Horizontal carousels are automated storage solutions that improve picking productivity and save space. These innovative storage systems are used in order fulfillment, MRO spare parts storage, manufacturing, healthcare supply storage, retail, and more. If you’re looking for a way to boost productivity and efficiency in your warehouse or distribution center, horizontal carousels could be the solution you need. (Check out more of our industrial storage solutions here.)

Read on to learn about:

  • How to use
  • Types of horizontal carousel systems
  • Benefits
  • Features & specifications

Horizontal carousels are automated storage solutions that improve picking productivity and save space. These innovative storage systems are used in order fulfillment, MRO spare parts storage, manufacturing, healthcare supply storage, retail, and more. If you’re looking for a way to boost productivity and efficiency in your warehouse or distribution center, horizontal carousels could be the solution you need. (Check out more of our industrial storage solutions here.)

Read on to learn about:

  • How to use
  • Types
  • Benefits
  • Features & specifications

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How to Use a Horizontal Carousel

Remstar horizonal carousel posterA horizontal carousel is an automated storage and retrieval system with suspended motorized shelves that rotate horizontally on an oval track. The carousel rotates automatically to bring stored items to the operator at a picking station. They can be operated by one or multiple pickers, depending on the scale of your operations.

These horizontal inventory carousels integrate with warehouse management software to automate the order fulfillment process. The software organizes orders into batches, and the carousels rotate automatically to bring stored goods to a centralized picking station. A touchscreen indicates the product and quantity needed, and pick-to-light technology directs operators to the exact storage location of the product. Then, put-to-light technology shows the operator which bin to place the products in at the order station. Visit our online store to see our industrial storage products.

Types of Horizontal Carousel Systems

horizontal carousel storage system rotatingHorizontal carousels can be organized in several different layouts to suit the requirements of warehouses of various sizes. Smaller businesses might only need (or have the space for) a single storage carousel. But larger warehouses and distribution centers with high picking operations can use multiple carousels. Below are some design considerations for increasing productivity.

  • Dual station: two carousels arranged side-by-side in an I- or L-shaped configuration, easily operated by a single order picker
  • Triple or quadruple station: three or four carousels arranged in L-, I-, or U-shaped configurations; optimal when operated by multiple pickers simultaneously
  • Multilevel station: two or three carousels arranged on top of one another; autonomous order picking by a single operator on each level; suitable for warehouses with higher ceilings
  • Lifting workstation: a combination of two to four 13-foot-high carousels with a lifting platform that transports the order picker to the retrieval location

Not sure if a carousel storage system is right for you? See how horizontal carousels compare with other automated storage and retrieval systems here.

Benefits of Horizontal Carousels

Productivity

benefits of horizontal carouselsHorizontal carousels operate on the “goods-to-person” principle, meaning that the storage system brings the needed products directly to the operator that can pick multiple orders simultaneously. By eliminating order picking walk and search time, carousels increase productivity.  Because the carousels have high throughput picking, labor can be reduced by up to 2/3.

Picking Accuracy

Pick-to-light and put-to-light software integrate with the horizontal inventory carousel system to increase order fulfillment accuracy to 99.9%. This technology uses LED lights to indicate the exact storage position of the required items, the quantity needed, and the designated bins to distribute them into when fulfilling batch orders. Not only does this save operators time, but it also virtually eliminates errors.

Space Savings

A carousel storage system is a great way to save floor space in your facility. They’re a space-efficient solution for facilities with low ceilings, but they can be assembled up to three levels high to maximize the storage capacity in areas with high ceilings. Bin carrier shelves are adjustable to maximize storage density, and the picking station can be as small as 54 square feet. Altogether, these spinning racks can save up to 60-75% of floor space.

Inventory Management

horizontal carousel inventory management softwareInventory management software integrates with storage carousels to provide advantages such as continual cycle counting, an entire transaction history, low inventory alerts, audit tracking, and access control. The carousel’s software and pick to light technology provide superior inventory management.

Learn more about these and other benefits of horizontal carousels here.

Carousel Features & Specifications

Kardex Remstar horizontal carousel features include:

  • Integration with printers, scanners, conveyors, and other technology
  • Optional security doors and wire safety fence
  • Adjustable shelves for storing items of different sizes
  • Easily split pods into different work zones during peak demand times to meet seasonal picking requirements
  • Operable in controlled environments, including coolers and freezers
  • Batch-picking software available
  • Available in pods of two to four carousels
  • Facilitates single or multiuser operation
  • Multilevel picking available with up to three tiers

Kardex horizontal carousel module dimensions: horizontal carousel dimensions

  • Width: 6 to 7 feet
  • Height: 7 to 13.5 feet
  • Length: 19 to 153 feet
  • Number of carriers: 12 to 120, depending on the carousel and carrier shelf size
  • Maximum payload: 54 tons
  • Rotational speed: 85 feet per minute

Carousel bin carrier dimensions:

  • Width: 24 to 37″
  • Depth: 18 to 24″
  • Height: 6 to 12 feet
  • Weight capacity: 600 to 2000 lbs. (75 to 200 lbs. per shelf)

Kardex Remstar horizontal carousels are a cost-effective solution that can fit businesses of all sizes. The estimated budgetary pricing for a horizontal carousel is $3,000 per carousel foot. Pricing depends on the number and size of carousels, inventory management software requirements,  and optional accessories. Please speak with one of our representatives to find your application’s exact carousel price.

shopping cart iconPrices for Industrial Products

See specifications and pricing for open & closed shelving, sliding bin shelving, shelving with drawers, and bulk rack.

Contact Us

Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for Kardex Remstar horizontal carousels and other automated storage systems. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your exact needs and specifications before the design begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.

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Industrial Testimonials

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“Working with Southwest Solutions including Matt, Susan, and especially Brad was great. They provide amazing customer service. Brad and the install team were especially great. Very professional, easy to work with, and did the work quickly and very well with very little input from us. If we need help with carousel storage moves, parts, or new equipment we will start with Southwest Solutions. ”

Ricoh
etihad airways logo

“The team at Southwest Solutions were nothing short of fantastic. First meeting with Craig, I received a customized design, in person, based on my office needs while still maintaining an efficient layout and being cost effective. Craig explained everything clearly, allowing me to understand that as modular mill-work, I would be able to move it if I ever changed offices, but without the added sales pressure to immediately make a decision. Once I had decided, I worked with Chris who assisted in picking out the finishes and scheduling the delivery and installation. The professionalism of Craig and Chris spoke volumes and I would highly recommend anyone looking to transform or fit-out an office to contact Southwest Solutions.”

Etihad Airways
Harvey-Cleary Builders

“I want to let you know that we all really appreciated your team mentality, professionalism and dedication shown on this project. It was a pleasure working with you and your office and we look forward to many more. Please pass along my gratitude to everyone who worked on this project. Thanks! ”

Harvey-Cleary Builders
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“I just want to take a minute to let you know how good of a job your install crew did yesterday. They were quick, fast, courteous and very consensus during the install. They were awesome to say the least. Being in the service business ourselves, we know that you can never hear the words “Good Job” often enough. Please pass this along to your crew.”
Crain Buick GMC

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