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Travel-time models for flow-rack automated storage and retrieval systems

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Abstract

In this paper, closed-form travel-time expressions for flow-rack automated storage and retrieval systems are developed. The expressions, which are based on a continuous approach, are compared for accuracy, via simulation, with exact models which are based on a discrete approach.

There is no significant difference between the results obtained from the continuous-approach-based closed-form expressions and the ones from the discrete-approach-based exact solutions. The closed-form expressions are easy to calculate due to their simplistic forms, even without a computer, while the exact solutions are extremely complex. On the basis of computation time, the proposed closed-form expressions are extremely practical when compared with the discrete-approach-based expressions, which require extensive computation time.

The closed-form travel-time expressions developed in this study can be used to (1) establish performance standards for existing AS/RS, (2) evaluate throughput performance for flow-rack AS/RS alternative design configurations, and (3) compare different storage techniques for improved system performance. Due to their simplistic, yet accurate, definitions, the closed-form expressions, as well as the results of this study, are applicable to industry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire d’Automatique de Tlemcen, Université de Tlemcen, B.P. 119, 13000, Tlemcen, Algeria

    Zaki Sari & Noureddine Ghouali

  2. Engineering Management Department, University of Missouri – Rolla, 1870 Miner Circle, Rolla, MO 65409, USA

    Can Saygin

Authors
  1. Zaki Sari
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  2. Can Saygin
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  3. Noureddine Ghouali
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Correspondence to Can Saygin.

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Sari, Z., Saygin, C. & Ghouali, N. Travel-time models for flow-rack automated storage and retrieval systems. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 25, 979–987 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-003-1932-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-003-1932-3

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