We visited the Army Logistics Base (ALB) and was given the chance to match the details given in our textbook with real-life examples. Through the experience, I was able to understand better on the through flow adopted and the various storage systems used.

One of the storage systems is the Mobile Racking system which stores homogenous product and can be adjusted to any height requirement. Another will be the Very Narrow Aisle (VNA), as hinted by the name itself, there is very little aisle space, increasing the storage space utilisation. Special guiding equipment, that is the turrent truck, is needed for this system.

The Bin Automated Storage and Retrieval System (Bin ASRS) in ALB uses 29000 bins and 5 cranes. Each crane can take 60 bins per hour, hence, it can take a total of 300 bins per hour. There are 5 very narrow aisles and the whole system is 84 metres long, 13 metres wide and 9 metre tall.

Vertical carousel was also used to contain small items, it has a total of 74 layers and equipped with humidity control. Other than that, it is linked to WMS which shows item location through Sub Issue Voucher (SIV) slip and it is believed to be a full-proof system. The guide also mentioned that in the unlikeliness that the machine was to break down, the technician will be bind by the contract to come down in within an hour.

Lastly, I realise throughout the whole walk around, safety precautions are strictly practised. For example, the staffs that operate the equipments are expected to wear safety harness before doing the storing. The various systems also have in-built sensors that will stop the machines if they were to detect movements, such as a hand sticking in.