Kiva vs. AS/RS

Traditional AS/RS solutions are massive fixed structures.

solutions_asrsAutomated storage and retrieval systems are large, expensive inflexible machines that are bolted to the foundation of the building in which they operate.  Often, an AS/RS is designed and then the facility is built around it.  With this approach it is necessary to predict operating and storage volumes over a 10 year horizon then design a fixture that can support those expected volumes.  This forces operators to build and buy a system that will operate below capacity for several years and may not meet capacity in future years.  Additionally, once an AS/RS is installed there are a limited number of product delivery points and conveyances so throughput is constrained and fast picking is usually not feasible.  AS/RS may be a good option for slow moving goods with very predictable volumes, but they are not high volume order fulfillment solutions and they are not flexible.

The Kiva Approach is better.

solution_stations_highwayKiva solutions integrate a package of robotic material handling equipment and sophisticated software to provide the most accurate, productive and flexible order processing automation available.  Kiva solutions are appropriate for both fast and slow moving goods and they support the full range of order fulfillment processes from storing, to picking, packing, sorting, and shipping.  Kiva systems are built for order picking speed and are capable of delivering sub 20 minute cycle times for complex multi-item orders.  Plus, with Kiva you can buy the gear you need when you need it and implement in a modular fashion which significantly lowers the investment risk inherent in traditional automation such as AS/RS.

The Kiva solution goes beyond traditional automated storage and retrieval systems to deliver breakthrough performance by solving many order fulfillment challenges simultaneously.

  • Fast Picking
    The operator is presented with a new pick face location every six seconds, as if they had infinite pick face density with zero walking.
  • High Volume Order Picking
    Kiva customers pick 100,000's of lines per day in a single facility using the Kiva order fulfillment system.
  • Rapid Installation
    Starting with blank concrete or mezzanine and a few electrical outlets, installation can take as little as a few weeks.
  • High Storage Density
    Configurable pods, trays and bins, no forklift aisles, and complete vertical use of the facility using mezzanines means higher product density than existing solutions.
  • Modular Expansion
    Add inventory pods and drive units to increase throughput during peak season or expand an existing facility as the market grows. The complex construction associated with traditional AS/RS installations is not required.
  • High Reliability
    With parallel equipment and no single point of failure, the Kiva warehouse automation system surpasses traditional solutions for uptime even in 24 by 7 operations.
  • Simultaneous Picking and Replenishment
    Replenishment and picking can proceed at the same time with full productivity, allowing reduced days-on-hand of inventory.
  • Zero Re-slotting
    Items are dynamically assigned to the best available location for storage and retrieval, which means that there is no need for profiling or re-slotting.
  • Product Flexibility
    Storage pods and work stations can be configured to handle small items, large items, split-case and cut-carton items, full cases, fragile goods, odd-shaped packaging, and many products that won't work in a traditional AS/RS.