Considering technical details in the planning of tugger train systems

Existing methods for the planning of tugger train systems address certain aspects of the planning process, but do not focus on technical details of the tugger train. As an introduction, this paper gives an overview of tugger types used in the German automotive industry and of materials and configurations of castors used for the manual handling of heavy load carriers. The main focus of this paper is the presentation of a methodology that connects subcomponents needed for comprehensive support of decision-making regarding the technical details of tugger trains throughout the whole planning process. The methodology allows, for example, consideration of technical details in the calculation of cycle times or the ergonomic evaluation of planning alternatives. For efficient utilization of the methodology it is implemented in a software-based planning tool. In a concluding case study it is exemplarily shown how the methodology can support informed decision-making regarding technical details of tugger trains by providing a holistic view on key indicators.