Process Overview

Routes

A route is defined as a planned path of travel that an automated truck takes in navigating from one location to another within a facility. Automated trucks should comply with facility traffic patterns and Rules of the Road just as manually operated trucks do. Additional facility rules specific to automated trucks should also be followed. Routes must be planned and trained so trucks follow those same rules.

Planning Routes

Prior to training an automated truck, it is critical to thoroughly understand the material handling task(s) that an automated truck will perform and the environmental factors that could impact truck performance. Having a plan for the following will improve the au tomated truck performance, and will increase personnel productivity, safety, and performance:

•Understanding what the automated truck (including its load) may encounter in its environment

•Understanding where Stations need to be located (see “Stations” on page56 )

•Confirming what behaviors and zones (see “Adding Behaviors” on page76 and “Adding Zones” on page79 ) and facility “Rules of the Road” need to be followed for each route

•Determining what tasks, if any, Supervisor will be used for

•Explicitly laying out the routes the automated truck will travel (see “Route Drawings” on page61)

•Programming rules in Supervisor (if applicable)

•Verifying path (see “Path” on page17 ) and truck clearances to obstructions

•Identifying Hazardous Zones and Restricted Areas

•Finalizing the Facility Route Map

All routes should be prop erly documented with be haviors and measurements noted on the Facility Route Map to provide reference for marking the facility and future route trai ning or retraining.