Task Interface and Bin Interface

AutoStore Integration:

AutoStore offers two levels of integration: the Task Interface and the Bin Interface. These interfaces differ in terms of abstraction level and the level of control they provide to the WMS.

Task Interface:

• The Task Interface offers integration at a higher level of abstraction than the Bin Interface.
• The Task Interface uses concepts such as tasks, categories, and shipments.
• When using the Task Interface, the WMS maintains a queue of picking lists (task groups), and AutoStore handles the Bin preparation and plans the jobs for each Port.
• The WMS sets the properties of the task groups and Ports to specify priorities and requirements.

Bin Interface:

• The Bin Interface offers integration at a lower level and gives the WMS more control over the process.
• When using the Bin Interface, the WMS specifies the exact Bin sequence at all Ports and handles the Bin grouping.
• The WMS plans the jobs for each Port, taking on a greater responsibility for the system's performance.
• The Bin Interface requires the WMS to handle many optimizations that are usually provided by the Task Interface.

Overall, the Task Interface offers a higher level of abstraction and more automated handling of tasks, while the Bin Interface provides more control to the WMS, but requires the WMS to handle more of the system's optimization.