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The storage location assignment and picker routing problem: A generic branch-cut-and-price algorithm

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  • Prunet, Thibault
  • Absi, Nabil
  • Cattaruzza, Diego

Abstract

The Storage Location Assignment Problem (SLAP) and the Picker Routing Problem (PRP) have received significant attention in the literature due to their pivotal role in the performance of the Order Picking (OP) activity, the most resource-intensive process of warehousing logistics. The two problems are traditionally considered at different decision-making levels: tactical for the SLAP, and operational for the PRP. However, this paradigm has been challenged by the emergence of modern practices in e-commerce warehouses, where decisions are more dynamic. This shift makes the integrated problem, called the Storage Location Assignment and Picker Routing Problem (SLAPRP), pertinent to consider. Scholars have investigated several variants of the SLAPRP, including different warehouse layouts and routing policies. Nevertheless, the available computational results suggest that each variant requires an ad-hoc formulation. Moreover, achieving a complete integration of the two problems, where the routing is solved optimally, remains out of reach for commercial solvers, even on trivial instances.

Suggested Citation

  • Prunet, Thibault & Absi, Nabil & Cattaruzza, Diego, 2025. "The storage location assignment and picker routing problem: A generic branch-cut-and-price algorithm," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 327(3), pages 857-874.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:327:y:2025:i:3:p:857-874
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2025.05.041
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