Abstract:  Control optimization is the most significant issue in improving system performance.This paper compares the characteristics of different storage and retrieval policies in production and distribution environment.It shows that the key issue in control optimization for AS/RS in the production environment is the realtime performance of retrieving items,while that in the distribution environment is the overall balance performance of storing and retrieving items.Then,a comprehensive review of the state of the art in operating AS/RS is made for the crucial issues such as storage location assignment,dwellpoint location,request sequencing,and order batching.The future research directions are pointed out.

Key words: automated storage and retrieval system, control optimization, technical review