Automated racking systems for storage in Ireland
Stacker cranes, vertical lift systems and warehouse management software
OHRA designs and supplies a full range of automated storage solutions for Irish operations — from semi-automated stacker crane systems suitable for medium-scale timber and building materials operations, to fully automated order picking warehouses and vertical lift systems for high-throughput industrial environments. Every system is planned from your goods, your building, and your operational processes outward — not a standard package fitted to a non-standard situation.
Advantages of OHRA Automated Storage :
- Single source for storage and equipment design
- Warehouse management system is available
- Variety of equipment designs available
- Units which can negotiate curves as well as straight runs
- Load capacity of up to 8000 kg
The working mode of the storage and retrieval unit depends on the type of warehouse.
Semi-automatic warehouse
In a semi-automatic system, a storage and retrieval machine (stacker crane) moves automatically to the rack position specified by the operator via the control interface. Travel along the aisle, positioning in front of the storage location, and height adjustment are all machine-controlled and fully automatic. Loading and unloading of goods at the rack face is then carried out by the operator — either directly from a picking platform on the crane itself, or via a transfer station at the aisle entry point.
Fully automated warehouse
In a fully automated warehouse, all processes are pre-set on warehouse management software. Commands are transmitted automatically to the control unit of the storage and retrieval machine. All steps (including racking unit start-up, positioning in front of the racking position, lifting and lowering of loads, and journey to pick-up station) are fully automated, without any warehouse staff involvement.
Automated warehouse key info:
- One storage and retrieval machine to serve several aisles
- Connects to warehouse management system
- Very narrow aisle width
- Top storage level up to 20m in height, and loads of up to 5 tonnes
- Can store products up to 8m in length
Fully automated order picking systems
In a fully automated warehouse, all storage, retrieval, and material handling processes are controlled by warehouse management software and executed without operator involvement. Commands are generated by the WMS based on incoming orders, stock rotation rules, and storage location logic, and transmitted automatically to the storage and retrieval machine's control unit. The stacker crane handles every step independently: travel to the correct aisle, positioning at the specified storage location, lifting or lowering of the load, and return to the transfer station for handoff to the next stage of the logistics process. No warehouse staff involvement is required during the storage or retrieval cycle itself.
Stacker cranes
Stacker cranes are rail-guided vehicles designed for handling loads in an automated racking system. The maximum height of stacker crane is 46m. Depending on the goods stored, weight and dimensions there are different types of stacker cranes, which are explained below:
OHRA two-mast stacker crane for long goods and heavy products
With load capacity up to 8 tonnes, two-mast stacker is ideal for handling large volume and heavy goods where high rise racks are needed. The two mast stacker is mostly used in storing building material, timber, slabs or paper processing industry. Stacker can handle large volumes of long goods using small area and reasonable costs. Our manual standard devices with standard platforms can be used for direct 'man at the goods' order-picking at the rack.
OHRA two-mast stacker cranes benefits:
- Ideal for long goods
- Bearing loads up to 8,000 kg
- Device can be supplied with platform for manual order-picking
- Curve-operation - for handling several aisles
OHRA stacker crane - up to 12m storage heights
Our special stacker crane can assist you in achieving automated storage of Euro pallets and pallet cages in heights up to 12m. It is better alternative compared to VNA trucks. Our stacker crane chassis allows for direct driving on hall floor. Device is available for curve operation and it is favourably priced, with modular concept.
OHRA 12m stacker crane - key advantages
- Ideal for order-picking warehouses or automated buffer warehouses
- Modular concept
- Building height can be up to 12m
- Ideal for narrow aisle warehouses
- Curve-operated for dealing with multiple aisles
OHRA stacker crane for up to 25m storage heights
Our high-rise stacker crane is suitable for storing pallets and pallet caged materials in high-rise racks up to 25m. Stackers can be provided with telescopic forks for single or double depth storage or with shuttle system or load carrying configuration. The high-rise stacker can be selected with or without driver cabin.
