Design Optimization of Stacked Pallet Load Units

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of building stacked pallet load units consisting of at least two stackable pallet load units. Moreover, this article concerns the part of the flow of goods in distribution networks that is prepared at the place of initial assembly in the form of palletized loading units designed for the final receiver. Such a unit does not exceed the limits of permissible weight or height. The article proposes a single-criteria binary programming model in which the goal is to minimize the pallet spaces required to accommodate the constructed units. In addition to the classical parameters of acceptable weight and height of the units, the constraints also take into account the fragility of the goods placed on each unit, filling the top layer of each unit, and its height homogeneity. The model developed was verified on a test dataset, and the savings from the use of optimum construction of the stacked palletized cargo units were demonstrated through the conducted experiments.