Automating Your Existing Warehouse, 2001 Engineering / Finishing & Converting Conference Proceedings

M. Longacre--A new type of self- guided vehicle (SGV) has been developed which can deliver fully automated warehouse operation to existing paper storage warehouses as shown in Figure 1. The standard vehicle is designed to stack paper rolls up to 8000 lbs (3500 kg) a maximum of 30 feet (10m) high and eliminates the need for racking or storage stands. Advanced sensors provide for accurate, safe vehicle navigation and roll positioning eliminating the potential for roll damage during handling. The roll handling vehicle can be interfaced with barcode and warehouse management systems to provide full warehouse automation and inventory tracking allowing paper mills, converters, corrugators, and printers to economically and efficiently store rolls using their existing warehouse.

The initial installation utilizing this technology was commissioned in mid 2000 with excellent results. The system has reduced labor costs, increased storage capacity, and streamlined warehouse operation.