OHRA high-rise stacker crane : key features
- Ideal for high performance warehouses
- For pallets and pallet cages with storage heights up to 25 m
- Curve-operation for dealing and navigating through several aisles
TowerMat
Storage System Vertical Lift for Heavy Goods – Available in Three Variants
The TowerMat is perfect for saving space when storing long loads, sheet metal, or pallets – especially if you want to use the height of your warehouse efficiently. The flexible modular system adapts to the requirements of the stored goods and to the structural circumstances of the building. Depending on the variant, cassettes or system pallets with a load of up to 8 tons can be stored. The stored goods are automatically delivered to the operator according to the principle of goods-to-person.
There are three variants with different capacities:
1. TowerMat TM-EE is suited for small to medium storage capacities and provides a compact solution.
2. TowerMat TM-FE is suited for medium storage capacities and with multiple storage towers and a central stacker crane achieves very high efficiency.
3. TowerMat TM-RE is the strongest variant, which is suitable for large storage capacities and includes a side-traveling stacker crane with several storage towers.
Features of the System:
- Flexible system for storing long loads, sheet metal, or pallets
- Load capacity up to 8 t per storage location, maximum payload up to 400 t
- Machine heights up to 25 m possible
- Highly efficient storage and retrieval by integrated stacker crane
- Possible single or multi-row arrangement
- Optional rear access or roof penetration
The TowerMat can be integrated without difficulty into existing logistics systems and increase storage capacity even in smallest spaces
PickMat – Automated Handling System for Laser Processing
With PickMat, an automatic material handling system for laser processes is achieved. The system takes care of the feed of the material as well as the storage of the cut sheet metal parts. Recycling of scrap sheets can be done with ease. Due to shorter loading and unloading processes, increased efficiency during the manufacturing process can be obtained.
Key Advantages:
- Automatic linking to laser cutting systems
- Compatibility with current storage systems
- Common brands compatible
- Shorter loading and unloading processes
- Gentle handling of materials
- Individual layout according to customer specifications
PickMat is ideally suited for companies that aim at utilising the maximum in sheet metal processing in combination with automatic storage technology.
InterMat – Carousel Storage System via the Paternoster Principle
The InterMat system represents a carousel storage system which works according to the paternoster concept. Goods are made available to the operator with the touch of a button - quickly, safely, and without any manual search processes. Typical areas of application include the storage of long goods, cable drums, cylinders, or rollable material.
Technical Features:
- Carousel system with carrier control optimised for access
- Particularly suitable for long goods, tires, rolls, or tools
- Possible use of vertical and horizontal space
- Special sizes and tailor-made solutions available
- Particularly suited for pits, bridge construction, or restricted space
Due to the versatility of the system, the InterMat system can be ideally adapted to existing production or logistics systems and can make best use of otherwise unused overhead capacity.
Warehouse Management Software for Irish Industry
We are able to create fully automated warehouse management software, which creates a logistics solution that is tailor-made according to your current organizational structure. From the information gathered about your item turnover and organizational structure, we will collaborate with your employees to come up with ideas that will serve as a specification book for the automated storage system. In return, you will have an automated standard warehouse management system that guarantees instant and long-term cost savings.
Advantages of OHRA Warehouse Management Software:
- Analysis of the current structure of your organisation in order to enhance process quality of your warehouse and technical system
- Effective deployment of your employees
- Solution creation
- Presentation of results and specification book
- Storage capacity optimisation
- Fifo-Lifo-BBD
- ABC classification
- Bay/Stock blocking
- Order-picking optimisation feature
If you're considering automated storage for an Irish operation — whether you're at the early stage of evaluating options or ready to move into detailed project planning — get in touch. OHRA will carry out a no-obligation analysis of your existing warehouse operation and goods profile, and advise on the most appropriate automated storage solution for your business and your budget.
References for automated storage solutions
Drevo Trust
Drevo Trust has commissioned one of the first fully automatic warehouses for wooden plate materials in the Czech Republic.
Fikszo
Half-automated storage – Central warehouse with 3 automatic rack-mounted units
Fehr
The heart of Robert Fehr’s new building in Andelfingen, Switzerland, is a semi-automated warehouse for wooden boards up to 6,0 metres long and 2,5 metres wide.
