Intelligent Material Handling Systems: Design of Integrated Stockless and Distribution System for the Healthcare Industry

该奖项是ENG/CEISE在智能材料处理系统方面的联合研究重点。它的目标是为医院实施无库存系统制定一个综合程序，以实现更具成本效益的材料管理计划。鉴于无库存系统的范围，这项研究旨在整合整个分销管道，从医疗用品分销商到医院护士站的供应站，并将解决整个管道的工程和运营问题。该项目将调查组织、运营和工程需求，这些需求必须同时在医院和供应商配送中心建立，以运行成功的无库存系统。这包括在仓库、护士站的材料供应站进行材料包装和集装箱化的硬件设计，以及使用这些硬件从护士站向病人分发材料。准确的信息交换对无库存系统的成功至关重要。程序还包括材料位置、包装/码垛和订单检索。因此，该项目还将解决设备需求，并开发影响分销系统的仓库布局和订单挑选技术。

This award is in the joint ENG/CISE research thrust in Intelligent Material Handling Systems. Its objective is to develop an integrated procedure for the implementation of a stockless system by hospitals for a more cost efficient material management program. Given the scope of a stockless system, the research aims to integrate the entire distribution pipeline, from medical supply distributors to supply stations at Nurses Stations at hospitals and will address engineering and operational issues throughout the pipeline. The project will investigate organizational, operational, and engineering needs that must be instituted both at hospitals and supplier distribution centers to operate a successful stockless system. This includes hardware designs for material packaging and containerization at warehouses, material supply stations at Nurses Stations, and the use of such hardware for material dispensing to patients from Nurses Stations. Accurate information exchange is crucial to the success of a stockless system. The procedures also include material location, packaging/palletizing, and order retrieval. Therefore, the project will also address equipment requirements and develop techniques for warehouse layout and order picking which impact the distribution system.