1) Robotic Storage Retrieval system (RSR)
A Robotic Storage Retrieval solution (RSR) storage and retrieval system consists of automated equipment that stores and retrieves products automatically to/from various styles of racking systems. The robotic retrieval system stores the product in a compact manner when compared to more traditional forms of storage. The automated equipment that stores and retrieves product can be in many forms/configurations and is typically under some type of computer direction. Heights for these systems can vary from low to in excess of 100+ feet.
2) Stock-to-operator equipment
A device which brings items from their storage locations to the end of an aisle where an operator or transport mechanism sends them to their point of use.
3) Magnetic stripe
Information storage medium on the back of cards such as credit cards, read by contact.
4) Operator-to-stock equipment
A device that brings a person to stationary storage locations to pick items.
5) Rack Manufacturers Institute, Inc. (RMI) Industry Group
The Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of industrial storage equipment. They supply storage solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Industrial storage equipment includes steel shelving, industrial work platforms (mezzanines), work and assembly stations, modular drawer equipment, clothing storage lockers, movable base storage equipment, storage containers and directly related equipment.
6) Small parts storage
The system of storing small parts/items usually utilizing bin shelving and rack and storing the parts in plastic or metal bins and containers. Carousels can be used for storing and retrieving these smaller parts.
7) Layout
Often referred to as a "floor plan". The layout shows the utilization, in graphical representations, of the gross space for storage operations and supporting functions.
8) Reel racks
A storage rack configuration (one or more levels high) that is designed specifically to store reels of materials such as cable and cord. The reels are "cradled" in the rack.
9) Material flow
The function of maintaining a constantly available supply of materials needed for production. Such materials may include raw materials, purchased items, or assembled items.
The movement of materials to, through, and from productive processes; in warehouses and storage; and in receiving and shipping areas.
10) Flow rack
Storage rack that utilizes shelves (metal) that are equipped with rollers or wheels. Such an arrangement allows product and materials to "flow" from the back of the rack to the front and therein making the product more accessible for small-quantity order-picking.
11) Case pick from pallet
This is a selection activity performed within a specific type of storage area (often pallet rack). Merchandise movement into these locations is in pallet load quantities from receiving or reserve storage locations. Merchandise movement out of these locations is in case quantities.
12) Aisle
The space between storage aids used by material handling equipment and/or personnel.
13) Free span
The distance between supports in a storage rack.
14) Honeycombing
1. The practice of removing merchandise in pallet load quantities where the space is not exhausted in an orderly fashion. This results in inefficiencies due to the fact that the received merchandise may not be efficiently stored in the space which is created by the honey-combing.
2. The storing or withdrawal or supplies in a manner that results in vacant space that is not usable for storage of other items.
3. Creation of unoccupied space resulting from withdrawal of unit loads. This is one of the major hidden costs of warehousing.
15) Stacker crane
The stacker crane in appearance looks like a conventional bridge crane except that in place of a hoist, a rotating ridged or telescoping mast is suspended from the bridge trolley with the mast equipped with a load handling device such as single or double forks or a grab.
These cranes can be manually operated or powered and are used where the carne spans multiple aisles allowing for the storage and retrieval within any aisle of items such as coils of steel.