Automated Stacker Cranes: A Two-Step Storage Reallocation Process for Enhanced Service Efficiency

Processes

Bashir Salah¹  Rafiq Ahmad²  Mohammed Alnahhal³ 

[1] Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia;Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada;Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 10021, United Arab Emirates;

关键词: automated storage and retrieval system;    simulation;    optimization approach;    storage assignment;   

DOI  :  10.3390/pr10010002

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) play a key role in improving the performance of automated manufacturing systems, warehouses, and distribution centers. In the modern manufacturing industry, the term (AS/RS) refers to various methods under computer control for storing and retrieving loads automatically from defined storage locations. Using an (AS/RS) is not considered a value-added activity. Therefore, the longer (AS/RS) travels, the more expensive the warehousing process becomes. This paper presents an algorithm for minimizing total travel distance/time between input/output (I/O) stations. The proposed algorithm is used to manage the storage and retrieval orders on warehouse shelves in class-based storage on the storage racks. It contains two steps: the first step is to evacuate some storage compartments (locations) near the I/O station; in the second step, some tote bins are reallocated to compartments closer to the I/O station. Among the features of this algorithm are mechanisms that determine the number of reallocated tote bins, which tote bins to reallocate, and in which direction (toward the I/O station or away from it). A simulation model using R software developed specifically for this purpose was used to validate the suggested method. Based on the results, the new method can reduce the service time per order by about 10% to 20%, depending on parameters like the number of orders and the height of the storage rack.

【 授权许可】

Unknown