Texas Instruments installs automated warehouse system

Texas Instruments has installed the AutoStore inventory management system in its product distribution centre (PDC) in Singapore. This marks the first installation of AutoStore by a semiconductor company, as well as the first of its kind in Asia, claims the company.

AutoStore uses warehouse automation and reduces the amount of space required for inventory. Goods are stored in bins within an aluminium grid structure, and battery-driven robots move along rails on the top of the grid to store and retrieve product from the bins. The robots deliver requested goods to operator ports along the outside of the grid. TI’s installation of this unique solution will include 63,000 storage bins for TI products.

“At full capacity, the AutoStore system will provide several benefits for TI’s customers, including increased storage and shipping capabilities,” said Jan De Meulder, director of worldwide logistics at TI. “This innovative warehouse automation system will make more inventory readily available to our customers in Asia and improve the efficiency and reliability of our shipments.”

A joint effort between TI and its logistics suppliers, DHL and Swisslog, the newly automated PDC began ramping up this week and will be in full production by September.

“This investment demonstrates how companies can deploy material handling solutions to significantly increase efficiency and productivity, enhance competitiveness and upskill the jobs in the logistics operations. This is also a good example of how the logistics industry in Singapore can continue to transform itself and strengthen its position as a leading global logistics hub,” said Kelvin Wong, Executive Director, Singapore Economic Development Board.

TI commissioned Swisslog to design and implement AutoStore, which includes the grid system, AutoStore software and the light goods conveyor system.

DHL provides complete contract logistics support at TI’s PDC in Singapore and has been an integral partner through the design and implementation of AutoStore. By allowing four times the amount of product to be stored within the same footprint, the integrated design will support years of growth in this strategic PDC location.