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A-Frame automated picking for error-free small-parts handling
A-Frame is an automatic warehouse order picking system that packs products from vertical channels into boxes, cartons or onto a belt conveyor that moves through the center of the system.
The A-Frame technology is best suited for high-volume orders consisting of a small number of units per line.
A desirable product for fullfillment centers that cater to individual online shoppers, or for retail stores that collect orders for multiple boxes.
Automatic picking equipment offers a variety of solutions: Pick-to-Belt, Pick-to-Tote, Pick-to-Bucket and Pick-to-Carton. The A-Frame solutions can be implemented at any stage of the picking process.
The modularity of the equipment provides for horizontal channel expansion. The basic model consists of 24 channels, 12 on each side.
A-Frame consists of these basic modules:
- Storage module – vertical channels arranged in an “A” shape where goods are stored.
- Picking module – a mechanism that pushes the required quantity of goods according to the order.
- Order picking module – a system of conveyors and trays where picked goods are gathered to form an order.
- Control module – software and controllers that coordinate the operation of all other modules, ensuring accuracy and processing speed.
Technical data
of the A-Frame picking system
How the A Frame picking system works
In accordance with the picking instructions from the control module, the goods in the appropriate quantity are pushed out of the storage module by the picking module and into the order picking module. It is then conveyed on a conveyor belt for inspection and packaging. In this way, the system can process up to 3,000 orders per hour.
The replenishment of the A-Frame channels with goods takes place without interrupting the picking process. A-Frame is easy to refill: one person can fill up to 2,000 items per hour.
The channels of the storage module can be adapted to different product sizes. For wide/long products, it is possible to remove one rail, which allows for the selection of larger products. The modularity of the picking system allows for the vertical channels to be extended. The multiplicity of increase is 12 channels per side. The basic model consists of 24 channels, 12 per side.
A-Frame allows picking with different solutions: Pick-to-Belt, Pick-to-Tote, Pick-to-Bucket and Pick-to-Carton. Functioning as a standalone unit or a seamlessly integrated system, the picking solution empowers microfulfillment operations throughout the UK and global markets. In particular – easy implementation and low personnel requirements, modularity = scalability, flexibility and integration with other equipment, highest throughput and accuracy.
Reliability of A-Frame picking equipment: the company’s engineers design the equipment taking into account the specifics of the goods and the conditions of the warehouse process. Quality equipment and components of leading brands provide acceleration of the technological chain due to reliability and automated warehouse processes. Uninterrupted operation of the equipment significantly increases the speed of order picking and profitability of the business, enhances the competitive advantages of the enterprise.
More than 13 years of experience: almost every object of our company is connected with special project conditions. We know exactly what needs to be taken into account so that our client gets the expected result.
Precise installation of equipment for order picking: all works are performed by qualified employees of the service and installation departments, who have permits to work at high risk and perform installation in strict accordance with the drawings. The time of installation works is agreed with the customer, taking into account the specifics of warehouse operations and warehouse opening hours.
24/7 technical support and scheduled inspections: under a service contract, each A-Frame is assigned a rapid response team. Our customers receive timely technical support.
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The technology is engineered for the high-precision, automated picking of small-sized items in individual packaging, ranging in size from 40x25x20 mm to 220x160x100 mm. The system represents an industry standard for the distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and small-scale e-commerce goods. The solution delivers its highest operational efficiency when handling fast-moving items (Class A) that frequently appear in the majority of orders. Fully automated cyclic dispensing guarantees speed and stable throughput, eliminating the dependence of warehouse processes on manual labor and fluctuations in staff productivity.
The hardware architecture is engineered for multi-format handling of an SKU mix within the specified dimensional range. The internal topology of the storage modules supports individual channel adjustment, enabling the simultaneous processing of diverse product groups. To accommodate oversized or non-standard packaging, the divider guides can be quickly removed to expand the usable channel width. This level of adaptability ensures seamless handling of a diverse product range, provided that the physical and mechanical characteristics of the items align with the system’s baseline criteria.
The return on investment (ROI) period for an automated picking system is highly individualized, calculated based on order volume, the share of compatible SKUs within the product matrix, labor rates for general staff, and warehouse shift patterns. The solution delivers its peak financial impact in high-intensity warehouses with a heavy concentration of piece-picking operations. Shortening the fulfillment cycle, minimizing labor costs, and stabilizing throughput provide a significant reduction in OPEX. For logistics complexes with ultra-high throughput rates, the payback period on capital expenditure (CAPEX) is reduced to a minimum.
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