A classification approach to order picking systems and policies: Integrating automation and optimization for future research

Matheuristics for the Order-picking Problem with Sequence-dependant Constraints in a Logistic Center with a One-directional Conveyor Between Buffers

“…There are various picking system techniques that can be carried out by automated systems or people. Pinto et al (2023) presented the theoretical foundation for the most popular picking system classifications among researchers. They focused on picking systems based on automation strategies and processes and picking systems based on picking optimization policies and procedures.…”

Minimization of Costs with Picking and Storage Operations

“…The assignment of a location in the warehouse for a product can be fixed, can be chosen randomly, or can be the nearest available location. Random assignment is the most used, and, although it does not optimize the travel distances, it uses the picking area more evenly and can reduce congestion [3]. On the other hand, defining a fixed location dedicated to each SKU can speed up the picking times of high-demand products because operators are familiarized with their location, but it does not optimize space because it requires holding up the locations in the warehouse even when products are out-of-stock.…”

“…Storage location assignment policies can also be based on the ABC classes of the Pareto rule, on volume or demand, or on similarity groups [3]. By performing an ABC analysis, products are classified by the degree of importance in relation to value, consumption rate, or frequency of use.…”

“…In [3], the four intuitive reasons for locating SKUs nearby in the warehouse are referred to as follows: complementarity (ordered together); compatibility (they work together); popularity (high rotation rate); and size (weight/volume). The strategies for assigning nearby locations for products that are frequently ordered together are proposed in the literature for the food industry [10].…”

“…Improving warehouse operations and reducing the costs is of critical importance for the companies. To improve a warehouse's efficiency, integrating picking systems and warehouse optimization should be the focus of researchers [3]. It is estimated that the highest concentration of annual costs of warehouse operations correspond to picking (55%) and storage (20%) operations [4][5][6].…”