Optimizing Block Stacking Operations with Multiple SKUs: A Discrete-Event Simulation Approach

Loading and unloading operations for Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) is essential in logistics management systems. Warehouse planning requirements are so vast and complex that reaching the maximum value of warehouse performance evaluation indices cannot be defined generally and explicitly. Moreover considering all the real environment constraints make it harder. Designing optimization problems with objective functions such as minimizing inventory storage time, maximizing warehouse utilization rate, minimizing the number of redundant and unnecessary movements of SKUs in the warehouse, and minimizing the wasted space are examples of these different approaches. There are also many differences between the types of proposed models in terms of the limitations. The present article aims to provide an overview of the operational issues in temporary warehouses' administrative decisions in two phases of the warehouse's transportation and space operations. Eventually, the simulation of the problem in storing and determining the warehouse's optimal storage lane depths is performed. Implementing the results of this simulation in reducing wasted space and increasing space utilization are addressed.

Keywords:

Warehousing , Transportation , Logistics management , Simulation , Inventory control