Performance of Dual Stacker Automated Storageand Retrieval System with Double-DeepConfiguration

What is it about?

An automated storage and retrieval system(AS/RS) is one of the computer-controlled Material HandlingSystems (MHSs), playing an important role in modernwarehousing operations. With the rapid development of e-commerce, the efficiency and accuracy of warehousingoperations are crucial to the competitiveness of enterprises.Among them, the stacker crane, as the core equipment of AS/RS,has a key role in storing and retrieving goods. However,maximizing its efficiency as well as improving storage spaceremains a challenging issue. In this study, dual stacker AS/RSwas developed with parallel processing capabilities. Throughthe simulation-based experiment via FlexSim, the performanceof dual stacker AS/RS was evaluated for the double-deep rackand compared to traditional AS/RS under different order rates,storage assignment methods, and input/output configurations.The experimental results showed that the dual stacker AS/RShad 21 −78% higher throughput, and 22 −51% lower traveldistance, but 63−251% longer response time than single stackerAS/RS since it required longer exploration time. However, thefaster the order rate, the response time impact became lessobvious. The idle rate of dual stacker was consistently higherthan single stacker leading to a more robust system to cope withorder uncertainty and potentially lower energy consumption.The better performance of both single stacker and dual stackerAS/RS was achieved with class-based storage and doubleinput/output configuration.

Featured Image

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Proposing innovative design of AS/RS for automated warehousing.

Perspectives