ATAS

Automated Tool Access System

CSL was employed by a chemical handling company to design, fabricate and commission three automated storage units for tools. The ATAS prevents an operator from cross contaminating products by using the incorrect tools. The ATAS has 20 compartments; a dedicated tool box is stored in each compartment. Access to the compartments is controlled by electronic locks. Using the barcodes on the products the ATAS determines which door to release to allow access to the correct tool box; the other compartments will remain locked preventing access to the wrong tool boxes. The ATAS also ensures that the tool is aligned with the correct work station, making it impossible to use the wrong tool box in the wrong work station. Access for the products into the work station is controlled by an automatic barrier (pedestrian access is available at all times). Only if the operator has the correct tool and product for the task will the barrier open to allow access for the product into the work station.

Specification

A typical ATAS has the following specifications (these can be varied):

• 20 x compartments (4 wide and 5 high).
• 300 x 400 mm opening to each compartment 400mm deep.
• Unit overall dimensions 1900 x 405 x 1800 mm (l x b x h).
• Stainless steel pull handles on each door.
• 20 x electronic door locks & door sensors.
• 20 x compartment lights & sensors.
• Colour 15” touch-screen.

The 15” colour touch-screen monitor allows the operator to interact and control the ATAS in conjunction with wireless bar code scanners.

Additional Features

• An ATAS can communicate with computer based systems such as SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems or WMS (Warehouse Management Systems).
• An ATAS is fully expandable, additional compartments can easily be added to the system.
• The software can be customised for different applications.