Page 241 - DMGT523_LOGISTICS_AND_SUPPLY_CHAIN_MANAGEMENT

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Notes from each location. The light system may also be used to indicate when a carton is ready
to move on. In systems where an item is picked to fill multiple orders, “softbars” show the
order selector how many items are needed in a carton, since each carton typically represents
a separate order. Some carousel systems also utilize computer-generated pick lists and
computer-directed carousel rotation to further increase selection productivity. These
systems are referred to as “paperless picking” because no paperwork exists to slow down
employee efforts.
The types of mechanized material-handling equipment discussed are basic samples of the
wide range available for use. Most systems combine different types of handling devices.

Example: Forklift trucks may be used for vertical movements while tow tractor
with trailers and walkie-rider pallet trucks are used for horizontal transfers.
8. Semi-automated Handling: The semi automated system supplements a mechanized system
by automating specific handling requirements. Thus, the semi-automated warehouse is a
mixture of mechanized and automated handling. Typical equipments utilized in semi-
automated warehouses are automated-guided vehicle systems, computerized sortation,
robotics, and various forms of live racks.
9. Automated-guided Vehicle Systems: The automated-guided vehicle system (AGVS)
performs the same type of handling function as a mechanized tow tractor with trailer or
rider pallet truck. The essential difference is that an AGVS does not require an operator. It
is automatically routed and positioned at the destination without operator intervention.
Typical AGVS equipment relies on an optical or magnetic guidance system. In the optical
application, tape is placed on the warehouse floor, and the equipment is guided by a light
beam that focuses on the guide path. A magnetic AGVS follows an energized wire installed
in the floor. The primary advantage is the elimination of a driver. Newer AGVs use video
and information technology to follow paths without the need of fixed tracks.
Contemporary AGVs are smaller, simpler and more flexible than their predecessor systems
of the 1980s. AGVs have declined in popularity in recent years and industry orders have
dropped by 40 percent (in dollar volume) since 1985. It is possible that the new, more
flexible systems may reverse this trend.
10. Sortation: Automated sortation devices are typically used in combination with conveyors.
As products are selected in warehouse and conveyorized out, they must be sorted to
specific shipment docks. In order for automated sortation systems to operate, the master
carten must have a distinguishing code. These codes are read by optical scanning devices
and automatically routed to the desired location. Most controllers are able to be
programmed to permit a customized rate of flow through the system to meet changing
requirements.
Automated sortation provides primary benefits. The first is an obvious reduction in labour,
while the second benefit is a significant increase in speed and accuracy.
High speed sortation systems can divert and align packages at rate exceeding one package
per second. In this system, packages are diverted to the desired destination and can be
positioned to accommodate unit loading.
11. Robotics: The robot is a humanlike machine that can be programmed by microprocessors
to perform one or a series of activities. The appeal of robotics lies in the ability to program
the robot to function as an expert system capable of implementing decision logic in the
handling process. The popularity of robotics resulted from their widespread adoption in
the automotive industry during the early 1980s to replace selected manual tasks. However,

236 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY