MIT Libraries logoDSpace@MIT

MIT
View Item 
  • DSpace@MIT Home
  • MIT Libraries
  • MIT Theses
  • Graduate Theses
  • View Item
  • DSpace@MIT Home
  • MIT Libraries
  • MIT Theses
  • Graduate Theses
  • View Item
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

Improving operational efficiency of a semiconductor equipment manufacturing warehouse through effective utilization of Vertical Lift Modules

Author(s)
Racca, Stephen Douglas
Thumbnail
DownloadFull printable version (6.001Mb)
Other Contributors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor
Stephen C. Graves.
Terms of use
M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission. http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582
Metadata
Show full item record
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).
 
Date issued
2015
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/101335
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Mechanical Engineering.

Collections
  • Graduate Theses

Browse

All of DSpaceCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

My Account

Login

Statistics

OA StatisticsStatistics by CountryStatistics by Department
MIT Libraries
PrivacyPermissionsAccessibilityContact us
MIT
Content created by the MIT Libraries, CC BY-NC unless otherwise noted. Notify us about copyright concerns.