about exotec FAQ

Question 1

WHO IS EXOTEC?

Accepted Answer

Founded in 2015 in Lille, France, Exotec is a global leader in the delivery of reliable warehouse automation solutions that bring efficiency and innovation to a wide range of industry sectors.

Question 2

WHAT IS ASRS?

Accepted Answer

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are highly advanced computer-controlled inventory management systems, that use automated technology to store and retrieve products for order fulfilment. They are widely used in warehouses and distribution centres for the automated handling, storing, and retrieving of items and combine high-density storage structures with software and a variety of technologies, such as robots, to maximise the speed and accuracy of order fulfilment and replenishment tasks and minimise the need for human intervention.

Question 3

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ASRS?

Accepted Answer

ASRS systems are extremely efficient and can help businesses improve efficiency, productivity, accuracy and speed of fulfilment operations. They can also alleviate the high cost and lack of available manual labour, and the potential high safety risks for employees. ASRS are scalable solutions, ideal for seasonal peaks variety of goods and can be easily integrated with other technology solutions or systems such as conveyors.

Question 4

CAN ASRS OPERATE IN COLD AND FROZEN CONDITIONS?

Accepted Answer

The Skypod ASRS solution can operate in temperature-controlled environments as low as 0°C offering a diverse solution for food & beverage and grocery customers needing to to store and pick both ambient and refrigerated goods with optimum efficiency.

Question 5

WHAT IS THE SKYPOD® SYSTEM?

Accepted Answer

The Skypod® system is a sophisticated automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) that utilises autonomous robots to deliver high-performance order fulfilment and replenishment. The Skypod assists operators in preparing orders by transporting goods that are stored inside bins, totes, or trays between high-density storage racks and picking stations.

The autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are programmed to prioritise the most urgent orders to ensure fast and efficient order processing.  The Skypod System comprises a lightweigth robot with a payload of 30kg which can move in 3D and access high-level bins. This allows the picker to remain at the station while the robot carries out the requested tasks. The robot locates itself within the warehouse by using laser-scanning technology.

Question 6

WHAT HEIGHT CAN THE EXOTEC SKYPOD® SYSTEM WORK TO?

Accepted Answer

The Skypod system from Exotec is capable of handling the storage and retrieval of goods at a height of up to 12 meters.

Question 7

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO IMPLEMENT AN EXOTEC SYSTEM?

Accepted Answer

The average time to install an Exotec Skypod system is 9 to 12 months, but it can be completed in as little as 7 months. The Skypod system is specifically designed for swift deployment due to its modular structure and software capabilities using plug-and-play. These features provide a quick and efficient installation process that minimise any disruption to existing operations.

Question 8

DOES A ASRS REDUCE MAN HOURS?

Accepted Answer

ASRS solutions are fully automated with minimal requirement for human intervention. This reduces the overall man hours required to use and maintain the sytem which has additional cost benefits.

Question 9

WHAT IS AN AMR?

Accepted Answer

An AMR is an Autonomous Mobile Robot, a highly adaptable robot programmed to carry out a wide range of tasks without the need for humans. AMRs are being increasingly used in warehouse and distribution centre environments for the safe and efficient handling of goods, for example, retrieving items from totes in high-density storage structures required for order fulfilment.

Question 10

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SKYPOD® SYSTEM AND OTHER ASRS PROVIDERS?

Accepted Answer

Skypod system brings innovation to the ASRS marketplace with several key differences: Skypod robots can move autonomously in three dimensions allowing for greater dexterity. They maximise the use of the available vertical space with high-density racking possible up to 39 feet (12 meters). The modular design of the Skypod system enables efficient and quick scalability, where robots can be added to the system in minutes, pick stations integrated within days, and the storage racks can be expanded in just a few weeks. This ensures the Skypod system can grow and adapt to evolving business needs while minimising any potential for downtime or disruption.

Question 11

WHAT INDUSTRIES CAN BENEFIT FROM ASRS/EXOTEC?

Accepted Answer

The Skypod® system is suitable for a wide range of industry sectors, including E-commerce, Grocery, Retail, Manufacturing, and 3PL. Omni-channel operations such as store replenishment and wholesale order fulfilment, can all be done within a single Skypod system to offer a highly agile, efficient, and scalable solution for today's logistic operations.

Question 12

WHAT PRODUCTS CAN BE USED IN THE SKYPOD® SYSTEM?

Accepted Answer

The Skypod system is designed to be agile and handle a wide range of products from retail and grocery to healthcare and fashion. Regardless of size or shape, if the item fits within the totes or trays and is within the weight limit of 30kg, the sytem can handle the item for order picking.

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