ANALYSIS OF THE AGV LOADING CAPACITY IN A JIT ENVIRONMENT

The problem of transport performance is inherent in just-in-time (JIT) systems where lot sizes are smaller. When the lot size is made smaller to keep inventory low, the number of delivery trips to replenish materials increases, which affects the transport performance. This situation will intensify with increased throughput requirements, as more parts move through the system in the same period of time. Adapting an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to carry multiple loads is an appealing alternative to increasing the number of single-load AGVs in a JIT system. A multiple-load AGV (MLAGV) will not increase traffic congestion, but will require a more sophisticated AGV system (AGVS) model to ensure just-in-time delivery. This paper extends the authors' previous work on modeling an AGVS in a JIT environment. It examines the alternative of using a MLAGV to meet higher throughput requirements in a JIT manufacturing system. Computer simulation was used to evaluate the effects of multiple loads on both transport and logistic performance. The results provide a useful guide in the design of MLAGV systems, particularly in manufacturing environments with low inventory and high throughput requirements.