Secure Planning of Order Picking Systems with the Aid of Simulation

Planning a new logistics center is a quite difficult job. Depending on the requirements there are a great number of possible design versions. The planner has to consider not only the present but also the future requirements. Up to now, the planner decides on the basis of experience which system will perform the requested services best. This paper illustrates the redesign of a new order-picking system in industry supported by a simulation tool of our institute designed especially for the rough planning. With the described project the road capability of the applied simulation concept is underlined. Several versions based on the requirements were investigated and evaluated. Key figures are calculated and a recommendation depending on performance and arising expenses is given.