Integrating order picking process and vehicle routing problem

Abstract

Most integrated studies consider a production environment in which jobs need to be processed on machines and thereafter need to be delivered to customers using vehicle routes. Job scheduling in a production environment and order picking in a warehouse are two common problems and have rather similar characteristics. A formulation for an integrated order picking-vehicle routing problem (OP-VRP) in a distribution center is provided. Furthermore, a sequential and an integrated approach are compared.