What Is a Miniload?
An AS/RS for totes, trays and cartons. A fast crane brings totes to a picking station and puts them back.
How It Works
- Totes inProduct is decanted and scanned.
- Crane storeOften two or three deep.
- Order comes inSoftware sequences the totes.
- Totes outTo the pick station.
- Pick and returnThe tote goes back.
Advantages of a Miniload.
- Thousands of SKUs in a small space.
- Pickers stop walking.
- Every tote tracked.
- Fast. The rate depends on the model and layout.
- Quiet and clean.
What to Know Before You Buy
- Decanting takes labor and space.
- Tote size sets everything.
- Software first.
- Throughput per aisle has a limit, set by the crane and layout.
Where It Is Used
- E-commerce and parts distribution.
- Pharmaceutical and medical.
- Electronics and consumer goods.
- Kitting and assembly.
Common questions
Miniload or shuttle system for totes?
Tote shuttles have much higher throughput. Miniloads cost less and suit lower volumes.
How high can the shelving go?
Commonly 30 to 60 feet, so bracing, floor flatness and seismic design matter.
