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Sequencing of picking orders to facilitate the replenishment of A-Frame systems

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  • David Boywitz
  • Stefan Schwerdfeger
  • Nils Boysen

Abstract

A-Frame systems are among the most efficient order picking devices. Stock keeping units are stockpiled in vertical channels successively arranged along an A-shaped frame and a dispenser automatically flips the bottommost item(s) of each channel into totes or shipping cartons that pass by under the frame on a conveyor belt. Although order picking itself is fully automated, continuously replenishing hundreds of channels still remains a laborious task for human workers. We treat the research question: if the sequencing of picking orders on the A-Frame can facilitate the replenishment process. In many real-life applications, workers are assigned to fixed areas of successive channels, which they have to timely replenish. Our sequencing approach, thus, aims to properly spread the replenishment events of each area over time, such that each worker has sufficient time to move from one replenishment event to the next. We formulate the resulting order sequencing problem, consider computational complexity, and suggest suited heuristic solution procedures. In our computational study, we also apply a simulation study of the replenishment process to explore the gains of our approach.

Suggested Citation

  • David Boywitz & Stefan Schwerdfeger & Nils Boysen, 2019. "Sequencing of picking orders to facilitate the replenishment of A-Frame systems," IISE Transactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(4), pages 368-381, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:uiiexx:v:51:y:2019:i:4:p:368-381
    DOI: 10.1080/24725854.2018.1513672
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    Cited by:

    1. Jiang, Min & Leung, K.H. & Lyu, Zhongyuan & Huang, George Q., 2020. "Picking-replenishment synchronization for robotic forward-reserve warehouses," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    2. Lu Zhen & Jingwen Wu & Haolin Li & Zheyi Tan & Yingying Yuan, 2023. "Scheduling multiple types of equipment in an automated warehouse," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 322(2), pages 1119-1141, March.
    3. Boysen, Nils & de Koster, René & Füßler, David, 2021. "The forgotten sons: Warehousing systems for brick-and-mortar retail chains," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 288(2), pages 361-381.
    4. Jiang, Min & Huang, George Q., 2022. "Intralogistics synchronization in robotic forward-reserve warehouses for e-commerce last-mile delivery," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    5. AERTS, Babiche & CORNELISSENS, Trijntje & SÖRENSEN, Kenneth, 2022. "The internal warehouse replenishment problem: the importance of storage and replenishment policies," Working Papers 2022007, University of Antwerp, Faculty of Business and Economics.

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