The impact of batch retrievals on throughput performance of a carousel system serviced by a storage and retrieval machine

    Authors

    J. A. Pazour;R. D. Meller

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Int. J. Prod. Econ.

    Keywords

    Automated carousel systems; Batch sequencing; Throughput analysis; Material handling technology; ORDER PICKING; TIME MODELS; CONVEYOR; ASSIGNMENT; STRATEGIES; SHUTTLE; Engineering, Industrial; Engineering, Manufacturing; Operations Research; & Management Science

    Abstract

    A carousel system is an example of an automated storage and retrieval system that is used in distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. We analyze the impact batch retrieval processing has on throughput performance for horizontal carousel systems that use automated storage and retrieval machines as robotic pickers. By developing an analytical cycle-time model we provide the theoretical base necessary to support the management decision of whether to batch or not. We conduct a computational experiment to test the accuracy of our analytical model, to demonstrate how our approach can guide management decisions, and to illustrate the throughput improvements that can be realized through the use of a batch policy. Testing indicates that batch processing increases carousel throughput performance over sequential processing. For the instances tested, batch processing resulted in an average decrease in cycle time over sequential sequencing of 20%. Our results indicate that with batch retrievals, adding to the carousel's length increases storage capacity with a negligible impact on the carousel's throughput performance. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    International Journal of Production Economics

    Volume

    142

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    332

    Last Page

    342

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000316526400013

    ISSN

    0925-5273

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