Order batching and time efficiency in kit preparation
Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2015

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine whether man-hour efficiency of picking is affected by the use of batch preparation, compared to preparation of one kit at a time. This paper focuses on small kit preparation areas. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on two experiments that were performed at a vehicle assembly plant and then analysed quantitatively. Findings – The results provide a strong indication of the advantages associated with batch preparation, in terms of man-hour efficiency. Practical implications – The fact that the effects identified during the experiments are substantial, over 20 per cent reduction of average time per picked component in Experiment 1 and 7 per cent in Experiment 2, indicates that the option of batch picking holds potentials for large cost reduction and should be considered when kit preparation systems are designed. Originality/value – Limited research has dealt with the design of kit preparation systems, thus leaving considerable knowledge gaps. Previous research dealing with batch picking focuses on other environments than kitting and on large picking areas where batching can reduce walking distances. In contrast, the current paper focuses on small picking areas, which are common in industrial kitting applications. This paper provides a considerable contribution by demonstrating improvements in time efficiency that batch preparation can offer to small picking areas in addition to larger areas. The discussion also provides a basis for future research, which could focus on aspects other than time efficiency, such as the quality of kit preparation, and variables that might moderate the effect of batching.

Kitting

Assembly

Batching

Mixed-model assembly

Order picking

Författare

Robin Hanson

Chalmers, Teknikens ekonomi och organisation, Logistik och transport

Mats Johansson

Chalmers, Teknikens ekonomi och organisation, Logistik och transport

Lars Medbo

Chalmers, Teknikens ekonomi och organisation, Logistik och transport

Assembly Automation

0144-5154 (ISSN)

Vol. 35 1 143-148

Ämneskategorier

Annan maskinteknik

Styrkeområden

Transport

Produktion

DOI

10.1108/AA-05-2014-046

Mer information

Skapat

2017-10-07