Multi-Dock Unit-Load Warehouse Designs with a Cross-Aisle

Abstract

This study develops discrete formulations of expected distance traveled in a unit-load warehouse with a middle-cross-aisle. Defining optimal shape factor as the width-to-depth ratio of a rectangle-shaped warehouse minimizing expected distance traveled, our results reveal the number of dock doors and the number of storage/retrieval locations significantly affect the optimal shape factor regardless of the orientation of storage/retrieval locations. Providing computational results based on realistic parameter values, configurations are compared based on the number of storage/retrieval locations. Based on the results, recommendations are provided regarding conditions in which each layout configuration minimizes expected distance traveled.