Complexity Constraint in the Distributor’s Pallet Loading Problem

Hugo Barros,António G Ramos,Fernanda A Ferreira,Teresa Pereira

doi:10.3390/math9151742

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the complexity of cargo arrangements in the pallet loading problem. Due to the diversity of perspectives that have been presented in the literature, complexity is one of the least studied practical constraints. In this work, we aim to refine and propose a new set of metrics to measure the complexity of an arrangement of cargo in a pallet. The parameters are validated using statistical methods, such as principal component analysis and multiple linear regression, using data retrieved from the company logistics. Our tests show that the number of boxes was the main variable responsible for explaining complexity in the pallet loading problem.

Highlights

With globalization, supply chains have expanded largely in number of partners, making synchronization essential for their performance
This paper is structured as follows: a literature review and analysis of the approaches described by other authors on the complexity of the pallet loading problem; Materials and Methods, where a characterization is given of the problem regarding what might be deemed complex in pallet cargo arrangements, constraints, and objectives based on the previous analysis, and definition of metrics to quantify the complexity of each arrangement; the results of the application of the metrics to samples for data gathering and data validation through computational tests; we present the conclusions and future directions
The principal component analysis is a factorial analysis technique that transforms a set of correlated variables into a smaller number of independent variables, which correspond to a combination of the original ones

Summary

Introduction

Supply chains have expanded largely in number of partners, making synchronization essential for their performance. A key issue in performance is the unitization measure of products used—the pallet—allowing flows between and out of the distribution centres in the supply chain [1] (storage, cross docking, and transportation of product distribution). The pallet-loading problem, known as the manufacturer’s pallet loading problem, consists in placing a maximum number of identical rectangular boxes in a single rectangular palette [2]. In the pallet loading problem, order picking is one of the most important activities since it is generally difficult and costly. As such, optimizing the order of picking works should be a priority for any company [5]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion