Material Handling Library

The AnyLogic Material Handling Library simplifies the simulation of complex manufacturing systems and operations. It can be used to design detailed models of production and storage facilities and manage material workflows inside four walls. The digital factory model, created with the material handling simulation toolkit, can help test and optimize production, transportation, and inventory policies, as well as reduce possible errors and material flow delays on the factory floor.

In conveyor network models, created with the Material Handling Library, users can use default or set up custom routing strategies for material items, industrial robots, manufacturing machines, and operators. Simulated AGVs and other transporters automatically avoid collisions, detect possible deadlocks, and resolve them.

To learn more about the Material Handling Library, get our Material Handling Pack of related videos, case studies, and how-tos!

The Material Handling Library equips users with material handling design capabilities to simulate and analyze end-to-end processes on the factory floor, as well as in storage facilities. It can be applied to create dynamic value stream maps with simulation and visualization to later implement the insights in facility workflows.

With the library’s functionality, you can:

Evaluate site and factory layout alternatives to implement them and increase shop floor performance.
Analyze production line design and performance and test its capacity for production ramp-up.
Allocate factory resources, including staff and equipment to avoid unforeseen bottlenecks and provide simulation-based scheduling.
Predict system behavior and analyze costs in case of breakdowns.
Simulate crane operations and maintenance.
Manage AGV fleets and simulate their interaction with conveyors, manufacturing machines, and operators.
Simulate warehouse processes, including conveyor and AGV routing.

Convey block moves material items through the conveyor network while providing automatic routing. As the item travels along the conveyor belt, it is automatically processed at stations on the way.
TransporterFleet block defines a fleet of AGVs and other transporters. A transporter can move without the need for guidance paths. It automatically avoids collisions, detects possible deadlocks, and resolves them. You can also customize the routing logic and integrate transporters with other elements.
Network Port object allows for connection of two conveyor networks or sections into a single network, while Lift space markup object can connect networks operating on different levels.
When building a conveyor network, use a photo eye to manage the conveyor line workload and see material items located in a certain area.
You can set parameters for a conveyor network dynamically by reading the layout from an external source, for example, a database or a spreadsheet.
You can create a custom type of material item, station, or working zone with the Custom station markup element. Its logic is set up using the Process Modeling Library and Material Handling Library blocks.

MHL Interactive Tutorial

This Interactive Tutorial from SimulAi aims to provide a high-level overview of the AnyLogic Material Handling Library. It uses simplistic examples to demonstrate how each block functions.

It's easy to navigate. Just click on a block you'd like to learn more about and study its animation and logic.

This tutorial is for beginners or those who are interested in general functionalities of the Material Handling Library.

Webinar: Fundamentals of the AnyLogic Material Handling Library

During the webinar, simulation specialist Dr. Arash Mahdavi introduces the Material Handling Library's main features, shows how to simulate AGVs and cranes, and demonstrates how to build multi-level models.

Webinar Agenda:

Overview of the space markups and logic blocks in the MHL
Basics of building conveyor systems with different conveyor types, transfer tables, turntables, and stations
Utilizing path-guided and free space transporters (and the density map for showing congestion)
Multi-level models and the movement of items between levels with the help of the Lift markup element
Using the Jib and Overhead Crane to move materials

Material Handling Library

MHL Interactive Tutorial

Webinar: Fundamentals of the AnyLogic Material Handling Library

Want to improve material handling processes?