Introduction

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Interface v2.3.3 has been released! Read all about it HERE.

AutoStore provides an Application Programming Interface (API). It enables the customer's warehouse
management system (WMS) to integrate with AutoStore.

AutoStore supports two different levels of integration:
▪ Task Interface
▪ Bin Interface
The Task Interface operates at a picking list level and offers a higher level of abstraction than the Bin
Interface.

The Bin Interface operates at a lower level and gives the WMS more control of the process. It places more
responsibility for grouping, preparation, and optimization logic on the WMS.

Each installation must choose to use either the Task Interface or the Bin Interface. The two alternatives are
further compared in the next section

The AutoStore Interface includes a Port Interface API that enables the integration of custom port
implementations. The Port Interface API is a set of methods that are available via the Task Interface as well as
the Bin Interface.

When standard AutoStore Port hardware is used, the Bin exchange process in the Ports is handled by
AutoStore and the Port Interface is not needed.

When an installation uses customized Port solutions, such as conveyor belts into the ports or special Port
hardware, the Port Interface is required. In these cases, the Port Interface synchronizes the insertion and
removal of Bins between the Grid and the Ports.

The Port Interface is described in the Port Interface section and applies to both the Task
Interface and the Bin Interface.

The AutoStore Log Publisher is a separate module that provides feedback from AutoStore to the WMS. It
sends an event stream that includes information about the physical Bin locations and preparation status. This
information is required for WMS implementations that use the Bin Interface. WMS implementations that use
the Task Interface may use this information for certain optimizations, but this is not required. The Log
Publisher Interface is further described in Log Publisher Interface section.

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WARNING

Users must have fulfilled the mandatory AutoStore Interface training course before implementing the
AutoStore Interface.

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NOTICE

Task Interface and Bin Interface cannot be combined!