GRAND RAPIDS – Supply Chain Technology company Dematic has signed a global agreement with AutoStore that will enable Dematic to expand its omni-channel integrated solution offering throughout the globe.

Dematic will design, configure, engineer, install and support AutoStore as a sub-system within an overall Dematic solution or as a standalone piece-picking system.

“The Dematic suite of solutions is comprehensive; adding AutoStore to the mix enables users to obtain the ideal storage, buffering and piece picking solution” said Jeff Moss, CEO, Dematic International. “The ability to design and implement a wide variety of system configurations is critical to effectively accommodate the growing demands of omni-channel distribution in this age of acceleration. The Dematic expanded solution will be a sure way for our customers to serve their customers better and faster.”

With the AutoStore partnership, Dematic has the ability to provide scalable solutions that work across all elements of the dynamic order profiles and SKU velocities associated with e-commerce and omni-channel solutions. In addition, the Dematic iQ Warehouse Execution System will manage all functional areas of the operation including piece picking and the AutoStore system.

AutoStore is a modular piece picking system. It consists of five standard modules: robot, port or workstation, grid, bin and controller. The robots drive on the top of the grid to access inventory stored in the bins below. The bins are put-away, retrieved and delivered to the ports or workstations as required.

When compared to conventional storage density, AutoStore can store up to 4X more inventory in the same space. The solution can be installed in oddly shaped buildings, around pillars or on several levels and fills out the warehouse space potential to its maximum. The AutoStore infrastructure is independent of the building structure; disassembly and re-location is feasible and cost effective.

The AutoStore solution is built around the “goods-to-person” principle. The key benefits of goods-to-person include: eliminate worker travel time to pick locations, picking productivity, omit dedicated pick faces (no slotting, re-slotting, manual replenishment), product security/inventory accuracy, order processing speed, and order accuracy. Furthermore, the worker environment is ideal. AutoStore technology supports a quiet, clean environment with reduced fatigue factors. Workstations are designed for ergonomic operation.