This paper develops strategies to control picker blocking that challenge the traditional assumptions regarding the tradeoffs between wide- and narrow-aisle order picking systems. We propose an integrated batching and sequencing procedure called the indexed batching model (IBM), with the...

The simulation model is a proven tool in solving nonlinear and stochastic problems and allows examination of the likely behavior of a proposed manufacturing system under selected conditions. However, it does not provide a method for optimization. A practical problem often embodies many...

Dispatching rules are important to the performance of a manufacturing system. Selective applications of different priority rules at different processing stages in a multiple workstation manufacturing system have a positive impact on shop performance. This type of problem is a combinatorial...

This study explores two multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) methods to solve a dynamic operator allocation problem. Both methods use an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine attribute weights a priori. The first method uses a technique for order preference by similarity to ideal...