Miniload Crane System:

Miniload systems are comprised of single-aisle cranes within a rack structure to store totes, trays, and cartons. Miniload systems provide high storage density for storage and fulfillment of slow- to medium-velocity SKUs and have flexible load handling units, allowing them to handle multiple units at a time. These systems improve warehouse space utilization and performance output. Miniload systems can function as storage solutions or be combined with goods-to-person fulfillment. These technologies are proven, robust and reliable ASRS solutions but are limited in their performance, making them inferior to shuttle and 3D robotic fulfillment systems.

Product Overview:

  • Automated storage and retrieval system
  • Small parts storage and handling
  • Tote, tray, and carton handling
  • Single to multi-deep storage rack
  • Goods-to-person order fulfillment
  • Intelligent software management system
  • Aisle-captive crane system
  • Variety of load-handling units

Solution Benefits:

  • Automated storage and product handling
  • Optimizes warehouse storage space
  • Improves order fulfillment productivity
  • Facilitates inventory management accuracy
  • Improves space utilization
  • Storage & order buffer system
  • Flexible load handling unit
  • Ability to integrate an order shipping buffer
UOM Value
Load Capacity 50KG / 110 Lbs
System Length 120m / 400'
System Height 25m / 82'
Performance per Aisle 100 - 150 DC/h
Load Handling Unit Single, double, triple deep

Solution Limitations:

  • Single point of failure (crane down = aisle down, product inaccessible)
  • Low throughput performance compared to other technologies
  • Solution only scalable by adding additional aisles
  • Rigidity – Once built aisles are not expandable in height, width, or length
  • Requires frequent preventive maintenance
  • Not suitable for fast moving SKUs
  • Inferior in performance compared to shuttle and 3D robotic ASRS systems

Technology Providers:

  • SSI Schaefer                                                                       
  • Dematic
  • Swisslog
  • Viastore
  • Jungheinrich
  • Daifuku
  • Witron
  • Gebhardt