AUTOMATED ASRS · HIGH-BAY WAREHOUSES
What are Automated Shelving Warehouses?
Automated crane warehouses are high-rack storage systems in which the storage and retrieval of logistics units is carried out using warehouse cranes or crane systems that move within the rack structure.
They are designed for systems that require a combination of high storage capacity, precise location management, and automated access to goods.
Typical Logistics Units
- Pallets
- Specialized Porters
- Large-sized industrial containers
- Standardized storage units for cargo weights
Where are they used?
They are used in manufacturing and logistics systems where it is necessary to ensure high storage density, precise location management, and reliable automated operation over extended periods of time.
Architecture
System Architecture
A crane-based automated warehouse consists of several interconnected levels. The value of the system stems not only from the operation of the warehouse crane, but also from the way in which the warehouse infrastructure, entry and exit points, transportation, management, and monitoring are integrated into a single operational unit.
High-rack structure
A racking system designed for high-capacity storage and automated access to logistics units.
Crane Storage Equipment
Warehouse forklifts that handle the storage and retrieval of goods with a high degree of precision.
Entry and Exit Zones
The points at which goods are transferred from the transport system and fed into the warehouse system or sent on to the next process.
Transport and Execution
Conveyors, production lines, and other related equipment that ensure a continuous flow of goods to and from the warehouse.
Design
Engineering balance in a crane warehouse
In such systems, maximum capacity is not the only goal. The system must be designed so that storage density, throughput, operational safety, and long-term reliability are balanced within actual operational limits.
Design Within System Boundaries
A well-designed warehouse is defined not only by the number of locations, but also by the conditions under which the system remains stable, predictable, and manageable during day-to-day operations.
Stability is just as important as capacity
If a system is designed solely for maximum speed or capacity, without being balanced with the rest of the logistics process, it leads to bottlenecks, delays, and difficulties in managing the flow of goods. A crane warehouse must be designed as part of a broader logistics system, not as an isolated technological component.
AIDA Integration
The Role of the AIDA WES System
AIDA WES plays a key role in managing automated crane warehouses. The system coordinates task execution, integrates warehouse equipment with the rest of the transportation and logistics system, and manages the flow of goods in real time.
What AIDA WES Manages
- Input-Output Operations
- Sequence of Warehouse Tasks
- Synchronization of crane equipment and transport systems
- Priorities Based on Operational Requirements
- By integrating the warehouse with WMS and ERP systems
Operating Result
In this way, the crane warehouse does not function as a closed mechanical system, but rather as an active part of an integrated logistics environment that can be managed through a clear execution logic.
BENEFITS
Advantages of Crane Systems
Automated crane warehouses are used when it is necessary to achieve a combination of high capacity, automated access to goods, and a stable operating model.
High space utilization
The ability to store a large number of logistics units in a small footprint using a high-rack system.
Precise Location Management
Clear tracking of the location and status of goods and the sequence of warehouse operations within the automated system.
Stable and repeatable operation
Automated task execution with a high level of reliability and predictability.
Interoperability with the rest of the system
Integration with transportation systems, production, order picking, and higher-level IT layers.
Scalable Logistics Architecture
A solution that can be part of a larger logistics or manufacturing system and grow alongside it.
Better operational discipline
Clearly defined workflows and execution logic reduce the need for manual intervention and improvisation.
Application
Typical Applications
Automated crane warehouses are particularly well-suited for systems that handle pallets, heavy loads, or large logistics units, and where a combination of storage capacity and reliable automated access to goods is required.
Production Warehouses
Automated storage of raw materials, semi-finished products, or finished products in manufacturing environments.
Distribution Centers
Systems for managing pallet flows in logistics operations characterized by high volumes and high availability requirements.
Integrated Logistics Systems
Environments in which a warehouse is connected to transportation, order picking, production, or shipping.
CASE STUDY
Dukat - High-Bay Warehouse
At Dukat’s high-bay warehouse, which has a capacity of 4,500 pallet spaces, the AIDA WES (Codel) system—a warehouse execution system—has been implemented. The solution combines automated high-bay warehouse management, integration with SAP and Infolog (WMS) systems, and full traceability—modernizing the logistics of Croatia’s leading dairy producer, a member of the Lactalis Group.
Automated Shelving Warehouse
Comprehensive management of pallet intake and outbound shipments using automated warehouse equipment, with real-time status visualization.
Integrated with SAP and WMS
Automatic transfer of orders from SAP and communication with the Infolog WMS system (XML), including the allocation of production to palletizers.
Full traceability
Recording of serial numbers and best-by dates (BBD), as well as logging of all operations for analysis and audit purposes.