The Autostore Automated Narrow Aisle Crane (ANAC) Interface Module enables Autostore to interface with and supervise automated cranes. The module provides a standard set of messages:
| Messages to Crane: | Messages from Crane: |
| 1. Input Move instruction | 1. Move completed by Crane |
| 2. GoTo instruction | 2. Fault occurrence during Crane move |
| 3. Output Move instruction | |
| 4. Move pallet within aisle | |
| 5. Initialise Crane |
Plus, efficient recovery actions are provided with specific actions:
Resume Move ...
If the fault is a minor one, the user selects this option when the fault is rectified and that the crane can continue with the move. The crane continues with its move cycle and generates an "end of move" message accordingly.
Move Finished ...
If the fault is more serious, or it is operationally convenient, the user may finish off the move in manual mode on the crane and then select this option to confirm that the move has been finished.
Confirm Rack Fault ...
If a crane encounters a rack fault (input or output) during a move, the crane's own control system will send a "fault during move" message to Autostore. An operator then investigates the fault. If this recovery option is chosen then Autostore sends an "initialise" message to the crane control system and then decides what to do based on which particular move type was in progress at the time.
Pallet Placed on Output P/D ...
This action is allowed for input moves only. For example, it is used in the instance where a pallet is unstable and the user decides that the pallet should not be put away in the racking. In this case, the user drives the crane in manual mode and places the pallet on one of the output P/D. This recovery action is then taken - with the operator selecting the output P/D used.
Initialise and send again ...
If the fault is a major one and the crane had lost its current move then the user selects this option when they consider that the fault is rectified and that the crane can continue with the move.
Cancel Move ...
If the current crane move simply cannot be done, ANAC provides an option to cancel the move. If the move is an output move, the data for the pallet is returned to the racking location. If the move is an input move the data is assigned to the crane input spur.
For more information about the Autostore ANAC Interface Module, please contact us.