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

本研究项目将开发数学和计算方法，以优化仓库的“快速取货区”的设计（大多数订单取货集中的小而方便的区域，并从散装存储区支持重新进货）。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？哪些产品应该在那里展出？每种产品应该储存多少？该方法将通过考虑仓库中每个产品的物理尺寸、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“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内容。这将减少劳动力需求（特别是加班和临时工），同时从存储设备中获得最大价值。此外，它将降低库存水平，提高配送中心的响应能力，并使产品流向下游。

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.