Abstract: To improve the picking efficiency of array automated picking device,a slotting method based on item correlations was proposed.By analyzing the operation timing sequence of channel columns based on serial picking and parallel merging method in the array automated picking device,a mathematical model for total order picking time was established,and it was converted into the slotting optimization problem with the maximum total time difference of virtual window zone as the objective.A heuristic clustering algorithm was proposed to solve this problem.Through the algorithm,items with closer relationship were assigned into channel columns far apart from each other to increase the total time difference of virtual window zone and improve the picking efficiency.Simulation experiments of array automated picking devices in the pharmaceuticals distributions centre showed that the algorithm could reduce the total order picking time by 5%.

Key words: automated picking, mathematical models, storage location assignment, item correlations, heuristic algorithms

摘要： 为提高阵列式自动拣选机的拣选效率,提出基于品项相关性的货位优化方法。针对阵列式自动化拣选机通道列串行拣选、并行合流的工作特点,分析了设备通道列作业时序,建立了阵列式自动拣选机订单拣选总时间数学模型,将其归结为以最大总虚拟视窗时差为目标的货位分配问题。为求解该问题,设计了启发式聚类算法,将相关性强的品项分配至间隔距离远的通道列存储,以增大总虚拟视窗时差,提高设备拣选效率。通过某医药物流配送中心阵列式自动拣选机的实例分析表明,采用启发式算法可使订单拣选总时间减少约5%。

关键词: 自动化拣选, 数学模型, 货位分配, 品项相关性, 启发式算法