Quasi-optimal boundary limits for AS/RS systems with 3-class based storage policy

Abstract This paper presents a simple and effective parametric model to predict the cycle time of Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) when a 3 class-based storage policy is adopted. This model has been developed examining the exact equations that quantify the AS/RS cycle time during Single Command and Dual Command operations. Due to the difficulty of their application, exact approaches are not used for AS/RS systems when a class-based storage policy is adopted, for this reason this paper provides a simple and effective tool in order to quantify the AS/RS performance. Aim of this work is improving the warehouse design with a straightforward and efficient tool able to measure the AS/RS performance and to minimize the cycle time of the single and dual command operation when the 3 class-based storage is adopted varying the ABC curve and the shape factor. Starting from the exact methods, a set of experimental equations has been implemented to compute a quasi-optimal configuration for the ABC classes and their related single and dual command cycle times.