Start with the transport task
Origins, destinations, load carriers, quantities, time profiles, priorities, empty returns and service levels are captured in a transport matrix. The layout adds travel distance, intersections, doors, lifts, transfer stations, mixed traffic and charging locations.
Fleet sizing
The baseline combines loaded and empty travel, handling, waiting, charging and an explicit availability allowance. Peak windows are checked separately from average demand. Simulation is used when dispatching rules, shared aisles, queues or variable missions materially influence performance.
Integration and acceptance
Orders, acknowledgements, status, exceptions and manual fallback are specified between the fleet manager, WMS or MES and equipment. Acceptance criteria cover functions, coupling tests, trial operation, throughput, cycle times, availability and environment under agreed test conditions.
Results and deliverables
- Transport matrix and suitability assessment
- Technology and operating concept
- Fleet calculation and optional simulation
- Route, traffic, charging and transfer-station layout
- Interface and requirement specification
- Economic and utility assessment
- Test and acceptance plan
Technical basis and limitations
The 2025 VDI 2710 consolidates an integrated approach to AGV planning. Transport task, load profile, layout, environment, flexibility, availability, interfaces and operation are considered together. Economics is not limited to investment and labour substitution: VDI 2710 Part 4 combines monetary appraisal with a utility analysis.
The calculated fleet size is a starting point. Intersections, blocking, dispatching rules, charging, failures and mixed traffic may require additional vehicles or reveal that organisational changes are more effective. Further reading: planning AGV and AMR fleets.