The design of satelite and retrieval systems with random access

The logistic activities mainly consist of 'material handling' and 'storing raw materials, supplies, in-process material and finished goods'. Though there were activities to introduce 'Just in Time'-concepts with 'zero inventory', experts realized that there is no such thing as 'zero inventory'. This makes storing and warehousing a necessity of manufacturing and physical distribution. In order to reduce costs and to improve quality, the emphasis should be put on optimizing the process of storing and all associated activities. Optimizing in this context means to employ the appropriate storage system and to integrate the storage system into the processes of transportation and production. This concept led to the development of a new storage system. The newly conceived storage system introduced in this abstract, the 'Satellite Storage and Retrieval System (SS/RS)' combines horizontical and vertical movement of the elevator and the transfer vehicle in one vehicle called Automated Satellite C arrier (ASC), while 'Satellite Distribution Vehicles (SDV)' carry the unit load.