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Stochastic Modeling for Automated Material Handling System Design and Control

Author

Listed:
  • M. Eric Johnson

    (Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37203)

  • Margaret L. Brandeau

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4024)

Abstract

Material handling systems (MHSs) are micro-transportation systems that share many of the same challenges in design and operation as their larger-scale transportation counterparts. However, because of the automation technology employed in material handling, such systems also present many new challenges. Over the past decade, progress in automation technology has led to the replacement of many non-automated MHSs with automated systems. Use of an automated MHS can lead to significantly lower overall material handling cost, and thus overall production cost. However, the installation cost of such a system can be significant, and an MHS that does not function properly can lead to significant losses in productivity and profits. Analysis of design and control problems for such systems must take into account the fact that MHSs typically operate in a stochastic environment, with stochastic demands for material handling, flexibility in vehicle routing, variable processing times and other random elements. This paper reviews research on design and control of automated MHSs, with emphasis on analytical models that incorporate stochastic elements. We focus on models of automated storage and retrieval systems and automated guided vehicle systems. In addition to evaluating the existing literature, we describe areas where further research is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Eric Johnson & Margaret L. Brandeau, 1996. "Stochastic Modeling for Automated Material Handling System Design and Control," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 30(4), pages 330-350, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:inm:ortrsc:v:30:y:1996:i:4:p:330-350
    DOI: 10.1287/trsc.30.4.330
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Le-Duc, T. & de Koster, M.B.M., 2005. "Optimal Storage Rack Design for a 3-dimensional Compact AS/RS," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2005-041-LIS, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    2. Chen, Gang & Feng, Haolin & Luo, Kaiyi & Tang, Yanli, 2021. "Retrieval-oriented storage relocation optimization of an automated storage and retrieval system," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    3. Gademann, A. J. R. M. & van de Velde, S. L., 2000. "Positioning automated guided vehicles in a loop layout," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 127(3), pages 565-573, December.
    4. Saifallah Benjaafar, 2002. "Modeling and Analysis of Congestion in the Design of Facility Layouts," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 48(5), pages 679-704, May.
    5. de Koster, M.B.M. & Le-Duc, T. & Roodbergen, K.J., 2006. "Design and Control of Warehouse Order Picking: a literature review," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2006-005-LIS, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    6. de Koster, Rene & Le-Duc, Tho & Roodbergen, Kees Jan, 2007. "Design and control of warehouse order picking: A literature review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 182(2), pages 481-501, October.
    7. Ulrich W. Thonemann & Margaret L. Brandeau, 1998. "Note. Optimal Storage Assignment Policies for Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems with Stochastic Demands," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 44(1), pages 142-148, January.
    8. Nima Zaerpour & Yugang Yu & René de Koster, 2017. "Small is Beautiful: A Framework for Evaluating and Optimizing Live-Cube Compact Storage Systems," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 51(1), pages 34-51, February.
    9. Robert J. Batt & Santiago Gallino, 2019. "Finding a Needle in a Haystack: The Effects of Searching and Learning on Pick-Worker Performance," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 67(6), pages 2624-2645, June.
    10. Roodbergen, Kees Jan & Vis, Iris F.A., 2009. "A survey of literature on automated storage and retrieval systems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 194(2), pages 343-362, April.
    11. Yu, Y. & de Koster, M.B.M., 2006. "Optimal Storage Rack Design for a 3D Compact AS/RS with Full Turnover-Based Storage," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2006-026-LIS, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    12. M. Eric Johnson & Margaret L. Brandeau, 1999. "Design of an Automated Shop Floor Material Handling System with Inventory Considerations," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 47(1), pages 65-80, February.
    13. Vis, Iris F.A., 2006. "Survey of research in the design and control of automated guided vehicle systems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 170(3), pages 677-709, May.
    14. Le-Duc, T. & de Koster, M.B.M. & Yu, Y., 2006. "Optimal Storage Rack Design for a 3-dimensional Compact AS/RS," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2006-027-LIS, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

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