Simulation-based performance analysis of automated single-tray vertical lift module

In this paper a simulation analysis of an automated single-tray Vertical Lift Module (VLM) system is presented. Compared to other well-known warehouse systems, a VLM system can provide moderate throughput capacity and lower investment cost. The objective of the study is to investigate benefits of a single-tray VLM system design in terms of reducing transactions’ mean cycle time, which results in increased throughput of the system. Performance of the single-tray VLM is evaluated regarding alternative design configurations and the velocity profiles. The results show that single-tray VLM systems are effective and may serve as guideline for warehouse designers in designing a new or improving an existing automated warehouse system.

[1]  Turan Erman Erkan,et al.  SELECTING THE BEST WAREHOUSE DATA COLLECTING SYSTEM BY USING AHP AND FAHP METHODS , 2014 .

[2]  Marko Starbek,et al.  Optimization of a Product Batch Quantity , 2014 .

[3]  Stephen C. Graves,et al.  Optimal Storage Assignment in Automatic Warehousing Systems , 1976 .

[4]  Tihomir Opetuk,et al.  A throughput model for a dual-tray Vertical Lift Module with a human order-picker , 2015 .

[5]  Zaki Sari,et al.  SIMULATION ANALYSIS OF SHUTTLE BASED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS , 2015 .

[6]  Tone Lerher,et al.  Simulation analysis of mini-load multi-shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems , 2011 .

[7]  Russell D. Meller,et al.  A throughput model for carousel/VLM pods , 2004 .

[8]  Yavuz A. Bozer,et al.  Travel-Time Models for Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems , 1984 .

[9]  Kees Jan Roodbergen,et al.  A survey of literature on automated storage and retrieval systems , 2009, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[10]  Herwig Winkler,et al.  IN-PLANT LOGISTICS EFFICIENCY VALUATION USING DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION , 2015 .

[11]  Li Wang,et al.  Analytical travel time models for multi-aisle automated storage and retrieval systems , 2016, 2016 International Conference on Logistics, Informatics and Service Sciences (LISS).

[12]  Stephen C. Graves,et al.  Storage-Retrieval Interleaving in Automatic Warehousing Systems , 1977 .

[13]  Paul Young,et al.  Supply Chain Analysis Using Simulation, Gaussian Process Modelling and Optimisation , 2013 .

[14]  Noureddine Ghouali,et al.  Travel-time models for flow-rack automated storage and retrieval systems , 2005 .

[15]  Hark Hwang,et al.  Travel-time models considering the operating characteristics of the storage and retrieval machine , 1990 .

[16]  Marc Goetschalckx,et al.  Research on warehouse operation: A comprehensive review , 2007, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[17]  Kees Jan Roodbergen,et al.  Layout and routing methods for warehouses , 2001 .

[18]  P. C. Schuur,et al.  Mathematical model for warehouse design and product allocation , 2005 .

[19]  Kgs Krajnc,et al.  MULTI-OBJECTIVE BUFFER SPACE ALLOCATION WITH THE CROSS-ENTROPY METHOD , 2013 .