Add It Up: Maximizing ROI with Daifuku’s SOTR Series — SOTR-S & SOTR-L

Automated solutions are transforming modern-day warehouses and distribution centers at a pace never seen. Those who take advantage of such opportunities are poised to unlock competitive advantages to take their operations to new heights. Here's a closer look at one key solution — sorting transfer robots — and how they fit into a complete automated solution.

Sorting Transfer Robots: What You Need to Know

So just what is a sorting transfer robot (SOTR)? Specifically, it's an automated sorting and transport system that uses mobile vehicles with top mounted load transfer capabilities to efficiently and effectively sort and move items throughout a warehouse or distribution center. We have three different models to handle a wide range of load sizes from small items up to pallet sized loads.  SOTR(s) rely on a modern Warehouse Executions System for managing vehicle traffic and movement and for the location, pick-up and transport of loads.

SOTR(s) first use scanners or smart cameras to scan item barcodes and determine their location. From there, items will be transferred to the vehicle and delivered to the appropriate bin, tote, or load stand along the system. These transfer robots can then move on to locating and acquiring the next load, repeating the process.

Key Benefits of SOTR(s)

The biggest benefit of SOTR(s) is that they automate a tedious manual process that's often prone to mistakes and inefficiencies. What's more, SOTR(s) don't need to take breaks or change shifts; they operate continuously, 24/7. SOTR(s) can help reduce labor dependency and operational expenses, especially as worker shortages remain a challenge in industrial environments.

Other key benefits of SOTR(s) include:

• Increased throughput and streamlined overall operations. SOTR(s) can handle higher volumes of items and process them faster than a human worker could.

• SOTR(s) are scalable and flexible. They can adapt to meet demand during peak seasons and scale back down as necessary for normal operations.

• Ability to integrate with other automated solutions. Automation is the way of the future in industrial environments like warehouses and distribution centers. SOTR(s) can integrate with other solutions, such as AS/RS, case picking robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to create a complete automated solution.

Daifuku's SOTR Series

The SOTR-S delivers high-speed piece sorting in compact layouts, helping improve productivity while minimizing footprint. The SOTR-L handles heavy pallets without the need for fixed conveyors, giving facilities more flexibility and easier scalability. Together, these systems streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks and help businesses achieve a faster, measurable return on investment.

Here's a closer look at the SOTR-S and SOTR-L and how they can help advance automation in your facility:

SOTR-S

The SOTR-S is a high-throughput STR that uses high-speed vehicles traveling up to 100 meters per minute in a two-tiered structure to optimize flow. It's also highly productive, with a sorting capacity of up to 10,000 lines per hour. The SOTR-S is flexible and scalable, and can add vehicles and chutes to accommodate demand peaks.

There are plenty of other benefits of the SOTR-S. It only takes up about half the space of a conventional sorting system and offers a narrower aisle width thanks to an innovative vehicle tray that can tilt to the right or left during sorting. Finally, it's also easy to integrate into existing facilities.

SOTR-L

The SOTR-L is an automated pallet sorting and transport system purpose-built to optimize existing manufacturing processes or enhance distribution center operations. Known for its reliability, scalability, flexibility and safety benefits, the SOTR-L can handle loads up to 1,000 kg (or about 2,204 lbs.). In terms of flexibility, it eliminates the need for fixed tracks and conveyors, freeing up space on the facility floor. Ideal applications include assembly lines and shipping stations.

The SOTR-L can easily integrate with other automated solutions, such as AS/RS and case-picking robots, to further maximize ROI potential.   There is also a SOTR-M version for handling smaller loads like cases and totes.

Quantifying the ROI of SOTR(s) and Other Automated Solutions

SOTR(s), including the SOTR-S and SOTR-L, are just one piece of the total automation pie that you can implement in today's warehouses and distribution centers. And while the benefits of automated solutions are plentiful, many managers remain hesitant to take the plunge due to the upfront investment and uncertain ROI. Due to the scalability nature of SOTR(s), these systems are easier to justify than fixed automation and provide the certainty to make that investment.

There are five main factors that you should weigh when it comes to quantifying ROI:

1. How much square footage you're able to recover: Automated solutions like automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are highly beneficial because they help maximize vertical storage within an existing warehouse footprint. Such solutions also serve as a more viable and sustainable alternative to building additional warehouse space, especially given construction costs that can reach $140 per square foot. If space is at a premium, AS/RS can help your facility make efficient use of it.

2. Inventory shrinkage: All warehouses and distribution centers have goods that become damaged, lost or stolen. Automated solutions can help reduce inventory shrinkage by alerting management to issues as they arise.

3. Safety: A safe working environment is near the top of the priority list in just about every industrial environment. Studies show that a safer workplace is also a more productive one, as safe practices demonstrate genuine care for worker well-being. AS/RS and other automated solutions remove humans from tasks in high-risk areas of the facility, thereby preventing injury and physical strain.

4. Data collection: Automated solutions collect lots of data — and how you use it can create even more competitive advantages for your operations. Data is also available in real-time, enabling leaders to make more empowered decisions faster.

5. Efficiency: Finally, automated solutions enhance efficiency throughout the warehouse. From increased accuracy to faster item location and packing times, automation is the key to unlocking efficiency improvements.

When you weigh these variables, the ROI can be significant when incorporating automated solutions into the workplace. You don't have to do it all at once. What's nice about SOTR(s), AS/RS and other automated solutions is that they can easily integrate with each other, making it more manageable to plan purchases for your warehouse or distribution center.

Contact Daifuku Today

For more information about the SOTR series and the other solutions we offer, contact Daifuku. As a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of automated solutions for industrial settings, we're dedicated to partnering with your warehouse or distribution center to unlock its full potential and create new competitive advantages. Contact Daifuku today to get started.

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