The buffer storage overcomes the limitation of the VPR's unchangeable (no moving parts!) inlet orifice.

Additional materials handling equipment (bucket elevator and belt conveyors) and buffer storage silo are not required;

AS/RS to support production as buffer storage for raw materials and finished goods.

Conveying technology, in combination with an automatic load-handling device, automatically transports containers to the supplier's Megamat RS vertical carousel for buffer storage. On demand, the containers can then be sequenced according to customer-specific shipping options (such as delivery time) and automatically retrieved for packaging or sent directly to shipping.

To increase productivity, traceability and reduce waste in perishable food applications, the MultiPick robotic gantry system combines buffer storage and order fulfillment in a single automated system.

A re-circulation loop has been included in the conveyor system provide buffer storage when the packing areas are busy.

European Conveyor Systems has completed the installation of a heavy-duty pallet handling system at McCain Foods' factory, near Peterborough to provide significant buffer storage between production and cold store.

Containers and equipment that may be used to provide for buffer storage and transfer would include tubs, flats or baskets moved by lift truck; hoppers and chutes moved by lift truck; roller and monorail conveyors; powered rollers; and conveyor belts.

These functions would be all tied together wherever possible with automated material handling, including buffer storage.

2 Human-free access to secondary manufacturing and buffer storage areas

The system is designed for constant replenishment of all buffer storage areas while fast-moving, slow-moving, full-case and split-case product from each area is shipped.