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Picking-replenishment synchronization for robotic forward-reserve warehouses

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  • Jiang, Min
  • Leung, K.H.
  • Lyu, Zhongyuan
  • Huang, George Q.

Abstract

Forward-reserve strategy is commonly applied when processing a large number of small orders. This paper considers robotic forward-reserve warehouses, where pick locations are brought to workers by mobile robots in the forward area. We treat the critical problem of unsatisfactory efficiency in the robotic forward area. A picking-replenishment synchronization mechanism (PRSM) is thereby proposed, which optimally attains a balance between replenishment efforts and picking efficiency. The resulting problem is formulated and solved by a tailored variable neighborhood search procedure integrated with a divide-and-conquer paradigm. Numerical results reveal remarkable benefits of PRSM over the conventional random schemes under different scenarios.

Suggested Citation

  • 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).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transe:v:144:y:2020:i:c:s1366554520307845
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2020.102138
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    Cited by:

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    4. Lam, H.Y. & Ho, G.T.S. & Mo, Daniel Y. & Tang, Valerie, 2023. "Responsive pick face replenishment strategy for stock allocation to fulfil e-commerce order," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 264(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.
    6. 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).
    7. Dragan Djurdjević & Nenad Bjelić & Dražen Popović & Milan Andrejić, 2022. "A Combined Dynamic Programming and Simulation Approach to the Sizing of the Low-Level Order-Picking Area," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(20), pages 1-23, October.
    8. Zhuang, Yanling & Zhou, Yun & Hassini, Elkafi & Yuan, Yufei & Hu, Xiangpei, 2022. "Rack retrieval and repositioning optimization problem in robotic mobile fulfillment systems," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    9. 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.

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