Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Simulation analysis of mini-load multi-shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Technological developments in warehouses have changed processes of storage operations, which reflect in short response times of the storage or retrieval of goods, the reduction of stocks and the volume of storage work as well as the automation of the entire warehouse management. Many companies are replacing traditional warehouses with automated storage and retrieval systems, which can be classified into unit-load and mini-load systems. In this paper, the simulation analysis of mini-load multi-shuttle systems is discussed and evaluated. Multi-shuttle systems are based on the quadruple and sextuple command cycle and could therefore achieve higher throughput capacities due to single-shuttle systems. Different analytical models are used by practitioners for designing multi-shuttle systems. The problem arises with the selection of the appropriate analytical model for which the condition of minimal differences with actual circumstances in practice is fulfilled. For the evaluation of the two well-known analytical models, the discrete event simulations have been used. Beside the evaluation of analytical models, the results of simulation analyses showed throughput improvements for triple-shuttle systems according to dual-shuttle systems. The main objective of this paper is to determine the performance of presented models (analytical and simulation models) of multi-shuttle systems, which represents the main share and support in design process of mini-load multi-shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Siemens Dematic. http://www.siemens-dematic.com/. Accessed 18 October 2009

  2. Stöcklin. http://www.stoecklin.com/. Accessed 18 October 2009

  3. Hausman HW, Schwarz BL, Graves CS (1976) Optimal storage assignment in automatic warehousing systems. Manage Sci 22(6):629–638

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  4. Graves SC, Hausman WH, Schwarz LB (1977) Storage retrieval interleaving in automatic warehousing systems. Manage Sci 23(9):935–945

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  5. Bozer AY, White AJ (1984) Travel time models for automated storage and retrieval systems. IIE Trans 16(4):329–338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Han MH, Mcginnis FL (1987) On sequencing retrievals in an automated storage and retrieval system. IIE Trans 19(1):56–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Sari Z, Saygin C, Ghouali N (2000) Travel-time models for flow-rack automated storage and retrieval systems. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 25(9–10):979–987

    Google Scholar 

  8. De Koster MBM, Le-Duc T, Yu Y (2008) Optimal storage rack design for a 3-dimensional compact AS/RS. Int J Prod Res 46(6):1495–1514

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  9. Yu Y, De Koster MBM (2009) Designing an optimal turnover-based storage rack for a 3D compact AS/RS. Int J Prod Res 47(6):1551–1571

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  10. Yu Y, De Koster MBM (2009) Optimal zone boundaries for two class-based compact 3D AS/RS. IIE Trans 41(3):194–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Gu J, Goetschalckx M, McGinnis LF (2007) Research on warehouse operation: a comprehensive review. Eur J Oper Res 177(1):1–21

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  12. Roodbergen KJ, Vis FA (2009) A survey of literature on automated storage and retrieval systems. Eur J Oper Res 194(2):343–362

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  13. Keserla A, Peters AB (1994) Analysis of dual-shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems. J Manuf Syst 13(6):424–434

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Meller DR, Mungwatana A (1997) Multi-shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems. IIE Trans 29(10):925–938

    Google Scholar 

  15. Gudehus T (1973) Principles of order picking: operations in distribution and warehousing systems. Essen, Germany

  16. Potrč I, Lerher T, Kramberger J, Šraml M (2004) The design of automated storage and retrieval systems using a simulation modeling approach. Journal of Mechanical Engineering 50(11):504–529

    Google Scholar 

  17. Potrč I, Lerher T, Kramberger J, Šraml M (2003) Analytical and simulation approach for design of AS/RS. International Journal Simulation Modelling 2(3):70–77

    Google Scholar 

  18. Vidovics H (1994) Die Systemanalyse und Umschlagleistungen von Regalförderzeugen mit Mehrfachlastaufnahmemitteln, Ph.D. thesis. Graz, Technische Universität Graz

  19. M Load (2002) Cycle time calculations and database for storage and retrieval machines with multiple load carrying attachments Version 1.0. Institute for materials handling, construction machines and logistics, TU Dresden

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia

    Tone Lerher & Iztok Potrč

  2. Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia

    Matjaž Šraml

Authors
  1. Tone Lerher
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Matjaž Šraml
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Iztok Potrč
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tone Lerher.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lerher, T., Šraml, M. & Potrč, I. Simulation analysis of mini-load multi-shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 54, 337–348 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-010-2916-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-010-2916-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation