Automated tray-type racking systems offer the following advantages and features:

I. Advantages

1. High space utilization rate
- It adopts a three-dimensional storage structure, making full use of the vertical space in the warehouse. Compared with traditional flat warehouses, it can store more goods in a limited floor area. For example, a typical flat warehouse is 5 meters high, while an automated tray-type racking system can be built to over ten meters or even higher, greatly increasing storage capacity.
- Trays can be closely arranged on multiple levels of the rack. Through reasonable layout design, the occupation of ineffective spaces such as aisles is reduced, maximizing the use of warehouse space.
2. High storage density
- Due to its compact storage method, the spacing between trays can be optimized according to the size of the goods and the specifications of the handling equipment. This high-density storage method is particularly suitable for storing small and lightweight materials, such as electronic components, hardware accessories, and small mechanical parts.
- It can accommodate more cargo units in the same warehouse area, reducing the storage cost per unit of goods.
3. High degree of automation
- Equipped with advanced automated equipment, such as stacker cranes, conveyor systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), or shuttle cars. This equipment can automatically complete tray in-storage, storage, and out-storage operations according to preset programs.
- For example, stacker cranes can quickly and accurately handle trays between multiple levels of the rack, greatly improving the efficiency of goods storage and retrieval. It can accurately place trays in designated locations or retrieve trays from designated locations according to the instructions of the warehouse management system (WMS), reducing errors and labor intensity of manual operations.
 

4. Precise inventory management
- Automated tray-type racking systems are closely integrated with inventory management systems. Each tray can be identified using technologies such as barcodes and RFID. The system can track the location, storage quantity, and in-storage time of the tray in real-time.
- This makes inventory checks more accurate and efficient. Managers can obtain detailed inventory data at any time, enabling precise replenishment, allocation, and other inventory operations. For example, in the parts warehouse of an automobile manufacturing enterprise, the automated racking system can precisely manage the inventory of thousands of parts, ensuring the timely supply of parts on the production line.
5. Good cargo protection
- Trays are stored relatively independently on the racks, avoiding mutual squeezing and collision between goods. The rack structure design can provide good support and protection for the trays. For fragile goods or goods with high surface precision requirements, such as precision instruments and glass products, it can effectively prevent damage.
- At the same time, warehouse environmental control is relatively easy to achieve. By installing temperature and humidity control equipment, dust-proof equipment, etc., a suitable storage environment can be provided for the goods.
6. Improved operational efficiency
- The high-speed operation and precise operation of automated equipment significantly increase the speed of goods in-storage and out-storage. Compared with manual handling and searching for goods, automated racking systems can complete a large number of tray storage and retrieval tasks in a short time.
- For example, in the sorting center of e-commerce logistics, automated tray-type racking systems can quickly process a large number of order goods, accurately sort and store the goods, or directly ship them to meet the logistics needs of rapid turnover.

7. High safety
- Reduces the risk of manual operations at high altitudes on the racks. Automated equipment replaces manual operations for high-altitude goods storage and retrieval, reducing the possibility of accidents such as falls caused by high-altitude operations.
- At the same time, the automated system itself has a complete safety mechanism, such as equipment fault alarms and anti-fall devices for goods. For example, when the stacker crane encounters an abnormal situation, it will immediately stop running and issue an alarm to prevent the expansion of the accident.

II. Features

1. Rack structure features
- Usually adopts a steel structure frame, with high load-bearing capacity and stability. The columns and beams of the rack are carefully designed and calculated to withstand the weight of a large number of trays.
- Various types of storage locations are available, such as drawer-type, shelf-type, or hanging-type. Drawer-type storage locations are suitable for storing small items with regular shapes and a certain weight, making them easy to pull out and push in; shelf-type storage locations are suitable for trays of various shapes and weights. By adjusting the height of the shelves, different sizes of goods can be accommodated; hanging-type storage locations are used in some special automated racking systems, which can better utilize space and facilitate the hanging storage of goods.
2. Tray design features
- Trays generally adopt standardized designs for easy stacking and handling on racks. Their dimensions are usually determined according to the size of the goods and the specifications of the automated equipment to ensure that the rack space is fully utilized and easy for the equipment to grasp.
- Trays are available in a variety of materials, such as plastic and metal. Plastic trays are lightweight, low-cost, and have good insulation properties, suitable for storing electronic components sensitive to static electricity; metal trays are strong and durable and can be used to store heavier goods or goods with higher protection requirements.
3. System integration features
- Automated tray-type racking systems are complex system projects that integrate warehouse management systems (WMS), warehouse control systems (WCS), and automated handling equipment control systems. These systems communicate and interact with each other through a network to achieve the automated operation of the entire racking system.
- WMS is responsible for inventory management, including the business logic of goods in-storage, out-storage, and inventory; WCS mainly controls the operation of automated handling equipment, such as the actions of stacker cranes and conveyor belts; the automated handling equipment control system is for the precise control of specific equipment, ensuring that the equipment operates according to the predetermined trajectory and action requirements.
4. Flexibility features
- Offers flexibility in warehouse layout and goods storage. The arrangement of shelves, number of aisles, and aisle width can be customized based on factors such as warehouse shape, type of goods, and traffic flow.
- The storage location of goods can also be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, frequently accessed goods can be stored in locations closer to the entrance and exit to improve operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, the system can be easily integrated with other logistics equipment and processes to adapt to the ever-changing production and logistics needs of the enterprise.