Warehousing and Material Handling Systems for the Digital Industry

Warehousing and Material Handling (WMH) are pivotal processes of supply chain and production systems. These involve the handling, consolidation, and storage of goods (e.g., raw materials, parts, components, and finished products) within a distribution center. WMH is also part of distribution networks as a hierarchy of facilities committed to receiving materials from vendors and shipping to customers under service level and performance targets to fulfill. This book illustrates innovative support-decision models, methods, and advanced automation and robotic technologies to enhance WMH’s overall performance in terms of time and space efficiency, service level, labor safety, and ergonomics. It provides a collection of edge issues that are commonly faced throughout warehousing systems worldwide and a structured set of addressing methodologies or technological solutions.