Abstract
The objective of this research is to propose new routing algorithms for the Storage and Retrieval Mechanism (SRM) in the Cylindrical Automated Storage and Retrieval System (C-AS/RS) and contribute to the system conceptualization by investigating the maximum achievable retrieval request rates for different routing algorithms and system parameters. For this purpose, flexible and detailed simulation model was developed and investigated for 2 SRM types, 3 routing algorithms and a feasible set of system movement and load transfer time parameters. Based on the simulation output, the regression models for different SRM types and routing algorithms were developed for predicting the maximum retrieval request rate. The differences of the average maximum retrieval request rate were evaluated for various system configurations and routing algorithms. The alternative to optimal routing algorithm was proposed, reducing the system performance only by 1.4÷2.4% on average, but requiring significantly less calculations when planning the SRM tour. In addition, the system analysis indicated that SRM vertical velocity and load transfer time have the highest impact on the system performance and for different SRM types the average maximum retrieval request rates differ by 22.2÷31.8%.
Highlights
Warehouses play a major role in modern supply chain by consolidating a bulk production and distributing it among the customers
Cylindrical Automated Storage and Retrieval System (C-AS/RS) was developed in the AutoMod environment, which allowed to investigate the system performance for various sets of parameters and all proposed routing algorithms
NLHD = 4, number of I/O locations NIO = 4 and I/O positions lIO = 0708 meaning that the C-AS/RS has 4 input conveyors installed at rack level 7 and 4 output conveyors installed at level 8
Summary
Warehouses play a major role in modern supply chain by consolidating a bulk production and distributing it among the customers. Today’s warehouses require to handle complex flows and provide a wide range of different services, so they should be equipped with intelligent and reliable technologies, which would solve the transportation and distribution problems of loads efficiently. The most common technology for the automated transportation of loads in the warehouse is Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), which have been integrated into many warehouses and distribution centres so far. The main purpose of the AS/RS is to automate the load storage and retrieval process in the warehouse, reduce labour costs, human error rates, increase system performance and storage capacity. Each type of AS/RS can be customized for the required system design and will benefit the material handling process by reduced labour costs, storage footprint, time required to store and retrieve items from the storage locations. The complex system design decisions should be made in order to define physical and control parameters when selecting the AS/RS for a specific material handling system (Roodbergen, Vis 2009)
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