Non-conventional warehouses: Comparison of the handling performances

Abstract

This paper proposes a comparison of the handling performances of three non-conventional warehouses, i.e., Chevron, Diagonal Cross Aisle, and Fishbone, toward the traditional layout. A multi-scenario analysis is provided by using a tool developed in Visual Basic for Application environment. The goal is to compare the most relevant layouts, by using the same set of hypotheses, to assess their technical sustainability and convenience. The inputs are the storage area, the width of the aisles, and the dimension of the unit loads. The travelled distances are computed in the optimal configuration and by adopting a central pickup and delivery point. Key outcomes highlight that Chevron and Fishbone layouts present effective configurations for the majority of the shape factors (savings up to 23%), while the Diagonal Cross Aisle layout presents the highest saving for a depth ratio of 4:1 (26%).