Pick path optimization

Shortest Path Routing uses an AI-based optimization algorithm to sequence assignment picks based on the shortest travel distance. This approach minimizes picker travel distance and increases picks per hour. The algorithm analyses XYZ coordinates and configured travel sections or aisles to determine the optimal pick order. The calculated sequence is displayed in the Optimized Route field for the assignment. This field is displayed on the Order/Pick tab of the Task screen. To apply the optimized sequence, create a sort rule on the RF Picking Sort Sequence screen with the Sort field is set to Optimized Route as the first priority. Additionally, create a sort rule with the Sort field is set to Route Sequence as the second sorting criterion. When the sort rule is configured as the default for assignment picking, the rule is applied to all newly created assignments automatically.

These rules apply to Shortest Path Routing:

• The ML_OPTIMIZEDPICKPATH parameter must be enabled on the System Settings screen.
• These parameters must be specified on the Config Settings screen to support path calculation and routing:
  • ML_OPTIMIZEDPICKPATH_ENDPOINT
  • ML_OPTIMIZEDPICKPATH_START_X
  • ML_OPTIMIZEDPICKPATH_START_Y
• These fields must be specified on the Location screen:
  • X Coordinate
  • Y Coordinate
  • Z Coordinate (optional)
  • Orientation
• The labor travel sections, travel aisles, and access points or doors must be specified on the Travel Section screen.

Alternate Pick Paths allow you to define multiple static pick sequences, to support different equipment types or operational constraints. This is useful when different material handling equipment requires different movement patterns. For example, a narrow-aisle truck requires a different pick sequence than a pallet jack.

These rules apply to Alternate Pick Path:

• The SELECTABLEPICKPATH parameter must be enabled on the System Settings screen.
• These fields must be populated on the Location screen:
  • Aisle
  • Bay
  • Alternate Route Sequence
• The sort rules must be created on the RF Picking Sort Sequence screen.
  Note: 

  • The Default Sort Rule for Assignment Picking must be Active.
  • The alternate sort rules can be Inactive.
• The user can select a different sort rule in the Task Seq field based on the equipment being used. This field is displayed on the Assignment screen in the RF application.
  Note: 

  • This selection can also be automated through RF screen customization.
  • Alternate Pick Paths do not require the AI optimization algorithm and can be used even when optimization is not enabled.

Congestion Detection dynamically adjusts the pick sequence based on real-time aisle congestion to prevent bottlenecks and improve flow.

These rules apply to Congestion Detection:

• This feature is currently supported only for Assignment Picking.
• If too many users are detected in the aisle of the next pick:
  • The application routes the user to the next available pick outside the congested aisle.
  • If the alternate pick is too far away, the user remains at the current location and waits for congestion to clear.
• The CONGESTIONDETECTION parameter must be enabled on the System Settings screen:
• These parameters must be specified on the Config Settings screen to support path calculation and routing:
  • CONGESTION_MAX_USERS
  • CONGESTION_MAX_DIST
• The labor travel sections, travel aisles, and access points or doors can be specified on the Travel Section screen.
• These fields must be specified on the Location screen:
  • Aisle
    Note: You can specify the value in this field manually or import from the Excel file. If the Labor Travel sections are enabled, the value in this field is populated automatically.
  • Bay
  • Alternate Route Sequence