AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZED BATCH PICKING

摘要

A computerized system and method use optimization after aggregation of orders over a Batch Window period of time to increase Pick Performance in the Fulfillment Center Automation (FCA) system that automates taking the picker to the goods; or an Automated Warehouse System (AWS) that automates the presentation of goods to a stationary picker. Batch Optimization improves pick performance for the FCA or AWS; using a closed-form algorithm, combinatorial optimization, or OOP to perform Batch Optimization, adapting to Picker Performance by automatically shifting certain orders to different aisles while stocking the same SKU items in multiple aisles. Programmable Capacity is optionally provided to allow the Fulfillment Center to easily adapt to varying order loads. Some embodiments selectively place orders into selected batches to maximize multi-picks of identical-SKU items at one time and maximize chain-picks of different-SKU items in sequential picks at one pick window.