The branch aisle strategy is a tried and tested method in order picking systems based on the man-to-goods principle, which aims to reduce the amount of walking required by staff and increase efficiency in order processing. In this strategy, the central question is how to minimize the walking distances of personnel in order to reduce the processing time per order item.

The walking distances in the picking system depend on various factors, including the range of items and their size, the arrangement of the picking shelves and the frequency with which the items are accessed. In order to optimize these routes, various heuristics have proven their worth, including the meander heuristic and, in particular, the branch aisle strategy.

With the branch aisle strategy, the picker starts his route from a cross aisle. From there, the individual picking aisles are visited in accordance with the pick list. The item units are assigned to the respective aisle side and collected on the way there and back. This method makes it possible to process several order items in an efficient sequence and minimize walking distances.

Another advantage of the stitch aisle strategy is that it is well suited to picking systems with larger article ranges and extended picking areas. By cleverly planning and allocating the picking aisles, the picker can collect the items in a logical and time-saving pattern, which significantly reduces the processing time per order item.

The branch aisle strategy has proven to be extremely effective in practice for increasing productivity and accuracy in order picking. The targeted optimization of routes not only speeds up overall processing, but also minimizes the risk of errors.

Source: logipedia / Fraunhofer IML