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Automating the capacity planning process for a distribution centre : comparing heuristic and integer programming approaches

Manen, R van (2019) Automating the capacity planning process for a distribution centre : comparing heuristic and integer programming approaches.

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Abstract:This research considers the planning process of resource capacity in highly automated distribution centres. Vanderlande provides a planning application that planners can use to allocate the workstations and operators in distribution centres. Currently, this is a manual process that uses iteration between a change in the plan and feedback from a scheduling algorithm that simulates production. This process is time-consuming and often leads to suboptimal workstation allocations. We focus on reducing the time required for planning as well as reducing the number of weighed human operator time required to fulfil weekly demand for the distribution centre. The following research question is developed: “How can effective capacity plans for distribution centres be made in reasonable time in the tactical planning phase?” We find two approaches to make capacity plans: an iterative and an integrated strategy. The iterative strategy covers a two-phase heuristic approach that iterates between a planning alteration and the scheduling function to control feasibility.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:30 exact sciences in general
Programme:Industrial Engineering and Management MSc (60029)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/80264
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