Degree of automation study for pallet storage areas

Abstract

First of all, there will be a research part, which will consist on defining the most important terms and concepts in order to locate the field of study in logistics. Furthermore, the most important things of the storage area such as the pallet racks and the vehicles used to storage will also be studied. Secondly, and bearing in mind the previous research part we will calculate the most important variables to know both physical characteristics of the pallet racks and vehicles as well as the storage area in general. Thirdly, we will use all the calculus made in the prior stage to simulate the storage area using SimPlant software of simulation. The aim of the simulation is to study three different sizes of storage area, with the different degrees of automation, and to obtain data for the subsequent analysis to make graphical representations which will allow us to take better decisions and obtain some first conclusions. Finally, we will present the graphical representation obtained in the simulation, so that we know which is the best and more profitable degree of automation based on, for example, the capacity of the storage area, the pallets movement per day and the number of vehicles used. Moreover, all these decisions will take into account the required investments because economical issues are one of the most important aspects for an enterprise.