Our new top ten overview of manufacturers and companies/providers for automatic small parts storage | AKL storage systems

In 2023, the automatic small parts warehouse (ASW) storage systems market offers a wide range of manufacturers and suppliers that provide innovative solutions for efficient material handling and warehouse logistics. To support companies and interested parties in selecting the optimal AKL storage system, we are publishing our new top ten overview here. This list has been carefully prepared and is based on a thorough analysis of various criteria such as product quality, technological advancement, customer service and industry-specific requirements. In this detailed overview, we will introduce the ten manufacturers and providers that deserve to be on our list and explain the reasons why we chose them.

Daifuku

Daifuku is a major manufacturer of automated storage systems, including automated small parts warehouses (ASLs). Their extensive product portfolio includes AKL solutions designed for high performance, efficiency and flexibility. Daifuku offers tailor-made solutions for various industries and is characterized by its global presence and many years of experience.

TGW Logistics Group

TGW is a global provider of intralogistics solutions and also offers AKL storage systems. Their solutions are characterized by high speed, precise control and modular design.

KUKA

KUKA is a well-known manufacturer of robotics and also offers AKL solutions based on automated robotics. Their systems are characterized by high flexibility, adaptability and intelligent robotics technology.

SSI SCHÄFER

SSI SCHÄFER is a leading global provider of automated storage systems and offers tailor-made solutions for various industries. Your AKL storage system is characterized by high performance, flexibility and innovation.

Dematic

As one of the world's largest providers of intralogistics solutions, Dematic offers a wide range of AKL storage systems. Their focus is on increasing efficiency, scalability and intelligent control technology.

Swisslog

Swisslog is known for its advanced AKL storage systems based on automated robotics. They offer tailor-made solutions for warehouse and logistics processes and place particular emphasis on high precision and energy efficiency.

Meager

Knapp is an internationally active manufacturer of AKL storage systems and offers innovative solutions for automated storage and picking. Their systems are characterized by flexibility, speed and intelligent control functions.

viastore

viastore is a specialist in automation solutions and offers AKL storage systems for the efficient storage and picking of small parts. Their solutions are characterized by reliability, modular design and advanced software integration.

Interroll

Interroll is a leading global provider of material flow solutions and also offers AKL storage systems. Their systems are characterized by high user-friendliness, energy efficiency and a wide range of products.

Mecalux

Mecalux is a renowned manufacturer of storage systems and also offers AKL solutions. They value high capacity, optimized space utilization and comprehensive integration of hardware and software.

Kardex

Kardex specializes in automated storage and material flow systems and also offers AKL solutions. Their systems are characterized by high performance, space-saving design and tailor-made software solutions.

➡️ The selection of the top ten automatic small parts warehouse (ASW) manufacturers and suppliers in 2023 is based on a careful analysis of various criteria, including product quality, technological progress and customer service. The companies mentioned have made a name for themselves in the industry and offer innovative solutions for material transport and warehouse logistics. When choosing the right reach truck, it is important to consider the individual requirements of the business and find the best provider to meet the specific needs.

Automatic to fully automatic small parts warehouses (AKL) play a crucial role in the concepts of micro hubs, micro fulfillment and smart city logistics. They offer a number of interesting advantages compared to other storage systems.

Space saving

AKL storage systems use the available space extremely efficiently. By storing vertically and using the height of the room, they maximize storage capacity in the smallest of spaces. This is particularly important in urban areas where available space is limited.

Speed ​​and efficiency

AKL storage systems offer high speeds when storing and retrieving small parts. The automated process optimizes routes and significantly shortens picking times. This enables orders to be processed quickly and efficiently in real time.

Scalability

Most AKL storage systems are modular and can be expanded as needed. This allows for easy scaling of storage capacity to meet the needs of growing micro-hubs, micro-fulfillment centers and smart city logistics.

Precision and error minimization

Through the automated process, AKL storage systems minimize human errors and increase the accuracy of warehousing. Precise placement and identification of small parts reduces stock-outs, order errors and improves inventory control.

Flexibility and adaptability

AKL storage systems offer high flexibility to handle different product types and sizes. They can be adapted to the specific requirements and ranges of micro hubs, micro fulfillment centers and smart city logistics. The systems can also be integrated with other automated processes such as robotics and pick-by-light systems.

Data integration and analytics

AKL storage systems are often equipped with advanced data integration systems. This enables real-time inventory monitoring, order tracking, and inventory metrics analysis. The data obtained can be used to further optimize processes and make well-founded business decisions.

sustainability

Automatic small parts warehouses are often equipped with energy-efficient technologies. Optimizing walking paths and using energy recovery systems contribute to reducing energy consumption and sustainability.

