Warehouse Real-Time Simulator – How to Optimize Order Picking Time

Abstract

This paper presents a tool for warehouse processes optimization. It allows checking of the effectiveness of any warehouse layout with a free designed storage location assignment. Warehouse real-time simulator tests the quality of projected layout and item’s location assignment using optimal picker’s route or one of five heuristics. In addition, it is shown in this paper, that the shortest route is not always the fastest.

The possible simultaneous work of many forklift trucks gives the opportunity of checking blocking situations, which can be caused by congestion effect.

Keywords: Order-picking, Warehousing, Simulation, Optimization

JEL Classification: C15, C44, C61