Realcold's storage & retrieval system a winner

Realcold Milmech's Storage & Retrieval System (SARs) has seen its first installation in Ireland.

Business Development Manager, Roy Robinson, supervised the inaugural installation of the system and was "thoroughly pleased to see this system from initial concept through to installation", describing it as "a highly successful process".

SARs' primary functionality is to automate the process of storage and retrieval of cartons thereby improving the efficiency of the product handling process. This "hands-free" system is firstly enabled by identifying cartons on arrival and delivering the cartons to a pre-allocated area in the storage racking system. The retrieval of these cartons is determined by either a pallet of accumulated specific product, or retrieved by "order pick". The production control is accessible via a SCADA or touch screen which enables the operator to allocate zones for particular products and to retrieve products on demand and in a priority sequence if required. The system enables the day's production, both inbound and outbound, to be analysed, storage areas to be allocated accordingly and production statistics to be retrieved on request. All of which, provides an efficient and cost effective product handling system within the food processing chain.

SARs has been developed as an adaptable product handling system, which can be customised to various confirgurations and is suitable for a variety of products. Benefits of the system include a reduction in Occupational Health & Safety concerns, a reduction in manual labour force required, optimum use of space and a reduction in product damage increasing product throughputs.