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Simulation of an Order Picking System in a Pharmaceutical Warehouse

Authors:
João Pedro Jorge
Zafeiris Kokkinogenis
Rosaldo J. F. Rossetti
Manuel A. P. Marques

Keywords: Warehouse Simulation, Order Picking system, Agent-Based model, NetLogo

Abstract:
The paper presents an agent-based simulation model of an order picking system. A pharmaceutical warehouse is used as case study with the purpose of improving the implemented picking processes. Warehousing activities affect the total logistic costs of a company or supply chain. The optimization of the required picking operations is one of the most important objectives when attempting to reduce the operative costs. This study intends to provide a proof-of-concept agent-based model for scheduling the number of human resources required for picking activities. The improvement in the service and the planning of the manpower used in the warehouse, thus achieved, leads to operation-cost reductions. The goal is accomplished by using the NetLogo agent-based simulation framework. The simulation outcomes suggest that dimensioning human resources is a means to satisfy the desirable level of customer’s service.

Pages: 107 to 112

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2012

Publication date: November 18, 2012

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4537

ISBN: 978-1-61208-234-9

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: from November 18, 2012 to November 23, 2012