How to Design and Plan an Automated Warehouse System?
Automated warehouse system has many benefits & advantages. For example, it saves floor space and improves storage efficiency. At the same time it can improve the timeliness and accuracy of warehouse management. Therefore, it becomes more and more popular. But how to design and plan an automation warehouse system? Now we will make a detailed introduction of automated warehouse design and planning.
1. Main Automated Warehouse Design Principles
Good automated warehouse systems generally follow the following principles:
(1) Systematic principle
Automated warehouse is a complete system. When designing, consider its own integrity. It needs consider the plane layout, loading and unloading process, equipment selection, production management strategy and long-term development of the three-dimensional warehouse system. At the same time, it must be regarded as a link in the supply chain. Consider the connection and cooperation with other logistics links. Then, it comprehensively analyzes the logistics, information flow and capital flow in the three-dimensional warehouse system. Finally, determine the general framework of the automated warehouse design.
(2) Forward-looking principle
Automated warehouse is an large investment. Besides the risk is relatively high, and the transformation cost is high. When we start automated warehouse design, it must consider the actual situation of the enterprise. So we must be forward-looking. Try to use more advanced logistics facilities and equipment, for example good quality conveyor machine. On the one hand, this can reduce the cost of replacing the equipment and save the maintenance cost of the warehouse. On the other hand, warehouses can also adapt to the development of production. Therefore, it can also meet capacity requirements in the future.
(3) Economic principle
In addition to satisfying the main functions, automated warehouse design & planning need to minimize input costs. We need to reduce the amount of work. Use cost-effective equipment. So it can reduce unnecessary project expenses.
(4) Optimal distance principle
Try to avoid returning, side-winding, and turning. Reduce redundant movement of equipment and personnel. To ensure the least energy consumption, while improving work efficiency.
(5) Principle of equipment coordination
The automated warehouse system contains many equipments, such as roller conveyors and flat belt conveyor. This requires that we should consider the degree of matching between equipments as much as possible when equipment selection. And try to maintain uniform standards. Because the standardization of equipments can improve the handling capacity of the three-dimensional warehouse system for cargo handling.
(6) Principle of high utilization
The higher the degree of automation of warehouse system, the higher its fixed cost. We want to reduce the idle rate of storage facilities. Therefore, it is necessary to pursue the minimum failure time and maximum operation time.
(7) The principle of minimum manual processing
Manual processing is costly and error-prone, so it should be minimized.
(8) Security principle
The automated warehouse design should consider protecting people, products and equipment from damage. When designing and planning, we must consider anti-collision, anti-drop, and fire prevention measures. Ensure a good working environment. Complete safety engineering facilities can effectively ensure personal safety.
(9) The principle of effective use of space
Since automated warehouses require a lot of land, foundations and various facilities, it is necessary to make full use of space to avoid waste.
2. Main Parameters of Automated Warehouse
(1) Storage capacity
The capacity of automated warehouse system includes the total amount of all items that need to be stored and temporarily stored in the three-dimensional warehouse.
(2) System working ability
The ability of warehouse logistics system to leave, warehousing and operation.
(3) Information processing
Specifically, these capabilities include information collection, information processing, information query, information communication, and even business information processing, etc.;
(4) Peripheral logistics processing
How to unload, inspect, and transport goods to high-rise shelves. Or how to take the goods out of the high-level shelves and then disassemble, pick, move, load, etc.
(5) Man-machine connection ability
The connection between the operator and the automated warehouse system, the man-machine interface, the input of information, the processing of unqualified products, and the entry of the automatic handling conveyor system.
3. Ten Steps of Automated Warehouse Design & Planning
In order to complete an automated warehouse design, we need organize relevant experienced technical personnel to perform the following tasks:
(1) Demand analysis
Summarize, analyze and organize the requirements and data put forward by the buyer. Determine design goals and design standards. And carefully study the feasibility and time schedule of the work.
(2) Determine the form and specifications of the cargo unit
According to the survey and statistical results, and comprehensively consider a variety of factors. Then determine the reasonable unit form and specifications. This step is very important because it is the basis for automated wareshouse design and implementation.
(3) Determine the form, operation mode and mechanical equipment parameters of the automated warehouse
There are many types of warehouses. Generally, it adopts cell format. Determine the operation mode according to the process requirements. Then, select or design appropriate logistics handling equipment. And determine their parameters.
(4) Build a model
Determine the quantity and size of each logistics equipments. And determine the layout of the conveyor machines in the warehouse and the connection between them.
(5) Determine the process flow and perform simulation calculations on the working capacity of the warehouse system
Determine the warehouse access mode and process flow. Through logistics simulation software and calculations, data on the operation cycle and capacity of the logistics system can be obtained.
(6) Determine the control method and warehouse management method
There are many control methods, mainly based on the above equipment to select a reasonable method, and to meet the buyer’s needs. Generally, warehouse management is carried out through computer information system. Then determine which business departments are involved, computer networks and data processing methods, mutual interfaces and operations, etc.
(7) Determine the technical parameters and configuration of the automation system
Determine the configuration and technical parameters of the automation equipment according to the design, for example, what kind of computer and controller to choose.
(8) Determine boundary conditions
Clarify the scope of work of the parties involved, the work interface and the connection between the interfaces.
(9) Put forward requirements for civil engineering
(10) Put forward requirements for basic bearing, power supply, lighting, ventilation and heating, water supply and drainage, alarm, temperature and humidity, cleanliness, etc.
(10) Form a complete system technical solution
4. Purchasing Requirements for Automated Warehouse System
After completing the automated warehouse design, it is necessary to start purchasing related equipment. The purchaser should clarify the specific requirements for the equipment in advance.
(1) Functional requirements: warehousing, transportation, information processing, personnel operation and maintenance, etc.;
(2) Requirements for the degree of automation: manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, etc.;
(3) Auxiliary requirements: video surveillance, temperature and humidity measurement and control, access control, manual handling of vehicles, etc.;
(4) The scope of system work and procurement: In order to complete the procurement of the automated warehouse, the buyer and seller must sign a contract. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the scope of work of both parties and the scope of supply of the seller.
(5) Boundary conditions: site conditions (length, width, height, etc.), power supply, ground foundation, etc.
(6) Construction period requirements: From the psychology of purchasers, the shorter the construction period, the better. But things often have a process. The time is too short to guarantee higher quality.
(7) Service requirements: pre-sales, in-sales, after-sales, training, warranty, system upgrade issues, service response time.
Routine maintenance of automated warehouse systems is very important. The system should be maintained frequently to keep the system in good working condition. In order to make good use of the automated three-dimensional warehouse, there must be high-quality management and maintenance personnel. This is the introduction of automated warehouse design.