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Rule of thumb heuristics for configuring storage racks in automated storage and retrieval systems design
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2001
Year
Automated StorageStorage PerformanceEngineeringStorage ManagementComputer ArchitectureStorage StructureStorage Rack ConfigurationsOperations ResearchStorage SystemsSystems EngineeringStorage RacksRetrieval MachinesParallel ComputingCombinatorial OptimizationData ManagementThumb HeuristicsDesignComputer EngineeringComputer ScienceStorage AllocationStorage VirtualizationStorage AssignmentStorage System Modeling
A well-known rule of thumb for evaluating storage rack configurations in automated storage and retrieval (ASR) systems is modified to avoid the need for two key assumptions. These are the proportion of single and dual command order picking cycles used in operating a system and the total storage capacity requirements when randomized versus dedicated storage is used. Procedures for generating ASR system cost estimates are also directly coupled with models for estimating the utilization of storage and retrieval machines. Additional performance criteria for evaluation of alternative rack configurations are proposed. The modified rules of thumb are also designed for implementation on PC-level hardware, but with adequate computational efficiency for analysing a broad range of rack design alternatives in large-scale applications. They are demonstrated using a realistic sample problem.