Using Clustering to Improve Material Handling in Warehouses + Software

In warehouses, the primary resources are material handling tools and workers. The material handling systems, which include tools and human resources, are responsible for picking, moving, and storing the parts, packages, and pallets within warehouses. Workers spend considerable time in the picking area collecting the parts ordered by the customers and taking them to the packing area for packing and shipment. The length of time spent by such workers is the primary cause of late shipments.

Researchers at Purdue University have developed software that helps minimize material handling in warehouses. This software uses several methods and algorithms to form part families and determine optimal locations of parts in the layout. The proposed algorithms also consider the intergroup movements to minimize the travel distance of such movements. Furthermore, this technology helps users minimize the amount of congestion in aisles caused by multiple workers. This software has been shown to reduce material handling by more than 40 percent.

Advantages:

-Compares several algorithms for clustering and locating parts in the layout

-Algorithms consider the inter-group movements to minimize the travel distance

-Ability to create quick, customized scene sketches and documentation

Potential Applications:

-Logistics

-Warehouse Management

TRL: 4

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: warehouse material handling minimization, part family formation, optimal part location, warehouse layout optimization, minimized travel distance, aisle congestion reduction, material handling software, logistics optimization algorithms, warehouse management technology, clustering algorithms, Big Data, Computer Technology, Software