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 smalle r to keep inventory low, the number of delivery trips to replenish mat erials increases, which affects the transport performance. This situat ion will intensify with increased throughput requirements, as more par ts move through the system in the same period of time. Adapting an aut omated guided vehicle (AGV) to carry multiple loads is an appealing al ternative to increasing the number of single-load AGVs in a JIT system . A multiple-load AGV (MLAGV) will not increase traffic congestion, bu t will require a more sophisticated AGV system (AGVS) model to ensure just-in-time delivery. This paper extends the authors' previous work o n modeling an AGVS in a JIT environment. It examines the alternative o f using a MLAGV to meet higher throughput requirements in a JIT manufa cturing system. Computer simulation was used to evaluate the effects o f multiple loads on both transport and logistic performance. The resul ts provide a useful guide in the design of MLAGV systems, particularly in manufacturing environments with low inventory and high throughput requirements.