Software simulation of the performance of an automated warehouse with material handling through mini-load stacker crane and AGVs systems

Supply chain has changed during the years, and modern supply chains present a structure and a degree of complexity greater than the older ones. This is caused by events like globalization of markets, intensification of material flows and changes in customers’ expectations. Additionally, the diffusion during the last decades of more sophisticated information technology systems has affected the supply chain and its management. In the era of Industry 4.0, companies are using alternatives procedures to develop, manage and improve processes, such as simulation modelling. The research proposed applies the concepts and theories of simulation modelling to a case study. The system into analysis consists of an automated warehouse characterized by handling of materials though innovative technologies like a mini-load stacker crane and automated guided vehicles. The objective of this study is the development a virtual model of this warehouse in the simulation software AnyLogic, in order to study its performance prior to its physical implementation. Constructing some experiments, it is possible to observe the behavior of the system in different conditions and establish the optimal solution to be implemented.