Simulation to analyse warehouse operational performance: a systematic literature review

The central role of warehouses in storing and distributing goods and order fulfilment is unavoidable in any supply chain. Thus, it becomes essential to study the operational problems in warehouses. Over the past few years, warehouses have evolved significantly, with a focus on operational efficiency and effectiveness. Efficient warehousing is key for companies to remain competitive and profitable. This study attempts to look at the application of simulation methods in warehouses for their performance measurement and, hence, the improvement of the processes involved in warehouse operations. This systematic literature review analyses the current academic literature from 2011 to 2023. The papers are classified according to the simulation methods in warehouses using different picking systems and across various warehouse operations, describe the operational problems of warehouses that have been addressed, and then propose future research directions. This review provides insights into how simulation studies have been consistently used for operational problems with changing picking systems in warehouses and how simulation methods have been applied across various warehouse operational problems. This will help researchers and practitioners to choose among the simulation methodologies when new picking systems in the warehouses are implemented or to analyse different operational problems of a warehouse.