Analytical and simulation determination of order picking time in a low storage warehouse for shared storage systems

Abstract

The aim of the research is comparison between average order picking times obtained using the analytical model and simulation methods for shared storage systems. We also compare the results obtained with the results obtained for dedicated storage. We assume the random and ABC-class storage (with within and across aisle storage policies). We select the locations by means of the TOPSIS method for two take-out strategies: quantity adjustment (QA) and priority of partial units (PPU). We determine the route by using s-shape and return heuristics. In most cases, the simulated average order picking times are shorter than the analytical ones. It results from not considering the criteria’ weights in calculation of the analytical order picking time. Also, the results for shared storage with QA strategy are in most cases better than for dedicated storage. This might imply an advantage of shared over dedicated storage, but needs further confirmation.