A Sammons Warehouse Solutions Company

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) for Maximum Efficiency

Precision Warehouse Designs (PWD) specializes in engineering and integrating automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) that deliver maximum efficiency, throughput, and accuracy. Our custom-designed systems streamline warehouse operations, reduced labor costs, and future-proof your warehouse with scalable, intelligent automation.
  • Turnkey AS/RS Integration

    Our end-to-end solutions ensure seamless integration with your existing automated systems, from material flow to sortation systems, ensuring you can reach your operating speeds and output goals while improving efficiency.

  • Real-Time System Control

    Manage and monitor your warehouse with advanced, configurable SCADA software, accessible from any location worldwide for complete visibility and inventory control.

With a proven track record serving multi-billion dollar enterprises, our expert design and implementation delivers robust, efficient, and future-proof storage and retrieval systems tailored to your unique operational demands. Let us show you how to optimize space in your warehouse with intelligent automation.

AS/RS Technologies We Implement for High Density Storage

A successful automatic retrieval system includes several components working together to optimize storage density, improving efficiency, and enhance overall warehouse productivity through smart space optimization. PWD designs and installs tailored configurations based on your unit load weight, dimensions (metres), and workflow.

Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)

High density storage automated systems that deliver trays of inventory directly to an ergonomic workstation — optimizing a facility's vertical space and increasing speed. Features a single delivery vehicle with a set amount of access points to replace traditional shelving.

Pallet Shuttle System

This efficient storage solution has a motorized shuttle that moves pallets within storage lanes, minimizing the need for forklift entry, reducing aisle space, and increasing storage density.

Automated Picking Systems (Goods-to-Person)

Wireless robots deliver totes or bins directly to operators, supporting high-efficiency order fulfillment and reduced labor. Features moderate throughput system with a set amount of pick stations.

Cube-based System

High density cube-based storage with robots that retrieve bins from dense, modular grids. This high throughput system is scalable, providing an infinite potential number of pick stations to maximize storage density.

Crane-Based AS/RS & Fixed Aisle Systems

Suitable for unit loads, cranes automate storage in high-bay racking environments, operating as fixed aisle systems.

Unit Load AS/RS

Automated storage designed to handle and store large, uniform loads, typically on pallets or in containers, utilizing vertical and horizontal space.

Mini Load AS/RS Systems

Compact mini load systems for small parts and totes, commonly used in order fulfillment and light manufacturing to save valuable floor space.

Ideal Facility Profiles & Practical Use Cases

Choosing the right automated storage system depends heavily on your industry profile. Here is how different sectors deploy our storage and retrieval systems to solve specific operational challenges and reduce repetitive tasks:

1. Retail & E-Commerce Order Fulfillment 

  • The Challenge: High SKU counts, unpredictable order processing volumes, and the need for rapid throughput demands to meet tight shipping deadlines.
  • The Use Case: Implementing a Goods-to-Person or Cube-Based System (like an AutoStore system). Instead of workers walking miles per day to locate a carton, autonomous mobile robots bring the exact retrieved items to an ergonomic workstation. This drastically speeds up fulfillment, virtually eliminates human error in picking, and allows retail facilities to easily scale during peak holiday seasons.

2. Manufacturing & Assembly

  • The Challenge: Managing raw materials, tracking work in process (WIP), and ensuring the production line is never starved of parts while maintaining real time tracking.
  • The Use Case: Deploying mini load systems, vertical carousels, and carousel systems (such as a vertical loop) at the point of use. These systems integrate directly with inventory management software to feed components to assembly stations just in time. This prevents costly stockouts and keeps manufacturing productivity high.

3. Wholesaling & Distribution Centers 

  • The Challenge: Storing thousands of heavy unit load pallets efficiently while maintaining high network throughput and fast loading dock turnaround times in a limited storage space.
  • The Use Case: Implementing unit load AS/RS or Pallet Shuttle Systems integrated with automated guided vehicles (AGVs). This limits the need for manual forklift operation in narrow aisles, drastically reducing product damage and improving facility safety while maximizing cubic storage density to create substantial cost savings.

AS/RS Systems Manufacturers - Our Partners

As an authorized distributor and partner with top-tier warehouse automation innovators like Kardex, Opex, and AISS, we evaluate a wide variety of product options before recommending the optimal solution(s) for your business.

