An investigation of the effects of storage assignment and picker routing on the occurrence of picker blocking in manual picker-to-parts warehouses

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 841-863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Franzke ◽  
Eric H. Grosse ◽  
Christoph H. Glock ◽  
Ralf Elbert
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Order Picking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Routing Policy ◽  
Storage Assignment ◽  
Alternative Routing ◽  
Routing Policies ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Picker Blocking

Purpose Order picking is one of the most costly logistics processes in warehouses. As a result, the optimization of order picking processes has received an increased attention in recent years. One potential source for improving order picking is the reduction of picker blocking. The purpose of this paper is to investigate picker blocking under different storage assignment and order picker-route combinations and evaluate its effects on the performance of manual order picking processes. Design/methodology/approach This study develops an agent-based simulation model (ABS) for order picking in a rectangular warehouse. By employing an ABS, we are able to study the behaviour of individual order pickers and their interactions with the environment. Findings The simulation model determines shortest mean throughput times when the same routing policy is assigned to all order pickers. In addition, it evaluates the efficiency of alternative routing policies–storage assignment combinations. Research limitations/implications The paper implies that ABS is well-suited for further investigations in the field of picker blocking, for example, with respect to the individual behaviour of agents. Practical implications Based on the results of this paper, warehouse managers can choose an appropriate routing policy that best matches their storage assignment policy and the number of order pickers employed. Originality/value This paper is the first to comprehensively study the effects of different combinations of order picker routing and storage assignment policies on the occurrence of picker blocking.

A new agent-based simulation model of bilateral negotiation

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-148
Author(s):  
Frieder Lempp
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Bilateral Negotiation ◽  
Agent Based Simulation ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Negotiation Strategies ◽  
Negotiation Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new agent-based simulation model of bilateral negotiation based on a synthesis of established theories and empirical studies of negotiation research. The central units of the model are negotiators who pursue goals, have attributes (trust, assertiveness, cooperativeness, creativity, time, etc.) and perform actions (proposing and accepting offers, exchanging information, creating value, etc). Design/methodology/approach Methodologically, the model follows the agent-based approach to modeling. This approach is chosen because negotiations can be described as complex, non-linear systems involving autonomous agents (i.e. the negotiators), who interact with each other, pursue goals and perform actions aimed at achieving their goals. Findings This paper illustrates how the model can simulate experiments involving variables such as negotiation strategy, creativity, reservation value or time in negotiation. An example simulation is presented which investigates the main and interaction effects of negotiators’ reservation value and their time available for a negotiation. A software implementation of the model is freely accessible at https://tinyurl.com/y7oj6jo8. Research limitations/implications The model, as developed at this point, provides the basis for future research projects. One project could address the representation of emotions and their impact on the process and outcome of negotiations. Another project could extend the model by allowing negotiators to convey false information (i.e. to bluff). Yet another project could be aimed at refining the routines used for making and accepting offers with a view to allow parties to reach partial settlements during a negotiation. Practical implications Due to its broad scope and wide applicability, the model can be used by practitioners and researchers alike. As a decision-support system, the model allows users to simulate negotiation situations and estimate the likelihood of negotiation outcomes. As a research platform, it can generate simulation data in a cost- and time-effective way, allowing researchers to simulate complex, large-N studies at no cost or time. Originality/value The model presented in this paper synthesizes in a novel way a comprehensive range of concepts and theories of current negotiation research. It complements other computational models, in that it can simulate a more diverse range of negotiation strategies (distributive, integrative and compromise) and is applicable to a greater variety of negotiation scenarios.

Warehousing process performance improvement: a tailored framework for 3PL

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1619-1641
Author(s):  
Giulia Baruffaldi ◽  
Riccardo Accorsi ◽  
Riccardo Manzini ◽  
Emilio Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Order Picking ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Storage Assignment ◽  
Challenging Environment ◽  
Travelling Time

PurposeThird-party logistic providers (3PLs) continuously strive for controlling and improving their performances to gain a competitive advantage. The challenging environment where they operate is affected by high variety in type and number of clients, the inventory mix and the demand profiles they have to meet. Consequently, better understanding the dynamics of warehousing operations and the characteristics of the inventory mix is critical to handle such a complexity.Design/Methodology/approachThis paper proposes a decision-support framework, suited for 3PL warehouse practitioners, that aids to design and implement effective and affordable activities for measuring and improving the warehousing performances. Such goal is pursued by the framework by leading the managers through an initial mapping and diagnosis of the system, then by developing a tailored measurement system to track the performance, paving the way to the identification of the criticalities and the potential improvement scenarios.FindingsThis paper presents a case study on the implementation of the proposed framework at a warehouse of an Italian 3PL provider to introduce a new storage assignment policy and reduce the travelling time for order picking. Furthermore, the paper exemplifies how the framework contributes to enhance the awareness of managers on warehousing operations and the involvement of the personnel throughout the improvement process.Practical implicationThe proposed framework can be implemented by operations managers of 3PL warehouses who want to pursue general performance improvement projects. With respect to the case study, this framework contributes to identify the storage assignment policy that reduces the travelling for order picking in the observed warehouse of 8 percent in a month but is intended to address to even other areas of improvement in 3PL warehousing environments.Originality/valueInstead of focusing on the proper methods and models that optimize a specific task or performance indicator, it provides a general framework that leads the managers through the decisional process, from the preliminary diagnosis of the system, to its benchmarking, towards the implementation of corrective and improving solutions.

