Picking policies

One of main activy in warehouses is the orderpicking process. It’s the process where (parts of) orders are assigned to one or more orderpickers. Different strategies can be applied:

  • Zoning policy: The total pick area may be divided into picking zones, to be served by different orderpickers. Two alternative policies exist:
    • Parallel zoning or
    • Sequential zoning.
  • Batch policy: Orders are picked one by one (single order picking) or in batches (batch picking).

If Batch picking policy, Picked orders must be sorted in one of two sorting policies:

    • pick and sort (sequentially)
    • sort while pick (simultaneously).
  • Routing policy: define the sequence of retrievals and the route to visit the retrieval locations.

Dwell point policy may prescribe the position of idle orderpick equipment.

 

Introduction to warehousing – storage systems

Storage systems

The main function of a warehouse is to store materials (e.g., parts, work-in-process, finished goods) for a period of time and permit retrieval when required.

Storage systems are everywhere (factories, warehouses, distribution centers, wholesale dealerships, and retail stores) and are one important supply chain component.

Automation systems is critical to improve efficiency but only in determined conditions.

 

Storage performance systems

It does exist different performance measures for storage systems:

  • Storage capacity – two measures:
    • Total volumetric space
    • Total number of storage compartments (e.g., unit loads)
  • Storage density – volumetric space available for storage relative to total volumetric space in facility
  • Accessibility – capability to access any item in storage
  • System throughput – hourly rate of storage/retrieval transactions
  • Utilization and availability (reliability)

 

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yZL4-sGx1U&list=PLMbFnKS2badob1ly2WMSW7KaNAhoRXVH2&index=3&t=0s

 

https://youtu.be/1yZL4-sGx1U

 

https://youtu.be/ZysKWdWM5Vs