Port
Port Properties
The following properties are common to both the Task Interface and the Bin Interface. Properties that are specific to a particular interface are described in the respective chapters.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
port_id | Is a unique identifier that identifies a port. |
port_mode | Is the current mode of operation of a port. |
selected_bin | Is the next bin to be handled at the port. This can be either the currently open bin in the port or a bin on its way to be delivered to the port. The The In port mode The |
Port Mode
The port_mode indicates the current operating mode of the Port and is controlled by the WMS.
Ports that are not actively used by operators should be closed by setting the port mode to CLOSED. AutoStore plans work and allocates robot resources for open ports; therefore, keeping unused ports open can lead to inefficient use of system capacity. In addition, bins located in an open port may be required by other ports and will remain blocked until they are handled or the port is closed.
The following modes are available:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
CLOSED | The port is closed. |
OPEN | Default mode. The port is open for picking or receiving goods. |
AUTO | The port is open for picking or receiving goods, and will automatically open bins. Deprecated! |
INSERT | Special mode. The port is open for bin insertion. |
SWAP | Special mode. The port can be used for exchanging bins between grids. |
MOVE | Deprecated! |
SEQUENCE | Special mode. Task Interface only. The port is open and will deliver the defined sequence of task groups. |
DISABLED | The port is disabled. See section about MultiPort. |
MULTIPORT_PUPPET | The port_id is disabled. The port module is controlled by a MultiPort. |
RUNOUT | AutoStore will not plan anymore taskgroups to be delivered to port, the selected taskgroup is the last one. |
Port Mode INSERT
The port mode INSERT is used to add bins to AutoStore. This mode is typically used during system installation, but it may also be used in installations where bins temporarily leave the grid, for example when multiple Custom Ports or Transfer Cells are connected to the systems.
Port Mode AUTO
The port mode AUTO automatically opens bins in the port, and is used in conjunction with the Port Interface.
In this mode, the WMS does not send the openbin and closebin messages. Instead, AutoStore automatically
generates openbin and removebin commands and delivers a continuous stream of bins based on the port queue.
The port modesAUTOandMOVEare deprecated and should not be used in new installations.
Port Categories
AutoStore does not have a port category parameter, the categorization shown below is used solely to improve clarity.
| Category | Port model |
|---|---|
| Standard Port | ConveyorPort™, ConveyorPort™ Extended, CarouselPort™, VersaPort™, SwingPort™, RelayPort™, FusionPort™ (Staging), PickUpPort™ |
| Custom Port | Transfer Cell / Custom Port |
| Grid to Grid (G2G) | Grid Lift Port |
Updated 2 months ago