Planning and calculating the performance availability of complex logistics systems

Abstract

The prevailing understanding of the term ‘performance availability’ as defined by the German guideline VDI 4486 does not appear to be sufficient for the planning of dynamic and semi-autonomous systems. The definition of VDI 4486 is intended for use when lo-gistical systems are brought to service. This article aims to answer the question how the planning of a material flow system can be targeted to achieve a specific degree of performance availability during operations. For that purpose the interrelationships between the warehousing system and its subsystems are examined, e.g. the vertical integration of interrelationships of maintenance services, real-time effects of communication processes within a warehouse and effects of the machine controls.