Multi-Station Packing Scheme Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for packing and transporting goods often result in sub-optimal results due to lack of organization and guidance, leading to prolonged handling times and increased risk of damage or spoilage, especially when involving multiple suppliers and packing stations with varying capabilities and locations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method determines a packing scheme that divides items among multiple packing stations based on optimality criteria such as supplier, location, and item characteristics, optimizing the order in which stations are traversed to minimize costs and ensure efficient packing and transportation, potentially using robotic and human-operated stations in conjunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple packing stations are used without organized coordination, then packing capacity increases, but handling time increases and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packing process by dividing items into subsets and assigning each subset to a specific packing station. The system determines an optimal packing scheme that partitions the set of items among multiple packing stations, with each station handling a specific subset of items. This segmentation allows parallel processing at multiple stations simultaneously, increasing overall packing capacity while maintaining organized coordination through the centralized determination of packing schemes.
2Productivity
If multiple packing stations are used without optimized ordering, then packing capacity increases, but item damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by determining the optimal packing scheme and ordering of packing stations before the actual packing process begins. The method determines an ordering of the subsets and packing stations paired therewith, by which ordering the paired packing stations are to be utilized for packing the set of items. This pre-planned ordering ensures that items are handled in an optimal sequence across multiple stations, reducing unnecessary handling and minimizing damage or spoilage risk while maintaining high packing capacity.
3Productivity
If items are divided among multiple packing stations, then packing efficiency increases, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by receiving information about packing station capabilities, locations, and item characteristics, then determining optimal packing schemes based on this feedback. The method includes receiving an order indicating a set of items for delivery, determining a packing scheme based on optimality criteria, and issuing instructions for executing the order. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically optimize the division and ordering of items among packing stations, increasing packing efficiency while managing coordination complexity through data-driven decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and product for using multiple packing stations in delivery of goods. A packing scheme is determined for an order based on an optimality criteria, the scheme comprising a division of a set of items between packing stations, whereby defining one or more subsets of the set of items. The packing scheme further comprising an ordering of the one or more subsets and packing stations paired therewith, by which ordering the paired packing stations are to be utilized for packing the set of items and transporting thereof to the destination, wherein in each packing station, a respective portion of the set of items is to be packed and transported therefrom. Responsive to the optimality criteria being met, instructions for executing the order are issued, whereby the set of items are packed and transported according to the packing scheme.