Fluid-based Slotting Optimization for Automated Order Picking System with Multiple Dispenser Types

Slotting strategy heavily influences the throughput and operational cost of automated order picking system with multiple dispenser types, which is called the complex automated order picking system （CAOPS）. Existing research either focuses on one aspect of the slotting optimization problem or only considers one part of CAOPS, such as the Low-volume Dispensers, to develop corresponding slotting strategies. In order to provide a comprehensive and systemic approach, a fluid-based slotting strategy is proposed in this paper. The configuration of CAOPS is presented with specific reference to its fast-picking and restocking subsystems. Based on extended fluid model, a nonlinear mathematical programming model is developed to determine the optimal volume allotted to each stock keeping unit （SKU） in a certain mode by minimize the restocking cost of that mode. Conclusion from the allocation model is specified for the storage modules of high-volume dispensers and low-volume dispensers. Optimal allocation of storage resources in the fast-picking area of CAOPS is then discussed with the aim of identifying the optimal space of each picking mode. The SKU assignment problem referring to the total restocking cost of CAOPS is analyzed and a greedy heuristic with low time complexity is developed according to the characteristics of CAOPS. Real life application from the tobacco industry is presented in order to exemplify the proposed slotting strategy and assess the effectiveness of the developed methodology. Entry-item-quantity （EIQ） based experiential solutions and proposed-model-based near-optimal solutions are compared. The comparison results show that the proposed strategy generates a savings of over 18% referring to the total restocking cost over one-year period. The strategy proposed in this paper, which can handle the multiple dispenser types, provides a practical quantitative slotting method for CAOPS and can help picking-system-designers make slotting decisions efficiently and effectively.

Taboo Search Algorithm for Item Assignment in Synchronized Zone Automated Order Picking System

The idle time which is part of the order fulfillment time is decided by the number of items in the zone; therefore the item assignment method affects the picking efficiency. Whereas previous studies only focus on the balance of number of kinds of items between different zones but not the number of items and the idle time in each zone. In this paper, an idle factor is proposed to measure the idle time exactly. The idle factor is proven to obey the same vary trend with the idle time, so the object of this problem can be simplified from minimizing idle time to minimizing idle factor. Based on this, the model of item assignment problem in synchronized zone automated order picking system is built. The model is a form of relaxation of parallel machine scheduling problem which had been proven to be NP-complete. To solve the model, a taboo search algorithm is proposed. The main idea of the algorithm is minimizing the greatest idle factor of zones with the 2-exchange algorithm. Finally, the simulation which applies the data collected from a tobacco distribution center is conducted to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. The result verifies the model and shows the algorithm can do a steady work to reduce idle time and the idle time can be reduced by 45.63% on average. This research proposed an approach to measure the idle time in synchronized zone automated order picking system. The approach can improve the picking efficiency significantly and can be seen as theoretical basis when optimizing the synchronized automated order picking systems.

Integrated schedule of order picking and delivery for instant delivery

In this study,we introduce an integrated schedule of order picking and delivery for instant delivery.Order picking,including order batching and picking sequencing,is scheduled online under real-time order arrival,which integrates order delivery by depicting order location dispersion in an online order picking strategy.Order delivery,including delivery person assignment and route planning,is modeled to minimize the total duration of order fulfillment by considering the influence of the order picking completion time.A rule-based online order picking strategy is established,and a customized ant colony optimization(ACO)algorithm is proposed to optimize order delivery.Experiments on 16 simulated instances of different scales demonstrate that our online order picking schedule considering order delivery outperforms existing approaches and that the customized ACO algorithm for order delivery is effective.

Intelligent Control Mechanism of Part Picking Operations of Automated Warehouse

This paper studies the part picking operations of a ut omated warehouse. It assumed the demand of picking orders of automated warehouse are dynamic generated. Once the picking orders of certain period of time are kn own, it is necessary to decide an efficient order picking sequence and routing t o minimize the total travel distance to complete those orders. Assumed there are n i items to be picked in order O i. Each item in the picking ord er is located in different locations in the warehouse. Since it is possible the same items appear in the different picking orders, it will reduce the picking di stance if these orders can be batched and picked in one path. However, there are several constraints for the order batching and order picking operations. These constraint are (1) the crane of the automated warehouse has the carrying capacit y of C, and (2) for the management convenience, it is assumed that one picki ng order must be completed in one path. Because of the complexity of problem, it is inefficient to solve the problem by analytical approach. Although the heuristic method can significantly reduce of the computation time, the quality of the solution is always unacceptable. It is the intention of this paper to integrate the advantages of neural network and simulated annealing technique to develop the control mechanism for the planning of order picking operations of automated warehouse. A systematic computational simulation is conducted to evaluate the proposed method. The results show the pr oposed method can generate superior solution in most cased.