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Sequencing heuristics for storing and retrieving unit loads in 3D compact automated warehousing systems

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  • Yugang Yu
  • René De Koster

Abstract

Sequencing unit-load retrieval requests has been extensively reported on in the literature for conventional single-deep automated warehousing systems. A proper sequence can greatly reduce the makespan when carrying out a group of such requests. Although the sequencing problem is NP-hard, some very good heuristics exist. Surprisingly, the problem has not yet been investigated for compact (multi-deep) storage systems, which have greatly increased in popularity the last decade. This article studies how to sequence a group (or block) of storage and retrieval requests in a multi-deep automated storage system with the objective to minimize the makespan. Currently utilized sequencing heuristics for the multi-deep system are adapted in this article and in addition a new heuristic, Percentage Priority to Retrievals with Shortest Leg (PPR-SL), is proposed and evaluated. It is shown that the PPR-SL heuristic consistently outperforms all of the other heuristics. Generally, it can outperform the benchmark First-Come First-Served (FCFS) heuristic by between 20 and 70%. The nearest neighbor heuristic that performs very well in conventional single-deep storage systems appears to perform poorly in the multi-deep system, even worse than FCFS. In addition, based on FCFS and PPR-SL, robust rack dimensions that yield a short makespan, regardless of the number of storage and retrieval requests, are found.

Suggested Citation

  • Yugang Yu & René De Koster, 2012. "Sequencing heuristics for storing and retrieving unit loads in 3D compact automated warehousing systems," IISE Transactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(2), pages 69-87.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:uiiexx:v:44:y:2012:i:2:p:69-87
    DOI: 10.1080/0740817X.2011.575441
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Xianhao Xu & Bipan Zou & Guwen Shen & Yeming (Yale) Gong, 2016. "Travel-time models and fill-grade factor analysis for double-deep multi-aisle AS/RSs," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(14), pages 4126-4144, July.
    2. Chen, Gang & Feng, Haolin & Luo, Kaiyi & Tang, Yanli, 2021. "Retrieval-oriented storage relocation optimization of an automated storage and retrieval system," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    3. Yang, Jingjing & de Koster, René B.M. & Guo, Xiaolong & Yu, Yugang, 2023. "Scheduling shuttles in deep-lane shuttle-based storage systems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 308(2), pages 696-708.
    4. Gharehgozli, Amir & Xu, Chao & Zhang, Wenda, 2021. "High multiplicity asymmetric traveling salesman problem with feedback vertex set and its application to storage/retrieval system," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 289(2), pages 495-507.
    5. Xiaoyi Man & Feifeng Zheng & Feng Chu & Ming Liu & Yinfeng Xu, 2021. "Bi-objective optimization for a two-depot automated storage/retrieval system," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 296(1), pages 243-262, January.
    6. Nima Zaerpour & Yugang Yu & René B.M. de Koster, 2017. "Optimal two-class-based storage in a live-cube compact storage system," IISE Transactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(7), pages 653-668, July.
    7. Azadeh, K. & de Koster, M.B.M. & Roy, D., 2017. "Robotized Warehouse Systems: Developments and Research Opportunities," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2017-009-LIS, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    8. Zhuxi Chen & Xiaoping Li & Jatinder N.D. Gupta, 2016. "Sequencing the storages and retrievals for flow-rack automated storage and retrieval systems with duration-of-stay storage policy," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(4), pages 984-998, February.
    9. Nima Zaerpour & Yugang Yu & René de Koster, 2017. "Small is Beautiful: A Framework for Evaluating and Optimizing Live-Cube Compact Storage Systems," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 51(1), pages 34-51, February.
    10. Jingjing Hao & Haoming Shi & Victor Shi & Chenchen Yang, 2020. "Adoption of Automatic Warehousing Systems in Logistics Firms: A Technology–Organization–Environment Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-14, June.
    11. Amir Hossein Gharehgozli & Yugang Yu & Xiandong Zhang & René de Koster, 2017. "Polynomial Time Algorithms to Minimize Total Travel Time in a Two-Depot Automated Storage/Retrieval System," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 51(1), pages 19-33, February.
    12. Nima Zaerpour & Yugang Yu & René B. M. de Koster, 2017. "Response time analysis of a live-cube compact storage system with two storage classes," IISE Transactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(5), pages 461-480, May.
    13. Nima Zaerpour & Amir Gharehgozli & René De Koster, 2019. "Vertical Expansion: A Solution for Future Container Terminals," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 53(5), pages 1235-1251, September.
    14. Wenquan Dong & Mingzhou Jin & Yanyan Wang & Peter Kelle, 2021. "Retrieval scheduling in crane-based 3D automated retrieval and storage systems with shuttles," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 302(1), pages 111-135, July.
    15. Kaveh Azadeh & René De Koster & Debjit Roy, 2019. "Robotized and Automated Warehouse Systems: Review and Recent Developments," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 53(4), pages 917-945, July.

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