Efficiency estimation of LIFO storage systems managed with automated guided vehicles (AGVs)

The paper deals with the design of storage systems. Specifically, we focus on storage racks that are accessed in a Last-In-Fist-Out (LIFO) manner (e.g. “drive-in” racks). On one hand, such a type of rack storage is more space-efficient than, e.g., single deep selective racks (less aisle space is required per pallet location); on the other hand, pallets are not independently accessible and replenishing/emptying cycles are required. This leads to a reduction of a performance measure called here storage efficiency. The aim of the study is to present a methodology for computing the storage efficiency of such a type of rack system with respect to different production/delivery patterns of the allocated items. Then, the overall system performance can be assessed by investigating the trade-off between storage efficiency and space utilization. Moreover, the benefit of integrating LIFO storage with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) is discussed. The methodology is finally applied to a case study.