Stronger mixed-integer programming-formulations for order- and rack-sequencing in robotic mobile fulfillment systems

Jan-Erik Justkowiak and Erwin Pesch

European Journal of Operational Research, 2023, vol. 305, issue 3, 1063-1078

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Scheduling; Robotic mobile fulfillment systems; Mixed-integer linear programming; Warehouse logistics; Order-sequencing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ejores:v:305:y:2023:i:3:p:1063-1078

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2022.06.051

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