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A puzzle‐based material handling system for order picking
Author(s) -
Shekari Ashgzari Mina,
Gue Kevin R.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international transactions in operational research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.032
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1475-3995
pISSN - 0969-6016
DOI - 10.1111/itor.12886
Subject(s) - computer science , grid , workstation , throughput , distributed computing , mathematics , operating system , wireless , geometry
Abstract We propose a new type of automated goods‐to‐person system based on a grid of unit‐sized conveyors. The system uses a negotiation‐based decentralized control algorithm to route required totes or cartons to one or more picking positions on the perimeter of the grid. We describe the algorithms to accomplish a “puzzle‐like” movement of totes on the grid and explore several design parameters and their effects on system throughput. One interesting result is that a 77% increase in throughput is possible if the orders processed by different workstations have no SKU commonality. The degree of stock keeping unit (SKU) commonality also affects the choice of layout.