Reflection on ALB - Ju Huan 0701532D

The trip to ALB was indeed a constructive one. Firstly, we were warmly welcomed by the operators and in-charge of the ABL and the presentation by the operator helped us understand better of their practices and operations of the Logistics Base.

As we had the fundamental knowledge through the online lectures, we could clearly identify the different characteristics of the equipments and facilities when the operators introduced us.

With the in-depth explanations and demonstrations by the operators and some of our course mates, it made the trip even more memorable and noteworthy. Especially the Mobile Racking Systems and the Vertical Carousel Systems, where Karen and Zen were “demonstrating’’ the safety aspects of both equipments, which is the operations will stop when the sensor identify an error or when people accidentally stepped in. We also identify that Mobile Racking Systems commonly store homogeneous products and the Vertical Carousel Systems will have a humidity control, it usually stores small items and have up to 74 layers.

The pallet ASRS has 6 cranes and it’s stores up to 3000 pallets. It is estimated to be 18 storey high and the guided vehicle would place the stocks into locations.

The Very Narrow Aisles(VNA) is guided and automatic, there is a wire-guided system where there is a thread for VNA to follow. VNA provides a safety environment as well, as there is a 3m spacing between.

Bin ASRS has also help to improve the operations where time taken is shorter. We were told that the enlistees had to collect item at the supply base in the past, and today, the pre-packed item will be delivered to enlistees at units.

We also recognized that ALB has a through flow layout. It’s an disappointment to know that the laser guided vehicle at the inbound area is not in use when we visit, but as the operator noted that since there is a high throughput level, the LGV is a good form of transportation as it will takes and puts goods automatically.

There are up to 5 storage systems installed in ABL, mainly Pallet ASRS, Bin ASRS, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA), Mobile Racking Systems, Vertical Carousel Systems.