Solving a Sortation Conveyor Layout Design Problem with Simulation-optimization Approach

Due to increasing demands in parcel transportation, enhancing efficiency of parcel sortation operations in logistics distribution centers becomes more and more important. Facility and layout planning in logistics distribution center play an important role in saving time and money, and they have a significant impact on the performance of parcel sortation as well. Thus, this study proposes a simulation optimization approach to solve the sortation conveyor layout problem, especially the shortcuts design of the sortation system that can increase the processing capacity. The proposed simulation optimization approach consists of two parts which are genetic algorithm and simulation. Genetic algorithm helps to find the optimal layout design of sortation system, while simulation is used to evaluate the performance of algorithm results.