scholarly journals Throughput models for a dual-bay VLM order picking system under different configurations

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (6) ◽  
pp. 1268-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Sgarbossa ◽  
Martina Calzavara ◽  
Alessandro Persona
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Order Picking ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Throughput Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Storage Assignment ◽  
Particular Solution ◽  
Vertical Lift

Purpose Vertical lift module (VLM) is a parts-to-picker system for order picking of small products, which are stored into two columns of trays served by a lifting crane. A dual-bay VLM order picking (dual-bay VLM-OP) system is a particular solution where the operator works in parallel with the crane, allowing higher throughput performance. The purpose of this paper is to define models for different operating configurations able to improve the total throughput of the dual-bay VLM-OP system. Design/methodology/approach Analytical models are developed to estimate the throughput of a dual-bay VLM-OP. A deep evaluation has been carried out, considering different storage assignment policies and the sequencing retrieval of trays. Findings A more accurate estimation of the throughput is demonstrated, compared to the application of previous models. Some use guidelines for practitioners and academics are derived from the analysis based on real data. Originality/value Differing from previous contributions, these models include the acceleration/deceleration of the crane and the probability of storage and retrieve of each single tray. This permits to apply these models to different storage assignment policies and to suggest when these policies can be profitably applied. They can also model the sequencing retrieval of trays.

Creativity in a theory of entrepreneurship

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Lee Caton
Keyword(s):  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Competitive System ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
The Social ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
The Individual

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to integrate a detailed theory of perception and action with a theory of entrepreneurship. It considers how new knowledge is developed by entrepreneurs and how the level of creativity is regulated by a competitive system. It also shows how new knowledge may create value for the innovator as well as for other entrepreneurs in the system. Design/methodology/approach The theory builds on existing literature on creativity and entrepreneurship. It considers how transformation of mental technologies occurs at the individual and system levels, and how this transformation influences value creation. Findings Under a competitive system, the level of creativity is regulated by the need for new ways of doing things. Periods of crisis wherein old means of coordination begin to fail often precipitate an increase in creativity, whereas a lack of crisis often allows the system to settle to a stable equilibrium with lower levels of creativity. Research limitations/implications The combination of methodology and methods facilitates a description of discrete building blocks that guide perception and enable creativity. This framing enables consideration of how a changing set of knowledge interacts with a system of prices. Practical implications Policy makers must take care not to encumber markets with costs that unnecessarily constrain creativity, as experimentation makes the economic system robust to shocks. Social implications This work provides a framing of cognition that allows for a linking of agent understanding that permits explicit description of coordination between agents. It relates perception and ends of the individual to constraints enforced by the social system. Originality/value As far as the author is concerned, no other work ties together a robust framing of cognition with computational simulation of market processes. This research deepens understanding in multiple fields, most prominently for agent-based modeling and entrepreneurship.

scholarly journals On the quest for defining organisational plasticity: a community modelling experiment

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peer-Olaf Siebers ◽  
Dinuka Herath ◽  
Emanuele Bardone ◽  
Siavash Farahbakhsh ◽  
Peter Gloggengiehser Knudsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Social Simulation ◽  
Agent Based Simulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Modelling Framework ◽  
The Social

PurposeThis viewpoint article is concerned with an attempt to advance organisational plasticity (OP) modelling concepts by using a novel community modelling framework (PhiloLab) from the social simulation community to drive the process of idea generation. In addition, the authors want to feed back their experience with PhiloLab as they believe that this way of idea generation could also be of interest to the wider evidence-based human resource management (EBHRM) community.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used some workshop sessions to brainstorm new conceptual ideas in a structured and efficient way with a multidisciplinary group of 14 (mainly academic) participants using PhiloLab. This is a tool from the social simulation community, which stimulates and formally supports discussions about philosophical questions of future societal models by means of developing conceptual agent-based simulation models. This was followed by an analysis of the qualitative data gathered during the PhiloLab sessions, feeding into the definition of a set of primary axioms of a plastic organisation.FindingsThe PhiloLab experiment helped with defining a set of primary axioms of a plastic organisation, which are presented in this viewpoint article. The results indicated that the problem was rather complex, but it also showed good potential for an agent-based simulation model to tackle some of the key issues related to OP. The experiment also showed that PhiloLab was very useful in terms of knowledge and idea gathering.Originality/valueThrough information gathering and open debates on how to create an agent-based simulation model of a plastic organisation, the authors could identify some of the characteristics of OP and start structuring some of the parameters for a computational simulation. With the outcome of the PhiloLab experiment, the authors are paving the way towards future exploratory computational simulation studies of OP.

