular in Europe and the UK is starting to catch up as the benefits can show a pay back in under 24 months.
With warehouse shuttle systems the handling of goods is carried out by using a remote controlled pallet shuttle. Often called ‘shuttle rockets’, these shuttles contain diagnosis software for troubleshooting issues and run on rechargeable batteries. There are a number of different types of shuttle systems available, from single or double deep storage, to roaming shuttles and dedicated shuttles.
Shuttle systems works on either a FIFO (first-in-last-out) or LIFO (last-in-first-out) basis. The system automates the placement of pallets in the storage lane therefore reducing loading and unloading cycle times. The operator controls all the processes for storing and extracting pallets simply by using a remote control or Wi-Fi enabled tablet
Racking can be set up against a wall of the warehouse which allows for more space. This system allows for loading to be done from one side with a forklift truck and the unloading on the opposite side with another.
This system is essentially a drive in or drive through pallet racking system with shuttle carts responsible for positioning the pallets in the system rather than a fork lift truck depositing the pallets on the rails of a drive in or drive through pallet racking installation.
The system therefor negates the need for forklift trucks to enter the pallet racking installation. This means that there is no impact damage from the forklift trucks saying on forklift trucks and drivers with no need for the block to have any lighting again giving further savings.
The pallets are simply loaded and unloaded from the front of the shuttle block making it ideal for warehouses with a low number of SKU’s or pallet types.