Connecting Grids with Bin Lift

Introduction

The two Grids are two separate AutoStore systems with their own Control System and application servers
(API endpoints). The WMS must integrate with both systems separately.

In the two separate grids, the transfer positions that are connected with a Bin Lift are handled like Ports, and
two Ports connected with a Bin Lift must have the same port_id. Opening, inserting and removing bins to/from
grids is done automatically by the system, but the WMS must define jobs (taskgroups or port queues) for
these G2G transfer ports.

It is WMS responsibility to ensure that the balance of bins between the grids is maintained correctly.

The WMS must use Log Publisher in both systems to be able to be able to confirm and complete tasks
fulfilled.

Exchanging Bins between the Grids

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

Using Bin Interface: Both ports must have a Port Queue that specifies which bins to move to the other grid.

Using Task Interface: Both ports must be opened with categories having task groups that specify which bins to
move to the other grid.

Using port mode SWAP will ensure that the bin balance between grids are kept stable. Please note that at a
complete restart, the balance could become 1 off, so the WMS should monitor the bin balance between the
grids. To make the process run, both ports must be activated and both ports must have a work queue
(taskgroups or port queue). If one of the ports runs out of work, then the exchange process will stop and wait.

Transfer Bins to the other Grid

To transfer bins from one grid to the other grid (stream of bins in one 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.

Using Bin Interface: The port in the source grid must have a port queue that specifies which bins to move to
the other grid.

Using Task Interface: The port in the source grid must be opened with categories having task groups that
specify which bins to move to the other grid.

To make the process run, both ports must be activated and the port in the source grid must have a work
queue (taskgroups or port queue).