Warehouse layout implications on picking distance: case of human factor
by Olli-Pekka Hilmola; Andres Tolli
World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research (WRITR), Vol. 6, No. 1, 2016

Abstract: Efficiency of warehousing work is in great demand as it has high importance in its total costs. Quick response systems have emphasised that long-term warehousing ought to decrease, but on the other hand, these streamlined systems lead to higher amount of handling work. So, transactions increase, but amounts per picking tend to decrease. Picking work itself continues to hold significance. We used a computer program to test five different layouts from which picking work of ten items in randomised locations were completed. Trials contain optimal solution and human (students) made routes. Research shows that warehouse layout and size drive picking distance. Human side of the work illustrates that human influenced picking decisions do differ from optimal, but not that much on less complex layouts. Even in the case of more demanding layouts, picking performance difference is not that great, if picking training takes place.

Online publication date: Thu, 04-Aug-2016

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