Case study: the simulation modelling of selected activity in a warehouse operation

Abstract

AbstractThe paper deals with the simulation of selected activities in the warehouse. Routine logistics activities are the receipt of the goods, the control of the goods, and the goods’ storage in the warehousing system on the side of the entry into the warehouse. On the output side, these are activities such as picking, packing and shipping. The economy of warehouse operations depends on the efficiency of the logistics activities performed and on deployed the technical means. The paper’s main goal is to present a created simulation model for a selected warehouse activity—receipt of goods into the warehouse. This operation involves unloading the goods from the trucks, moving them to the physical receipt, where the quantitative and qualitative control of the goods is performed (acceptance of goods). An analysis of this activity preceded the creation of the simulation model under operating conditions. The research was performed by observing and measuring the forklift’s work cycle, which unloaded pallets from the trucks. The obtained data from the analysis were the input to the simulation model. The EXTENDSIM8 simulation system was used to create a simulation model. The several experiments were performed on the model after its creating and verifying the functionality. The paper evaluates 3 experiments and analyzes their results. The main benefit, novelty, of the article is the simulation of a selected activity for a specific company’s conditions. The experiments results are a reasonable basis for the creation of an operational tool for the company.