Vertical and horizontal carousels have been moving product through warehouses and distribution centers for more than 25 years. In addition to creating dynamic high-density storage, carousels can be cred-ited with increasing productivity, reducing labor, saving space and cutting energy costs. The concept of carousel technology hasn't changed much over the years. That might be because a carousel is a robust and dependable piece of equip- ment, and it is mechanically pretty simple, says Jack Lehr, vice president of sales for automated systems for SSI Schaefer (www.ssi-schaefer.us). What is changing is how users are applying carousel technology. "About five years ago, however, engineers in the United States started to recognize that the goods-to-person process is hands down the most efficient picking pro-cess," savs Lehr. So, if you have a picking operation, are carousels the right solution? "Any manufacturing plant, warehouse or distribution center currently using a traditional static rack and shelving system should investigate the possibility of incorporating an automated solution like a vertical or horizontal carousel," says Christina Hilligoss, marketing and commu- nications manager for KardexRemstar (www.kardexremstar.com).
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