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An adapted ant colony optimization algorithm for the minimization of the travel distance of pickers in manual warehouses

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  • De Santis, Roberta
  • Montanari, Roberto
  • Vignali, Giuseppe
  • Bottani, Eleonora

Abstract

This paper proposes a new metaheuristic routing algorithm for the minimization of the travel distance of pickers in manual warehouses. The algorithm is based on the ant colony optimization (ACO) metaheuristic, which is combined and integrated with the Floyd–Warshall (FW) algorithm, and is therefore referred to as FW–ACO. To assess the performance of the FW–ACO algorithm, two sets of analyses are carried out. Firstly, the capability of the algorithm to provide effective solutions for the picking problem is analyzed as a function of the settings of the main ACO parameters. Secondly, the performance of the FW–ACO algorithm is compared with that of six algorithms typically used to optimize the travel distance of pickers, including exact algorithms for the solution of the travelling salesman problem (where available), two heuristic routing strategies (i.e. S-shape and largest gap) and two metaheuristic algorithms (i.e. the MIN–MAX ant system and Combined+). The comparison is made considering different warehouse layouts and problem complexities. The outcomes obtained suggest that the FW–ACO is a promising algorithm generally able to provide better results than the heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms, and often able to find an exact solution. The FW–ACO algorithm also shows a very efficient computational time, which makes it suitable for defining the route of pickers in real time. The FW–ACO algorithm is finally implemented in a real case study, where constraints exist on the order in which items should be picked, to show its practical usefulness and quantify the resulting savings.

Suggested Citation

  • De Santis, Roberta & Montanari, Roberto & Vignali, Giuseppe & Bottani, Eleonora, 2018. "An adapted ant colony optimization algorithm for the minimization of the travel distance of pickers in manual warehouses," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 267(1), pages 120-137.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:267:y:2018:i:1:p:120-137
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2017.11.017
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    4. Taniya Mukherjee & Isha Sangal & Biswajit Sarkar & Tamer M. Alkadash & Qais Almaamari, 2023. "Pallet Distribution Affecting a Machine’s Utilization Level and Picking Time," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-17, July.
    5. Çelik, Melih & Archetti, Claudia & Süral, Haldun, 2022. "Inventory routing in a warehouse: The storage replenishment routing problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 301(3), pages 1117-1132.
    6. Fangyu Chen & Gangyan Xu & Yongchang Wei, 2019. "An Integrated Metaheuristic Routing Method for Multiple-Block Warehouses with Ultranarrow Aisles and Access Restriction," Complexity, Hindawi, vol. 2019, pages 1-14, June.
    7. Atashi Khoei, Arsham & Süral, Haldun & Tural, Mustafa Kemal, 2023. "Energy minimizing order picker forklift routing problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 307(2), pages 604-626.
    8. Guo, Xiaolong & Chen, Ran & Du, Shaofu & Yu, Yugang, 2021. "Storage assignment for newly arrived items in forward picking areas with limited open locations," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    9. Maria A. M. Trindade & Paulo S. A. Sousa & Maria R. A. Moreira, 2022. "Ramping up a heuristic procedure for storage location assignment problem with precedence constraints," Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, Springer, vol. 34(3), pages 646-669, September.
    10. Rajabighamchi, Farzaneh & van Hoesel, Stan & Defryn, Christof, 2023. "Graph reduction for the planar Travelling Salesman Problem," Research Memorandum 004, Maastricht University, Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE).
    11. Jose Alejandro Cano & Pablo Cortés & Jesús Muñuzuri & Alexander Correa-Espinal, 2023. "Solving the picker routing problem in multi-block high-level storage systems using metaheuristics," Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, Springer, vol. 35(2), pages 376-415, June.
    12. Roozbeh Nia, Ali & Awasthi, Anjali & Bhuiyan, Nadia, 2023. "Integrate exergy costs and carbon reduction policy in order to optimize the sustainability development of coal supply chains in uncertain conditions," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).

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