Abstract: Through analyzing to the working pattern of parallel automated picking system, it is achieved that the delay time is one of the key factors which influence the picking efficiency and the picking time model is built based on virtual window. The shortest total delay time model of a large of orders is built through analyzing the relation of the delay time and the stock keeping unit (SKU) splitting picking quantity. To decrease computational complexity, the necessary conditions for SKU splitting picking quantity are proposed and proved. The heuristic adaptive genetic algorithm for SKU picking quantity splitting model is designed based on the necessary conditions. The simulation shows the algorithm can shorten the picking time about 9% than the average splitting method.

Key words: Delay time, Heuristic adaptive genetic algorithm, Parallel automated picking system, Splitting picking quantity