Improving operational efficiency of a semiconductor equipment manufacturing warehouse through effective utilization of Vertical Lift Modules
Name
938856918-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
6 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
55336d8e6431b5dc0ff733f96a7c0f9a
Author(s)
Racca, Stephen Douglas
Advisor(s)
Stephen C. Graves.
Date Issued
2015
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
This thesis deals with improving the operational efficiency of automated part storage devices, in this case Vertical Lift Modules (VLM). This was accomplished by using dynamic slotting to maximize and maintain high material throughput, eliminating the need for periodic reslotting. Multiple VLMs can be used in parallel picking operations to improve material throughput. Common industry practice is to periodically reslot items once an unbalanced workload is obvious. This thesis investigates a method to avoid periodic reslotting by using incoming parts as a means to maintain a balanced workload amongst VLMs. Three different part allocation strategies are compared, namely Randomization, Snake and Order Grouping to determine their effectiveness and respective feasibility. The three strategies are then crafted into logical systems that could be used to strategically place received parts and eliminate the need for periodic reslotting. The Snake method was found to be the most well suited for this particular situation due to the small order sizes. This method provides a 35% savings in pick time, which is equivalent to approximately 733 hours annually.
Description
Thesis: M. Eng. in Manufacturing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2015.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 59-60).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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