Stronger mixed-integer programming-formulations for order- and rack-sequencing in robotic mobile fulfillment systems
- This paper addresses the order- and rack-sequencing problem at a single picking station in the context of robotic mobile fulfillment systems, a warehouse technology typically applied in large distribution centers. Following the parts-to-picker concept, items are stored on movable racks that are lifted and transported by automated guided vehicles from the storage area to picking stations for order-processing. The order-picking process involves two linked decisions: How to sequence the processing of orders and how to sequence the rack visits to supply the picking station with the requested items. We present a novel mixed-integer linear programming formulation achieving stronger linear programming bounds than a previous formulation. Including preprocessing techniques it quickly solves instances of medium-size to proven optimality for the first time in literature. For large real-world instances, we provide a three-stage heuristic solution procedure suitable in a dynamic environment, while providing competitive solutions within a short run time. Computational experiments on a broad set of benchmark instances and a comparative study with approaches from literature verify our results.
Document Type: | Article |
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Language: | English |
Author: | Jan-Erik JustkowiakORCiD, Erwin Pesch |
Center: | Center for Advanced Studies in Management (CASiM) |
DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2022.06.051 |
Parent Title (English): | European journal of operational research : EJOR |
ISSN: | 0377-2217 |
Volume: | 305 |
Issue: | 3 (16 March 2023) |
Date of Publication (online): | 2022/06/30 |
First Page: | 1063 |
Last Page: | 1078 |
Tag: | Mixed-integer linear programming; Order-sequencing; Robotic mobile fulfillment system; Scheduling; Storage assignment; Strategy; Warehouse logistic |
Content Focus: | Academic Audience |
Peer Reviewed: | Yes |
Rankings: | AJG Ranking / 4 |
VHB Ranking / A | |
SJR Ranking / Q1 | |
Licence (German): | ![]() |