Framework for the design and analysis of large scale material handling systems

Abstract

Automated material handling systems have become an integral part of handling and storage applications in many manufacturing and logistics sectors. The purported benefits of cost effectiveness and efiicient operation have resulted in widespread acceptance of this equipment in industry. A tremendous amount of research during the last decade has focused on studying the design and control problems associated with automated material handling systems. The research focus has been on problems of "manageable" size and complexity, while a large number of applications exist in which simulation is the only method for tackling the design and control issues. This discussion is motivated by applications which indicate the need for new methodologies for handling large scale problems. The design constraints imposed by large scale systems and possible solution approaches for choosing the type of material handling equipment are presented in this paper. Simulation is introduced as a feasible, inclusive, and cost-effective means of evaluating alternative solution approaches and equipment components.