Frequently Asked Questions About the MDS ASRS
Welcome to our MDS ASRS guide, providing a direct overview of the system’s core capabilities, technical features, and operational advantages. This resource addresses the most common enquiries regarding the technology’s versatility, data security, and long-term sustainability within New Zealand facilities.
The following sections offer the technical insights and integration details required to support informed decision-making for your warehouse automation projects.
1. What Is the MDS ASRS?
The MDS ASRS is an autonomous Multi-Directional Shuttle ASRS system engineered to seamlessly transport pallets within a condensed racking framework, contributing towards high-density storage. The MDS ASRS incorporates a core AI engine and intelligent sensors to dynamically optimise movement patterns and operational throughput in real time.
2. Is the MDS ASRS Four-Way Shuttle Only Suitable for Greenfield Warehouses?
The MDS ASRS is not limited to greenfield sites; it is also designed to be retrofitted into brownfield warehouses. Because the system is fully modular and customisable, it can be adapted to suit various ceiling heights and building layouts, regardless of the facility’s age.
3. What Are Some Applications of the MDS ASRS?
The MDS ASRS is designed for high-density storage, enabling the compact management of diverse SKU ranges within a reduced footprint. Its flexible racking architecture is adaptable to both high-bay and low-bay warehouses, as well as regular or irregular layouts, making it highly effective for stock buffering, sorting, and the streamlined handling of wide-ranging product lines.
4. What Industries Can Benefit From Using the MDS ASRS?
The MDS ASRS is built to accommodate sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, manufacturing, retail, and third-party logistics (3PL). Its ability to maintain high throughput while ensuring precision and safety makes it particularly effective for industries with strict compliance or high-volume demands across the New Zealand industrial landscape.
5. Can the MDS ASRS Operate in Cold Rooms?
The MDS ASRS is fully capable of operating in temperature-controlled environments ranging from -20°C to 50°C, making it a reliable solution for cold storage warehouses. The system’s hardware and sensors are engineered to maintain high-density performance and structural integrity in sub-zero conditions, ensuring consistent throughput for chilled or frozen inventory.
6. What Are Some Key Features of the MDS ASRS That Can Benefit Warehouses?
The MDS ASRS’s zero-code shuttling capability allows for the rapid deployment of additional units to boost productivity during peak seasonal demands, which can then be easily scaled back during standard periods. In addition, the system employs mass shuttle swarming to optimise routing and traffic flow, alongside intelligent sensors that provide collision prevention to ensure a secure warehouse environment.
7. How Does the MDS ASRS Demonstrate High Performance and Reliability?
The MDS ASRS delivers high performance by providing up to triple the storage capacity of traditional racking systems. Reliability is underpinned by a sturdy build designed for long-term viability, supported by data-driven predictive maintenance to identify potential issues before they impact operations. The system also performs opportunistic charging via in-built rack battery chargers, ensuring shuttles remain powered during active shifts without requiring dedicated downtime for manual charging.
8. How Does the MDS ASRS Four-Way Shuttle Contribute to Warehouse Automation?
The MDS ASRS utilises an autonomous shuttle fleet to eliminate the need for manual handling within the racking structure. These units are powered by swarm intelligence, enabling real-time data exchange between shuttles to coordinate movements and prevent bottlenecks. This level of warehouse automation supports “lights-out” operations, allowing the facility to run continuously without the need for constant human supervision or ambient lighting.
9. How Does the MDS ASRS Demonstrate AI in Its Design and Build?
The MDS ASRS incorporates decentralised “swarm intelligence”, allowing each shuttle to communicate and coordinate within a collective network. This design uses machine learning decision logic to process real-time data, enabling the system to optimise routing dynamically based on current warehouse traffic. The combination of AI-driven software and adaptable hardware ensures the system maintains high throughputs and adjusts to changing operational demands without manual reconfiguration.
10. Is the MDS ASRS Energy Efficient and Sustainable?
Yes. The MDS ASRS is engineered for sustainability, utilising high-efficiency lithium batteries that offer a longer lifecycle and reduced environmental impact. The system incorporates intelligent power management to regulate energy use based on real-time operational demands, effectively minimising energy waste. Opportunistic charging allows shuttles to recharge during active shifts within the racking structure, eliminating the need for separate charging rooms and reducing the overall energy footprint of the facility.
11. What Are the System Components of the MDS ASRS?
The MDS ASRS consists of the multi-directional shuttle, a racking system, an industrial PC for centralised control, a smart lifter, and an inbound induction and profile checker.
12. What Is the Load Capacity of the MDS ASRS?
Dexion’s MDS ASRS has a load capacity of up to 1,500 kilograms.
13. How High Is the Investment for the Initial Setup of the MDS ASRS?
The MDS ASRS requires a moderate initial investment compared to conventional ASRS systems, which often involve significantly higher entry costs.
14. Can the MDS ASRS Be Integrated with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)?
Yes, the MDS ASRS is designed for seamless integration with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) through standard software interfaces. This connectivity allows for real-time data synchronisation between the automated shuttle fleet and the overarching inventory management platform. By linking these systems, facilities can achieve full visibility of stock movements and automate order fulfilment processes with high precision.
15. Is the MDS ASRS Scalable?
The MDS ASRS is a fully modular system designed for expansion and growth. It allows for a smaller initial setup that expands seamlessly as operational requirements grow.
16. Is the MDS ASRS Safe and Secure?
Yes, the MDS ASRS prioritises data security by using encrypted communication protocols for all API access, protecting the system from unauthorised entry and cyber threats. To further ensure operational integrity, the system is hosted locally behind IT security infrastructures, keeping sensitive warehouse data within the facility’s controlled network.
17. I’m Interested in the MDS ASRS. Where Do I Go From Here?
Contact Dexion for a comprehensive consultation. The process typically involves on-site visits to assess specific goals and storage challenges, followed by a collaborative design phase. This ensures the MDS ASRS is integrated into a tailored solution that enhances facility performance and operational efficiency.
