Connected Grids (G2G)

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This functionality is supported by both the Task Interface and the Bin Interface.

Overview

The two grids are independent AutoStore systems, each with its own Control System and application servers (API endpoints). The WMS must integrate with both systems separately.

In each grid, the transfer positions connected by the Bin Lift are treated as individual ports. The grids are referred to as the Upper Grid and the Lower Grid.

The corresponding ports must share the same port_id. While AutoStore automatically handles opening, inserting, and removing bins during grid-to-grid transfers, the WMS is responsible for defining the task groups and port queues for these G2G transfer ports.

The WMS must also ensure that the bin balance between the grids is maintained correctly.

Finally, the WMS must use the Log Publisher of both systems to confirm and complete fulfilled tasks.

Swap Bins Between Grids

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For each bin moved from the Lower Grid to the Upper Grid, a corresponding bin is returned from the Upper Grid to the Lower Grid.

To activate bin exchange between two grids, both ports must be opened in mode SWAP.

• If the Task Interface is used, then both ports must be opened with categories containing task groups that define which bins should be moved to the other grid.
• If the Bin Interface is used, then both ports must have a port queue specifying which bins should be moved to the other grid.

Using port mode SWAP ensures that the bin balance between grids is maintained. However, after a complete system restart, the balance may be off by one, so the WMS should monitor bin levels between grids.

For the exchange process to run, both ports must be activated and have a work queue (task groups or port queue). If one port runs out of work, the exchange process will pause until work is available.

Transfer Bins To The Other Grid

To transfer bins from one grid to another in a single direction, the port in the source grid must be opened in mode OPEN, and the port in the destination grid must be opened in mode INSERT.

• If the Task Interface is used, then the port in the source grid must be opened with categories containing task groups that define which bins to move to the other grid.
• If the Bin Interface is used, then the port in the source grid must have a port queue specifying which bins to move to the other grid.

For the transfer process to run, both ports must be activated, and the source port must have a work queue (task groups or port queue).