Shuttle storage

In 2024, UK warehouses are grappling with high energy costs, limited space, and a shortage of labour. The rapid growth in e-commerce has driven increased demand for warehouse operations and storage space, with online retail expected to account for 23% of all retail by 2027. This surge necessitates significant additional warehouse capacity.

Maximising Warehouse Efficiency with Shuttle Storage Solutions

If operators don’t maximise the space they have, they might as well hand their most important customers over to savvier competitors. Logistics businesses need to find innovative ways to make the best use of space, a precious commodity, while keeping operations running efficiently. Amidst rising operational costs and the increasing demand for speed and accuracy, what are you doing to stay ahead of the curve? Here, we take a look at how the shuttle storage solutions offered by technology expert L-A-C Group might be the answer.

What Are Shuttle Storage Solutions?

Shuttle storage solutions utilise pallet shuttles that move along rails between racks in a warehouse, transporting palletised goods between storage and retrieval points. These automatic storage systems are controlled by a Warehouse Management System (WMS), which directs the shuttles in multiple directions and to different heights, optimising the use of storage lanes and storage levels. They can be integrated with other automation equipment like conveyors, robot palletisers, and pick-to-light systems, offering a complete automation solution.

Packing More into Less Space

Shuttle storage solutions allow you to fit more stock into less space without slowing down operations. By making the best use of floor space, facility height, and storage location, as well as allowing for narrow aisles, these systems can maximise storage capacity and achieve optimum storage density. One facility saw a 60% increase in storage space with this technology.

The adaptable nature of shuttle racking systems is another major benefit. They can handle a variety of SKUs, from different load carriers to diverse raw materials and finished goods, regardless of their sizes, shapes, or quantities. This adaptability allows operations to store a wide range of products without needing to change layouts for new products, which is crucial for businesses dealing with seasonal products, trends, and holidays.

Moreover, the modular design of these systems ensures scalability for future expansions. This includes integrating with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for pick-up and drop-off, ensuring that your warehouse operation remains flexible and future-proof.

Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings

Shuttle solutions speed up retrieval times by automating stock movements, making products easier to access and reducing the time needed for picking and restocking. Rapid access to goods not only speeds up operations but also decreases wear and tear on steel construction racking systems, lowering maintenance costs and extending equipment life.

These systems are particularly beneficial in production lines where the timely retrieval of pallets is essential for maintaining consistent workflow and consistent quality in the production process. They also reduce the risk of damage to both products and infrastructure, contributing to long-term cost savings.

Labour Efficiency

Shuttle storage solutions significantly reduce the need for human intervention in the warehouse. This not only saves on labour costs but also makes the workplace safer by reducing the number of people exposed to potential hazards. Likewise, stock and racking are less at risk. Automated systems like these can reduce workplace accidents by up to 70%.

For instance, one facility using a traditional VNA system needed five operators to manage storage and retrieval with forklifts and pallet trucks. By switching to a shuttle system, they were able to cut this down to just one operator and one forklift, showcasing the efficiency of automatic storage systems.

Energy Savings in the Cold

With energy costs at an all-time high, especially for businesses requiring cold storage, reducing the amount of time forklifts spend in cold areas can save significant energy. On top of this, the reduction in labour means the lights need to be on less often. L-A-C Group understands the pressure logistics businesses are facing. Not only do energy savings bring down costs, but they also support businesses in achieving their sustainability goals.

It’s Not Just Hardware

One operation that effectively integrated shuttle storage solutions to streamline their warehouse process, improve safety, and significantly boost storage density, attributes much of its success to seamless integration with their existing WMS.

The effectiveness of physical storage machines like shuttles is exponentially increased when paired with well-suited control software and control technology. When these elements work in tandem, managers can monitor real-time operations, identifying strengths and weaknesses, making informed decisions, and justifying them with accurate data. This synergy further pushes the potential of the warehouse space you have available.

Shuttle storage systems not only optimise space but also streamline the entire warehousing process by integrating motorised shuttles with a robust racking structure that supports both high-density storage and bulk storage needs. These systems, with their precise remote control capabilities, reduce the reliance on forklift trucks, thereby lowering the risk of accidents. The Shuttle Storage System enhances productivity by enabling dynamic access to goods, meeting critical throughput requirements, and minimising operating time. With adjustable load capacity and compatibility with temporary storage, the system offers versatile shuttle platforms and shuttle vehicles to support a wide range of operations, from house production to rapid unloading activity.

Designed to accommodate future growth, these systems use high-density racking and reliable products, ensuring efficient use of storage volume. Paired with mobile robots, they offer flexible solutions that are modular, scalable, and tailored to meet evolving warehouse demands. Moreover, L-A-C Group’s single source approach ensures all basic components are integrated seamlessly, providing single supplier confidence to optimise both workflow and performance.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The challenges faced by modern warehouses—rising costs of space and energy—are intensifying. But solutions like L-A-C’s shuttle storage solutions are helping businesses maximise space, cut down on labour and energy costs, and enhance safety. These systems provide answers to many of the logistics industry’s current challenges.

Imagine transforming your operations—more space, a lower electricity bill, and a safer workplace for your employees.

If you want to maximise the space in your warehouse, contact L-A-C Group. Our experts can guide you through the next steps to optimise your outgoing operations and overall warehouse efficiency.

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L-A-C’s team of experts are here to support you from concept to the finished system, working together to design and deliver a bespoke solution that meets your current objectives and future growth expectations, with favourable ROI.

Across semi-automated and fully automated systems, L-A-C has the expertise and range of products to provide flexible and scalable solutions that will significantly enhance your operations and keep you agile as your business evolves.

Join us on a pivotal journey towards a more efficient, productive, cost effective and sustainable future with L-A-C’s innovative automation technology solutions.