scholarly journals Inquisitiveness: distributing rational thinking

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 66-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuele Bardone ◽  
Davide Secchi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Herbert Simon ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Working Together ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Ad Hoc Teams

Purpose This study aims at redefining bounded rationality on the basis of a more socialized view of the individual. In doing so, it introduces “inquisitiveness” as a key disposition that some team members use to assemble and integrate knowledge when solving problems. Design/methodology/approach Using an agent-based computational simulation, this research models different simulated employees working together in “ad hoc” teams to solve problems. Findings Results show that inquisitiveness may work as an efficiency “driver” that, when present, economizes on the knowledge needed by team members to solve problems. In addition to that, results also show that environments with many problems are more suitable for inquisitive individuals to be effective. Originality/value Following the late Herbert Simon, the paper takes the stance that rationality should be redefined as a socially oriented process and introduces inquisitiveness as one – although probably not the only one – of the characteristics that help individuals and teams to make rational decisions.

Agent-based modeling and simulation of the decision behaviors of e-retailers

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (5) ◽  
pp. 1094-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoyin Jiang ◽  
Shan Liu ◽  
Wenping Liu ◽  
Yan Xu
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Price Adjustment ◽  
Agent Based Model ◽  
Online Markets ◽  
Simulation Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Integrated Simulation ◽  
Decision Behaviors

Purpose Social media facilitates consumer exchanges on product opinions and provides comprehensive knowledge of online products. The interaction between consumers and e-retailers evolves into a collective set of dynamics within a complex system. Agent-based modeling is well suited to stimulate such complex systems. The purpose of this paper is to integrate agent-based model and technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to simulate decision behaviors of e-retailers in competitive online markets. Design/methodology/approach An agent-based network model using the TOPSIS driven by actual price data is developed. The authors ran an experimental model to simulate interactions between online consumers and e-retailers and to record simulation data. A nonparametric test is used to conduct data analysis and evaluate the sensibility of parameters. Findings Simulation results showed that different profits could be obtained for various brands under different social network structures. E-retailers could achieve more profits through cross-selling than single-selling; however, the highest profits can be achieved when some adopt cross-selling, whereas others use single-selling. From a game perspective, the equilibrium for price-adjustment frequency can be determined from the simulation data. Thus, price adjustment differences significantly affect e-retailer profit. Originality/value This study provides new insights into the evolutionary dynamics of online markets. This work also indicates how to build an integrated simulation model with an agent-based model and TOPSIS and how to use an integrated simulation model and interpret its results.

scholarly journals In VitroAnalyses of the Effects of Heparin and Parabens on Candida albicans Biofilms and Planktonic Cells

2011 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa H. Miceli ◽  
Stella M. Bernardo ◽  
T. S. Neil Ku ◽  
Carla Walraven ◽  
Samuel A. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heparin Sodium ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACTInfections and thromboses are the most common complications associated with central venous catheters. Suggested strategies for prevention and management of these complications include the use of heparin-coated catheters, heparin locks, and antimicrobial lock therapy. However, the effects of heparin onCandida albicansbiofilms and planktonic cells have not been previously studied. Therefore, we sought to determine thein vitroeffect of a heparin sodium preparation (HP) on biofilms and planktonic cells ofC. albicans. Because HP contains two preservatives, methyl paraben (MP) and propyl paraben (PP), these compounds and heparin sodium without preservatives (Pure-H) were also tested individually. The metabolic activity of the mature biofilm after treatment was assessed using XTT [2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] reduction and microscopy. Pure-H, MP, and PP caused up to 75, 85, and 60% reductions of metabolic activity of the mature preformedC. albicansbiofilms, respectively. Maximal efficacy against the mature biofilm was observed with HP (up to 90%) compared to the individual compounds (P< 0.0001). Pure-H, MP, and PP each inhibitedC. albicansbiofilm formation up to 90%. A complete inhibition of biofilm formation was observed with HP at 5,000 U/ml and higher. When tested against planktonic cells, each compound inhibited growth in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicated that HP, MP, PP, and Pure-H havein vitroantifungal activity againstC. albicansmature biofilms, formation of biofilms, and planktonic cells. Investigation of high-dose heparin-based strategies (e.g., heparin locks) in combination with traditional antifungal agents for the treatment and/or prevention ofC. albicansbiofilms is warranted.

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