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Layout Planning of Sortation Conveyors in Parcel Distribution Centers

Author

Listed:
  • Stefan Fedtke

    (Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Lehrstuhl für ABWL/Operations Management, D-07743 Jena, Germany)

  • Nils Boysen

    (Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Lehrstuhl für ABWL/Operations Management, D-07743 Jena, Germany)

Abstract

Fully automated sortation processes play a crucial role in modern distribution networks of the parcel service industry. In this context, this study systematically investigates different design alternatives of closed-loop tilt tray sortation conveyors. In particular, the number of loading stations for feeding parcels into a conveyor system, and its relation to the subordinate decision problem of assigning inbound and outbound destinations to docking doors, is shown to considerably influence the throughput of a hub terminal. A novel destination assignment problem is formalized, appropriate solution procedures are presented, and, by means of simulation, the resulting throughput is quantified, so that an experienced terminal manager can weigh the operational gains against the investment cost of different conveyor layouts.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Fedtke & Nils Boysen, 2017. "Layout Planning of Sortation Conveyors in Parcel Distribution Centers," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 51(1), pages 3-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ortrsc:v:51:y:2017:i:1:p:3-18
    DOI: 10.1287/trsc.2014.0540
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Werners, Brigitte & Wülfing, Thomas, 2010. "Robust optimization of internal transports at a parcel sorting center operated by Deutsche Post World Net," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 201(2), pages 419-426, March.
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    5. Boysen, Nils & Fliedner, Malte, 2010. "Cross dock scheduling: Classification, literature review and research agenda," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 38(6), pages 413-422, December.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Boysen, Nils & Schwerdfeger, Stefan & W． Ulmer, Marlin, 2023. "Robotized sorting systems: Large-scale scheduling under real-time conditions with limited lookahead," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 310(2), pages 582-596.
    2. Rupp, Johannes & Boysen, Nils & Briskorn, Dirk, 2022. "Optimizing consolidation processes in hubs: The hub-arrival-departure problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 298(3), pages 1051-1066.
    3. Nils Boysen & Stefan Fedtke & Stefan Schwerdfeger, 2021. "Last-mile delivery concepts: a survey from an operational research perspective," OR Spectrum: Quantitative Approaches in Management, Springer;Gesellschaft für Operations Research e.V., vol. 43(1), pages 1-58, March.
    4. Tadumadze, Giorgi & Boysen, Nils & Emde, Simon & Weidinger, Felix, 2019. "Integrated truck and workforce scheduling to accelerate the unloading of trucks," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 278(1), pages 343-362.
    5. Boysen, Nils & Briskorn, Dirk & Fedtke, Stefan & Schmickerath, Marcel, 2019. "Automated sortation conveyors: A survey from an operational research perspective," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 276(3), pages 796-815.
    6. Boysen, Nils & Fedtke, Stefan & Weidinger, Felix, 2018. "Optimizing automated sorting in warehouses: The minimum order spread sequencing problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 270(1), pages 386-400.
    7. Nils Boysen & Stefan Fedtke & Felix Weidinger, 2017. "Truck Scheduling in the Postal Service Industry," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 51(2), pages 723-736, May.
    8. Khir, Reem & Erera, Alan & Toriello, Alejandro, 2023. "Robust planning of sorting operations in express delivery systems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 306(2), pages 615-631.

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