Work

Double traversals in optimal picker routes for warehouses with multiple blocks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Order picking involves collecting items from their locations within a warehouse. Existing algorithms for finding minimal picker routes consider limited options for travel within a subaisle. One action, traversing a subaisle twice, is not required in rectangular warehouses with two cross-aisles, however, is necessary for larger warehouses. In this work, we demonstrate that double traversals are not required to connect cross-aisle travel regardless of warehouse size. This result simplifies the structure of feasible tours, enabling more efficient algorithms.

Source: Operations Research Letters

DOI: 10.1016/j.orl.2025.107397

Authors: George Dunn, Hadi Charkhgard, Ali Eshragh, Elizabeth Stojanovski

Institutions: University of Newcastle Australia, University of South Florida, International Computer Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, Berkeley

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics Optimization

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,960