➡️ The combination of these factors makes automatic to fully automatic small parts warehouses an ideal solution for micro-hubs, micro-fulfillment and smart city logistics concepts. They enable efficient use of available space, fast and accurate order processing, scalability and flexibility, and optimal data integration for better process control. These systems support the development of smart, efficient and sustainable urban logistics solutions.

Micro-hubs, micro-fulfillment and smart city logistics are innovative concepts that address the needs of a changing logistics landscape in urban areas. These concepts aim to improve the efficiency, speed and sustainability of urban logistics.

Micro hubs

Micro-hubs are small distribution centers strategically placed in urban areas. They serve as interim storage for goods and enable faster delivery to city centers. By being geographically close to consumers, micro-hubs can shorten the last mile of the supply chain. They act as hubs where shipments are transferred from large logistics centers to smaller vehicles that are better suited to urban traffic.

Micro fulfillment

Micro-fulfillment refers to optimizing order processing in smaller, compact warehouses. These warehouses are specifically designed for quick picking and packing of online orders. They use automated technologies such as automated small parts warehouses (ASL), robotics and intelligent software to process orders efficiently. Proximity to consumers enables faster delivery and improved customer experience.

Smart City Logistics

Smart City Logistics refers to the integration of advanced technologies and innovative concepts into the urban logistics infrastructure. By using technologies such as big data analysis, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and intelligent traffic systems, logistics processes are optimized and traffic in cities is made more efficient. This includes route optimization, real-time tracking of shipments, intelligent control of delivery vehicles and the implementation of sustainable solutions such as electric mobility and zero-emission deliveries.

Advantages of micro-hubs, micro-fulfillment and smart city logistics

Faster deliveries

By being geographically close to consumers, micro-hubs and micro-fulfillment centers can shorten delivery times and enable faster same-day or next-day delivery.

Reduced traffic load

By implementing Smart City Logistics concepts, routes can be optimized and traffic bottlenecks reduced, resulting in an overall lower traffic load in urban areas.

Increased efficiency

The use of automated technologies in micro-fulfillment centers improves order fulfillment efficiency and reduces errors in picking and packing.

sustainability

By using electric mobility, zero-emission deliveries and more efficient routes, Smart City Logistics helps reduce the environmental impact of urban goods transport.

Customer experience

The combination of faster delivery times, efficient order processing and improved shipment traceability leads to a positive customer experience.

➡️ These concepts are part of a broader urban logistics transformation aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing traffic congestion and enabling sustainable delivery in urban areas. By integrating technology, automation and intelligent data management, micro-hubs, micro-fulfillment and smart city logistics have the potential to fundamentally transform the logistics industry in urban environments and meet the needs of an increasingly connected and demanding customer base.

Automatic small parts warehouses (AKL) can also be used in smart rural areas or smart villages in the area of ​​spare parts logistics and consumer goods logistics. Although the focus of Smart Rural Areas and Smart Villages is often on improving infrastructure, access to services and strengthening the local community, the efficiency and optimization of logistics processes can make a significant contribution to economic development and quality of life in these areas. Here are some points that illustrate how automated small parts warehouses can be beneficial:

Efficient warehousing

Automatic small parts warehouses enable efficient storage of spare parts and consumer goods. Through automated storage and retrieval, inventory levels can be optimized and the available space can be used better. This enables improved product availability and faster order processing.

Fast and reliable supply

In rural areas, ensuring a reliable and rapid supply of spare parts and consumer goods can be challenging due to geographic location and limited availability of stores and services. With automatic small parts warehouses, inventories can be managed centrally, and the automation supports efficient picking and provision of the required items. This improves security of supply.

Reduced transportation costs

In Smart Rural Areas and Smart Villages, transporting goods can be challenging, especially when it comes to accessing remote areas. By using automatic small parts warehouses, stocks can be stored closer to the communities of need, which leads to shorter transport routes and the associated costs.

Optimizing inventory management

Automatic small parts warehouses enable precise inventory management and tracking. This means that spare parts and consumer goods can be managed more efficiently, inventory shortages are reduced, and changes in demand can be responded to in a timely manner. This helps minimize inventory costs and improve inventory availability.

➡️ It is important to note that implementing Automated Small Parts Warehouses in rural areas may present specific challenges, such as limited infrastructure or lower economies of scale due to smaller customer size. Nevertheless, they can make a valuable contribution to improving logistics processes and security of supply in these areas by improving efficiency, inventory management and availability of spare parts and consumer goods.