Models for determining the optimal dwell point location in two class-based AS/RS

Abstract

This thesis deals with the selection of a dwell point location of the storage/retrieval(S/R) machine in a unit load automated storage and retrieval system(AS/RS) with two classed-based storage policy. The dwell point is the location of the S/R machine when it becomes idle and awaiting the next service request. In this thesis, to reduce our search efforts, we first identify the region in which an optimal dwell point can be located. Second, the expected response time of the S/R machine for a given location of the S/R machine is developed. Finally an optimal dwell point is found which minimizes the expected response time. The problem is solved with continuous representations of the racks and distance.