Workforce Scheduling with Order-Picking Assignments in Distribution Facilities

Scheduling the availability of order pickers is crucial for effective operations in a distribution facility with manual pickers. When order-picking activities can only be performed specific time windows, it essential to jointly solve picker shift scheduling problem and planning assigning sequencing individual orders This requires decisions regarding number schedule, start end times, break as well assignment timing activities. We call this present two formulations. A branch-and-price algorithm metaheuristic are developed problem. Numerical experiments illustrate that finds near-optimal solutions at 80% shorter computation times. case study largest supermarket chain The Netherlands shows applicability solution approach real-life business application. In particular, different structures analyzed, concluded retailer increase minimum compensated duration employed workers from six hours seven or eight while reducing average labor cost up 5% savings when 15-minute flexibility implemented