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The purpose of this paper is to present a novel design of semi-automated warehousing system for manufacturing applications. The approach bases on a new type of storage of carriers, called drawer racks. This concept adopts a modified shelving system based on single or double sections of row racks rotated by 90 degrees. Each drawer rack can move perpendicularly to the transportation corridor. The motion of the rack is possible thanks to the automatically guided vehicle that translates under the line of racks. In the paper, we show a comparison between the designed new system and conventional storage solutions for manufacturing. This indicates that the drawer racks require less space per pallet place without a significant interference with a building infrastructure. In this work, we discuss various design solutions for key components of the drawer-rack and AGV that can operate a rack of 40 pallet places. The designed system was tested if it meets the assumed performance level. The simulation model was created in discrete event system environment. We compared the warehouse layout and material flow for conventional row racks with the newly proposed system. We found out that the new system operates at the higher efficiency but requires less space.

Purpose:The most important goal of the paper is to demonstrate the possibility of developing and implementing the methodology of automatic generation of warehouse models of various types with the use of ABSagent-based simulation. Methodology: The highlights of the paper include management support through simple simulation modeling of storage and logistics systems using an agent-based approach, methodology of automatic generation of simulation models using Agent Based Simulation; Description of a new type of mobile, automatically controlled shelves. Simulation modeling is performed with the use of LogABS simulation software. The software engine/source code is written in the C ++ language. Findings: The described mechanism can be extended with the ability to generate other types of storage systems to enable comparisons of their usability for specific input and output streams. Practical implications: The paper describes the methodology, the use of which significantly reduces the time of decision-making in designing warehouse layouts. These decisions concern the organization of space and the choice of the storage technology. Using the described tools enables rapid verification of the given concept by automatically generating simulation models of warehouses, considering various storage technologies, including the drawer rack system. Originality/value: The publication proves that automating the simulation modeling processes of warehouses brings many benefits, allowing simulation technologies to become a tool available to users with neither advanced programming skills nor previous experience in working with such programs.

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