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A geometrical approach to computing expected cycle times for zonebased storage layouts in AS/RS

2002; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 40; Issue: 17 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/00207540210153901

1366-588X

J. Ashayeri, R.M.J. Heuts, M.W.T. Valkenburg, H. Veraart, Matthias Wilhelm,

Manufacturing Process and Optimization

An exact, geometry-based analytical model is presented that can be used to compute the expected cycle time for a storage/retrieval (S/R) machine, executing single-commands, dual-commands, or both, in a rack structure that has been laid out in pre-specified storage zones for classes of goods. The rack may be either square-in-time or non-square-in-time. The approach is intuitively appealing, and it does not assume any certain layout shape, such as traditional 'L-shaped' class layouts. The model has been coded in Turbo Pascal, and can be used by designers as a tool for quickly evaluating alternative layout configurations with respect to expected S/R cycle time in an AS/RS, and thereby the throughput of an automated warehouse over time. This model has been successfully applied in a major manufacturing plant in Europe to evaluate reconfigurations of their rack storage layouts over the past five years.