District Picking

[fwteini_k]

[ FlexSim 19.2.4 ]

test1.fsmHi there,

We have this model with 6 orders. We want operator to collect each order one by one, especially operator should collect the first order and pass it in Order_queue1. Similarly operator should travel for the second order and pass in to Order_queue1 too. For the collecting proccess we want to follow the s-type routing. If someone knows something please help us.

Thank you in advance!

[jason_lightfootVL7B4]

You should be able to use preferred path instead of mandatory in combination an ordering method to sequence the picks.

You could add a fixed attribute eg. 'picksequence' across all racks and items, and then pulling the items by adding the clause ORDER BY picksequence which should then give you an approximation to the desired S-path.

A better solution is to first determine the Aisles which have the order's items and then select them ordering them by the bay - alternating between ascending (ORDER BY bay ASC) and descending (ORDER BY bay DESC) as pull from each aisle.

[fwteini_k]

Hi @jason.lightfoot,

Thank you very much! Can you saw me please an example of how i can put the 'picksequence' in the racks and how can i create and pull items from the ORDER BY picksequence in my model, because i can't understand exactly the way that can i do?

Thank you once again.

[Jeanette_Fullmer]

Hello @Fwteini K,

One way to implement what Jason suggested is to create another list that you push the inventory items for that order to. Then when pulling from that list you use the ORDER BY to make sure the items are picked in the correct sequence.

Here is a picture of what I mean.

So your pull from inventory activity I moved to a new sub flow and then added in the push to pick sequence and pull from pick sequence activities.

The assign labels activity in the new sub flow was to help with ordering the list.

I did not get the model running perfectly because if you order the racks you run into the problem with the racks that are in the same aisle. If you pull an item from the rack on the left and then the right but you have already passed the bay then the operator loops all the way around with your current mandatory paths.

I am including the model for you to reference. Please try to rebuild on your own so you understand how to do this on your own.

Order flow item pick up list pick sequence.fsm

[fwteini_k]

Hi @Jeanette F,

I'm so thankfull for your detailed answer, now i understaund better what do you mean, you are very helpful.

Thank you very much!

Have a nice day.