Optimal Design and Layout of the Fast-Pick Area of a Warehouse

该研究项目将开发数学和计算方法来优化仓库的“快速拣选区域”的设计(小的、位置便利的区域，大多数订单挑选集中在这里，并从散装存储区域支持进行补货)。该方法将包括回答关键问题的算法：快速挑选区域应该有多大？在那里应该代表哪些产品？每种产品应该在那里储存多少？该方法将通过考虑仓库中每种产品的物理尺寸、每种存储模式的尺寸、仓库中的可用空间以及客户订单之间的模式来回答这些问题。这种方法将根据预期的产品流动来调整配送中心的设计和布局，从而减少移动产品所需的工作量。这将减少劳动力需求(特别是加班和临时工作)，同时从存储设备中获得最大价值。此外，它还将降低库存水平，提高配送中心的响应能力，并畅通下游产品流动。

This research project will develop mathematical and computational methodology to optimize the design of the "fast-pick area" of a warehouse (the small, conveniently-located region where most order-picking is concentrated and which does restocking from a bulk storage area support). The methodology will include algorithms to answer the key questions: How large should the fast-pick area be? Which products should be represented there? How much of each product should be stored there? The methodology will answer these questions by taking into account the physical dimensions of every product in the warehouse, the dimensions of every storage mode, the space available in the warehouse, and the patterns among customer orders.This methodology will "tune" the design and layout of a distribution center to the expected flow of products and so reduce the work-content required to move the product. This will reduce the labor requirements (especially of overtime and temporaries) while getting maximum value from storage equipment. Inaddition, it will reduce inventory levels, increase responsiveness of the distribution center and smooth product flows downstream.