A MULTI-OBJECTIVE APPROACH TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF STOCK KEEPING UNITS TO UNIDIRECTIONAL PICKING LINES

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/28-1-1615

Keywords:

Order picking, population based metaheuristics

Abstract

An order picking system in a distribution centre consisting of parallel unidirectional picking lines is considered. The objectives are to minimise the walking distance of the pickers, the largest volume of stock on a picking line over all picking lines, the number of small packages, and the total penalty incurred for late distributions. The problem is formulated as a multi-objective multiple knapsack problem that is not solvable in a realistic time. Population-based algorithms, including the artificial bee colony algorithm and the genetic algorithm, are also implemented. The results obtained from all algorithms indicate a substantial improvement on all objectives relative to historical assignments. The genetic algorithm delivers the best performance. 

Author Biographies

Gavin J Le Roux, Stellenbosch University

Department of Logistics

Stephan E Visagie, Stellenbosch University

Department of Logistics

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Published

2017-05-26

How to Cite

Le Roux, G. J., & Visagie, S. E. (2017). A MULTI-OBJECTIVE APPROACH TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF STOCK KEEPING UNITS TO UNIDIRECTIONAL PICKING LINES. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 28(1), 190–209. https://doi.org/10.7166/28-1-1615

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Section

Case Studies