Layout Planning of Sortation Conveyors in Parcel Distribution Centers

Stefan Fedtke () and Nils Boysen ()
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Stefan Fedtke: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Lehrstuhl für ABWL/Operations Management, D-07743 Jena, Germany
Nils Boysen: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Lehrstuhl für ABWL/Operations Management, D-07743 Jena, Germany

Transportation Science, 2017, vol. 51, issue 1, 3-18

Abstract: Fully automated sortation processes play a crucial role in modern distribution networks of the parcel service industry. In this context, this study systematically investigates different design alternatives of closed-loop tilt tray sortation conveyors. In particular, the number of loading stations for feeding parcels into a conveyor system, and its relation to the subordinate decision problem of assigning inbound and outbound destinations to docking doors, is shown to considerably influence the throughput of a hub terminal. A novel destination assignment problem is formalized, appropriate solution procedures are presented, and, by means of simulation, the resulting throughput is quantified, so that an experienced terminal manager can weigh the operational gains against the investment cost of different conveyor layouts.

Keywords: logistics; parcel service industry; sortation conveyor; layout planning; door assignment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:ortrsc:v:51:y:2017:i:1:p:3-18

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