Fluid-based Slotting Optimization for Automated Order Picking System with Multiple Dispenser Types

Slotting strategy heavily influences the throughput and operational cost of automated order picking system with multiple dispenser types, which is called the complex automated order picking system (CAOPS). Existing research either focuses on one aspect of the slotting optimization problem or only considers one part of CAOPS, such as the Low-volume Dispensers, to develop corresponding slotting strategies. In order to provide a comprehensive and systemic approach, a fluid-based slotting strategy is proposed in this paper. The configuration of CAOPS is presented with specific reference to its fast-picking and restocking subsystems. Based on extended fluid model, a nonlinear mathematical programming model is developed to determine the optimal volume allotted to each stock keeping unit (SKU) in a certain mode by minimize the restocking cost of that mode. Conclusion from the allocation model is specified for the storage modules of high-volume dispensers and low-volume dispensers. Optimal allocation of storage resources in the fast-picking area of CAOPS is then discussed with the aim of identifying the optimal space of each picking mode. The SKU assignment problem referring to the total restocking cost of CAOPS is analyzed and a greedy heuristic with low time complexity is developed according to the characteristics of CAOPS. Real life application from the tobacco industry is presented in order to exemplify the proposed slotting strategy and assess the effectiveness of the developed methodology. Entry-item-quantity (EIQ) based experiential solutions and proposed-model-based near-optimal solutions are compared. The comparison results show that the proposed strategy generates a savings of over 18% referring to the total restocking cost over one-year period. The strategy proposed in this paper, which can handle the multiple dispenser types, provides a practical quantitative slotting method for CAOPS and can help picking-system-designers make slotting decisions efficiently and effectively.     

WI – Call for Papers,Heft 5/2010, Konstruktionsforschung in der Wirtschaftsinformatik

Ohne Zusammenfassung This article is also available in English via and : Winter R, Baskerville R (2009) BISE – Call for Papers, Issue 5/2010, Science of Business and Information Systems Engineering. Bus Inf Syst Eng. doi: 10.1007/s12599-009-0047-2.     

The rhetoric of re-entry education: persuasive definition,agency, and voice in prison discourse

ABSTRACT

The Second Chance Act of 2007 provided funding for an array of re-entry education programs aimed at helping prisoners succeed after their release. The debate team at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta (USP–Atlanta) discussed re-entry education in a debate held in April 2017. Inspired by their arguments, this essay explores the rhetorical dimensions of re-entry education by way of the critical concepts of persuasive definition, agency, and voice. The speeches of the USP–Atlanta debaters and this essay complicate the notion of re-entry education by illuminating its rhetorical entailments.     

Selecting between Sequential Zoning and Simultaneous Zoning for Picker-to-parts Order Picking System Based on Order Cluster and Genetic Algorithm

The existing research of sequential zoning system and simultaneous zoning system mainly focuses on some optimization problems such as workload balance,product assignment and simulation for each system separately.But there is little research on comparative study between sequential zoning and simultaneous zoning.In order to help the designers to choose the suitable zoning policy for picker-to-parts system reasonably and quickly,a systemic selection method is presented.Essentially,both zoning and batching are order clustering,so the customer order sheet can be divided into many unit grids.After the time formulation in one-dimensional unit was defined,the time models for each zoning policy in two-dimensional space were established using filling curves and sequence models to link the one-dimensional unit grids.In consideration of U shaped dual tour into consideration,the subtraction value of order picking time between sequential zoning and simultaneous zoning was defined as the objective function to select the suitable zoning policy based on time models.As it is convergent enough,genetic algorithm is adopted to find the optimal value of order picking time.In the experimental study,5 different kinds of order/stock keeping unit(SKU) matrices with different densities d and quantities q following uniform distribution were created in order to test the suitability of sequential zoning and simultaneous zoning to different kinds of orders.After parameters setting,experimental orders inputting and iterative computations,the optimal order picking time for each zoning policy was gotten.By observing whether the delta time between them is greater than 0 or not,the suitability of zoning policies for picker-to-parts system were obtained.The significant effect of batch size b,zone number z and density d on suitability was also found by experimental study.The proposed research provides a new method for selection between sequential zoning and simultaneous zoning for picker-to-parts system,and improves the rationality and efficiency of selection process in practical design.