BITO Storage Systems has joined AMHSA (Automated Material Handling Systems Association) – the voice of the automated material handling industry. The association is committed to promoting excellence in the automated material handling industry in terms of solutions, after sales support, reliability and safety. With over 60 members supplying automated solutions, conveyor systems and associated equipment, AMHSA plays a significant role in the drafting of CEN and ISO standards affecting the automated handling sector, maintaining close contact with government organisations.
Nuneaton-based BITO Storage Systems stands for innovative storage technology as one of the few single service providers in its field, providing racking, shelving, containers, picking and transportation systems for all industries. It is the UK subsidiary of the BITO Lagertechnik GmbH based in Meisenheim, Germany, the internationally operating manufacturer of storage and order picking systems with more than 70,000 customers, making it one of the market leaders in Europe.
Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems, says: “I am proud that BITO has become a member of AMHSA as our company plays a vital role in the creation of practical and flexible automated solutions for a variety of applications – from fulfilling omnichannel retail to supplying line-side manufacturing. Expectations for rapid delivery while dealing with rising labour costs, combined with a shallower pool of available skills for warehouse workers is driving growing interest in automation, particularly as the technology continues to become more flexible, bringing it further within reach of many more companies.”
In any warehouse automation project, racking and shelving should be carefully considered because the right design will help an automated system to realise its performance benefits and provide smooth, reliable, highly accurate and rapid order picking. Reliable racking will also minimise maintenance and the subsequent costly downtime for an automated system, helping to improve its productivity and hasten the return on the investment on the project. The quality of the materials used in the racking will determine how an installation will stand up to the rigours of everyday operations. “A supplier such as BITO, which uses state-of-the-art machinery to manufacture racking components, produces all the elements at the exact required size and of a consistent quality and tolerance,” says Hutchison. “This ensures long-term integrity of the racking for an automated system.”
Being able to provide bins and containers in addition to racking and shelving, as BITO can, offers a compatibility advantage that helps to avoid numerous issues that can disrupt smooth material flow in a warehouse. It also makes it easier to achieve the maximum density of stock. This is because multiple containers designed to fit precisely with a bay racking or shelving without leaving unnecessary gaps, which can generate considerable saving of space throughout a warehouse storage area.
Specially designed bins suited to racking will further improve operations and reduce noise as they travel through a system. For example, BITO XL series stacker containers, KLT small parts containers and trays made from steel sheet or polypropylene all meet the requirements of automated bin storage and are suited to any application.
Racking projects for automation will draw on a supplier’s experience and its ability to work with systems integrators and automation companies in addition to suppliers of other equipment and solutions, such as mezzanine floor and forklift truck companies. It is also useful to have a close look at the equipment in a showroom environment wherever possible.
In addition to providing its own LEO driverless transport system, BITO works with numerous suppliers of automation to provide innovative storage and order picking solutions, which may also involve shelving and racking installations such as pick towers, as well as plastic totes and containers. This allows customers to design and implement future-proof, end-to-end warehouse solutions, integrating state-of-the-art storage systems with robotics-powered automation to create smarter, faster and more efficient supply chain operations.
Hutchison concludes: “Ultimately, when it comes to storage and order picking solutions, companies are seeking high quality – not just of the physical products, but also of the installation team and service support. As a customer about to make a large investment in automation, you really will need to take a careful look at racking.”
For more information, visit bito.com.
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