Logismarket, the Industrial Directory.

When automated systems are being introduced, it is very important that the performance and capacity limitations of the system are thoroughly understood, given the levels of capital expenditure required. Cirrus Logistics can assist here by using CLASS modelling technology to test throughput projections for the automated systems. This is done by creating a bespoke extension to CLASS for each individual client to enable the rules for their particular automated system to be modelled accurately and to then test different throughput scenarios.

A project was carried out recently for a major food retailer to assess the performance of two entirely new semi-automated picking systems in one of their warehouses – a “Dynamic Picking System” (DPS) for slow moving stock and an “Ergonomic Picking System” (EPS) for faster moving lines. Cirrus Logistics first developed a warehouse model using CLASS to assess flows into, through and out of the warehouse, initially based on assumptions about how the two picking systems would work. They went on to create a highly detailed model of the DPS, overlaying this onto the Centre of Warehouse model.

The simulations revealed the advantages of certain warehouse design changes and verified the projected throughputs. Furthermore, through the process of model building, review meetings and discussions about the results, the client was able to gain a much more in-depth appreciation of the factors that impact operational efficiency, in particular how to maximise gain from the new picking environments.

CLASS technology has also been used to model complex AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) systems in both warehouses and in manufacturing plants. Again bespoke models have been developed to model the client’s specific track system and AGV operating rules. These models have been used to both quantify the number of AGVs required and to test capacity of the facility.