Core Library Storage Interest Group

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  • 1.  Wire-guided order pickers

    Posted Mar 01, 2023 07:28 PM

    Hello all,

     

    We are in the process of planning a new module for our high-density storage facility at the University of Texas Libraries. We have three existing modules, in which we use two order pickers, both of similar make and model.

     

    Technology has evolved since our last module was constructed, and we now have the option of a wire-guided order picker, instead of rail-guided picker (as we have in the older modules). I believe wire-guided is now the industry standard, but since it's different than what we already have, we have some questions. We understand that the aisles will need to be about 6 inches wider to accommodate the embedded wire that runs down the center of the floor in each aisle, but the width of the picker remains the same. We are wondering if the additional space between the picker and the shelves causes any challenges for staff when pulling/shelving materials.

     

    And more generally, we wonder if facilities using wire-guided order pickers are happy with them.

     

    Thanks in advance for any information you might be able to share.

    Wendy

     

    Wendy Martin
    Assistant Director of Stewardship
    University of Texas Libraries
    The University of Texas at Austin

    PCL 1.342F  |  Mail Code S5481  |  PO Box P
    Austin, TX 78713
    Phone: 512-495-4138

    wkmartin@austin.utexas.edu

     



  • 2.  RE: Wire-guided order pickers

    Posted Mar 03, 2023 07:38 AM

    Hi Wendy,

     

    I'm unfamiliar with rail-guided order pickers, but we use a wire-guided Raymond 5600 and I'm quite happy with it. Our facility's shelves are 55" apart and it doesn't feel like there's too much space in between them and the lift. It's a little annoying when the wire sensor picks up and tries to lock on when we're just moving around and not going down the aisles (usually around the outer perimeter of our shelving footprint), but that's a very minor quibble.

     

    If you'd like some images that illustrate what it looks like when we're up in the stacks from the operator's perspective, I'd be happy to share.

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Maggie Halterman-Dess (she/her/hers)
    Library Annex Coordinator, University of Iowa Libraries
    Independence Road Annex (IRA), Iowa City, Iowa 52245
    Office:319-358-9829
    Skype for Business: 319-335-0547
    lib.uiowa.edu/annex

    The University of Iowa Logo

     

    The University of Iowa is located on the homelands of the Ojibwe/Anishinaabe (Chippewa), Báxoǰe (Iowa), Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Omāēqnomenēwak (Menominee), Myaamiaki (Miami), Nutachi (Missouri), Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha), Wahzhazhe (Osage), Jiwere (Otoe), Odawaa (Ottawa), Póⁿka (Ponca), Bodéwadmi/Neshnabé (Potawatomi), Meskwaki/Nemahahaki/Sakiwaki (Sac and Fox), Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda (Sioux), Sahnish/Nuxbaaga/Nuweta (Three Affiliated Tribes) and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Nations.

     






  • 3.  RE: Wire-guided order pickers

    Posted Mar 06, 2023 06:49 AM

    Hi Wendy,

    We have both rail and wire-guided pickers. The rail-guided aisles are 53" wide while the wire-guided aisles are 54". I can't say that I even knew there was a difference between them until your query and i ran out to measure them. That single inch has not caused any problems. We have found that the wire-guided system is less expensive, but takes a second or two for the lift to lock onto it. An overeager operator can ding the bottom shelf of the first ladder or two. I would suggest installing a steel bar at the bottom of the first 2-3 ladders to protect them just in case. 

    Happy to talk further if you like,

    Ian

    ---

    Ian Bogus

    Executive Director

    Research Collections and Preservation Consortium (ReCAP)

    400 Forrestal Road

    Princeton, NJ 08540

    T. 609.258.1517

    F. 609.258.7633

    ibogus@princeton.edu

    Pronouns: he, him, his



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    Ian Bogus
    Executive Director
    ReCAP (Research Collections & Preservation Consortium)
    He/Him/His
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  • 4.  RE: Wire-guided order pickers

    Posted Mar 07, 2023 05:06 PM

    Hello Wendy and All,

    We have quite a bit of experience with coordinating aisle widths for our high-density storage systems for both rail-guided and wire-guided pickers that may be helpful here.  Generally speaking, the aisle width required for a wire-guided picker is less than what is required for a rail-guided picker.  The main reason being that we can remove the mechanical guide angles from the aisles along with the guide wheels on the picker, which reduces the overall clear space required between the ranges of shelving.  The embedded wire for the wire-guided system does not require any additional aisle space or contribute to the width of the picker itself.  Ultimately, though, the aisle width is determined by the required work platform height on the picker; greater heights will require a wider picker base and a larger aisle. 

    Regarding the interaction of the picker and the high-density system, there are accessories available for both to optimize workflow.

    We'll be happy to discuss in further detail.  Please feel free to reach out.



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    Greg Sayre
    Sales Manager
    Spacesaver Storage Systems, Inc.
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