The work addresses the reconfiguration of distribution networks where order picking activities have a significant impact on the system performance. In particular, the effects of moving picking activities upstream in the network are investigated taking into consideration an actual case study from the beverage industry. The paper presents a comparison of the main cost factors characterizing two different configurations: "the downstream picking configuration" (AS-IS Configuration), with picking activities executed at intermediate facilities, and the "upstream picking configuration" (TO-BE Configuration), where picking activities are performed upstream in the network at a central distribution center. The actual desirability of the shift to the "upstream picking configuration" is shown, and considerations about the opportunity of automating picking operations are given.

Costs and opportunities of moving picking activities upstream in distribution networks: A case study from the beverage industry / Gebennini, Elisa; Grassi, Andrea; Rimini, Bianca; Depietri, Eleonora. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION ECONOMICS. - ISSN 0925-5273. - 143:2(2013), pp. 342-348. [10.1016/j.ijpe.2011.11.016]

Costs and opportunities of moving picking activities upstream in distribution networks: A case study from the beverage industry

Grassi, Andrea;
2013

Abstract

The work addresses the reconfiguration of distribution networks where order picking activities have a significant impact on the system performance. In particular, the effects of moving picking activities upstream in the network are investigated taking into consideration an actual case study from the beverage industry. The paper presents a comparison of the main cost factors characterizing two different configurations: "the downstream picking configuration" (AS-IS Configuration), with picking activities executed at intermediate facilities, and the "upstream picking configuration" (TO-BE Configuration), where picking activities are performed upstream in the network at a central distribution center. The actual desirability of the shift to the "upstream picking configuration" is shown, and considerations about the opportunity of automating picking operations are given.
2013
Costs and opportunities of moving picking activities upstream in distribution networks: A case study from the beverage industry / Gebennini, Elisa; Grassi, Andrea; Rimini, Bianca; Depietri, Eleonora. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION ECONOMICS. - ISSN 0925-5273. - 143:2(2013), pp. 342-348. [10.1016/j.ijpe.2011.11.016]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11588/702284
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