Determining Number of Zones in a Pick-and-Pack Orderpicking System

32 Pages Posted: 25 Oct 2005

See all articles by Tho Le-Duc

Tho Le-Duc

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Rotterdam School of Management (RSM); Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM)

M. B. M. de Koster

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Department of Technology and Operations Management

Date Written: 18 2005 5,

Abstract

In this study we consider a pick-to-pack orderpicking system, in which batches of orders are picked simultaneously from different(work) zones by a group of order pickers. After picking, theorders are transported by a conveyor to the next station for packing. Our aim is to determine the optimal number of zones such that the overall (picking and packing) time to finish a batch isminimized. We solve this problem by optimally assigning items to pick routes in each zone. Weillustrate the method with data taken from a distribution center of one of the largest onlineretailers in the Netherlands.

Keywords: orderpicking, zone picking, warehousing, logistics, order fulfillment, distribution

JEL Classification: M, M11, C61, L81

Suggested Citation

Le-Duc, Tho and de Koster, M.B.M. René, Determining Number of Zones in a Pick-and-Pack Orderpicking System (18 2005 5,). ERIM Report Series Reference No. ERS-2005-029-LIS, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=800205

Tho Le-Duc (Contact Author)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) ( email )

P.O. Box 1738
Room T08-21
3000 DR Rotterdam, 3000 DR
Netherlands

Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM)

P.O. Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands

M.B.M. René De Koster

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Department of Technology and Operations Management ( email )

RSM Erasmus University
PO Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands
+31 10 408 1719 (Phone)
+31 10 408 9014 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.rsm.nl/rdekoster

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