Li choo's reflection on ALB

I was excited for my field trip to Army Logistics Base (ALB) as finally I am able to view real life warehouse processes and distribution industry practices, after reading it so much from the textbook. Indeed, this trip has enriched and allows me to understand more about warehouse processes and the operational areas.

We had a short presentation about the introduction of ALB processes by one of their staffs which provide me with a deeper understanding into how ALB functions. E.g. storage systems used and how the automation technology enhance the performance and productivity of the logistic operations such as RFID which controls warehouse and distribution functions.

Moving on, we were brought around the warehouse. The warehouse adopted a Through-flow concept and the height of each warehousing floor is of 30 meters high, approximately 10 storeys high. The storage systems used in ALB included vertical carousel system, automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) and mobile racking system, and AGV, etc.

We saw the powered mobile racking system at the main storage where it is used to store combat rations. Powered mobile racking system which is used as throughput level is low and large storage space is needed, consists of back-to-back adjustable pallet racking on electrically powered bases frames that moves along rails set into the floor. The whole shelves move along the girths of VNA (very narrow aisles).

The Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) is fully computerized from receiving to packing of goods which helped to improve manpower efficiency and space utilization. Also, with a push of a button, we can retrieve the goods in less than a minute.

The vertical carousel system is used to stored medical supplies in the ALB. It is used to stored medical supplies because they provide air-conditioning and dehumidification system. It has helped to minimize time taken as it is computerized where picking and storing of goods is automatically brought to operator’s location. I was delighted and impressed to see the vertical carousel system as I heard so much about it on the forum and textbook.

Automated-guide vehicle or laser-guided vehicle- AGV moves across the warehouse and it can change path and the traveling route according to the computer control system. Also, AGV can move between storeys by the four-tonnes cargo lifts they interfaced with.

It is an eye-opening and rewarding trip that I have certainly enjoyed and learn things that is out of the textbook! I have come to understand better about the different types of storage systems and materials handling equipments such as forklift trucks.