Choosing the Right AS/RS for Your Load and Facility Type

The ideal AS/RS solution depends on your load profiles, facility layout, and operational needs.

By Load Type

  • Heavy/Unit Loads

    Ideal solutions: Crane-based AS/RS, Unit Load AS/RS, Pallet Shuttle Systems. Common in manufacturing and bulk distribution for heavier loads.

  • Light/Small Loads

    Ideal solutions: Mini Load AS/RS, VLMs, Vertical Carousels.
    Best for e-commerce, small parts storage, and high-frequency picking.

By Facility Type

  • Distribution Centers

    Combine Unit Load AS/RS for bulk storage and Mini Load or Cube-Based AS/RS for order fulfillment to increase storage capacity.

  • Manufacturing Facilities

    Use automated storage and retrieval for incoming raw materials, point of use, fixtures, and outbound goods. Integration with production lines is key to eliminating repetitive tasks.

  • Warehousing and 3PL

    Maximize space and accessibility with a mix of Crane-based, Goods-to-Person, and Shuttle systems. These systems optimize space effectively.

AS/RS Case Studies: Real-World Implementations

Choosing the right automated storage system depends heavily on your industry profile. Here is how different sectors deploy our storage and retrieval systems to solve specific operational challenges and reduce repetitive tasks:

Choose Precision Warehouse Design Before AS/RS is Installed

Precision Warehouse Designs takes a comprehensive approach to designing and implementing Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), ensuring solutions that are precisely tailored to your unique operational needs and built for long-term success.

Unbiased Vendor Selection

Unlike working directly with a single manufacturer, PWD provides objective consultation and system selection based on your unique requirements, ensuring the best-fit AS/RS solution from leading manufacturers selection and integrated with the appropriate complimentary equipment.

Holistic Warehouse Process Optimization

Our services extend far beyond simply installing an AS/RS. PWD conducts a thorough audit of your existing warehouse processes, including material flow, storage density, employee ergonomics, and the integration with current automation and material handling equipment like lift trucks. By evaluating your entire warehouse ecosystem, we design an AS/RS solution that not only automates storage and retrieval but also optimizes your entire warehouse operation for maximum efficiency, safety, and throughput.

Scalable and Future-Proof Solutions

PWD doesn’t just focus on your immediate needs; we design solutions for long-term scalability. Our team carefully considers your projected growth, evolving market demands, and potential technological advancements. By selecting scalable and adaptable AS/RS configurations and employing flexible software solutions, we ensure your investment continues to deliver cost savings and value for years to come. Our expertise in project management and compliance further guarantees a smooth implementation and a future-ready automated warehouse.

FAQ's: Buying Considerations & ROI

What is the typical ROI for automated warehouse storage solutions?

While capital intensive upfront, most facilities achieve a full Return on Investment within 3 to 5 years. Cost savings are realized through a drastic reduction in manual labor costs through reduced labor requirements, lower rates of human error/returns, reclaimed floor space (often delaying the need for facility expansion), and a massive boost in overall productivity and network throughput.

How do I know which automated racking solutions fit my infrastructure?

Selection depends on your specific load profiles (e.g., unit load pallets vs. split-case cartons), required speed/throughput demands, weight capacities, and facility dimensions (usable height in metres to utilize vertical space). PWD engineers conduct a thorough data analysis of your inventory levels and order processing requirements to recommend the exact technology profile that fits your business needs.

Can an automatic retrieval system integrate with our existing WMS/ERP?

Yes. Modern AS/RS technology is driven by sophisticated software that acts as a bridge. Whether you use a legacy inventory control platform or a modern cloud-based warehouse management system, we ensure seamless API integration. This guarantees your computer data storage, real time data tracking, and automated fulfillment operations are perfectly synced for accurate tracking.

Does automation eliminate the need for my workforce?

No. Rather than replacing workers, an automated storage and retrieval system elevates them. By automating repetitive tasks, heavy, and physically demanding transport tasks (like pushing heavy carts or driving a forklift), your staff is reallocated to higher-value tasks like quality control, management, and system supervision – all within a much safer, highly ergonomic environment with minimized human contact.

Automate Material Handling by Speaking to an Engineer

Based in Dallas, Precision Warehouse Design strategically positions its sales representatives, project managers, and material handling engineers in key logistics and fulfillment centers nationwide. This national presence enables us to expertly install automated storage and retrieval systems for projects spanning the United States and Canada, helping you regain floor space.