Taxonomy of Material handling equipment selection methods at distribution centers

Abstract

The current paper presents a taxonomy of material-handling-equipment for distribution centers, based on a Systematic Literature Review of previous works on both Material Handling Equipment in real picking-intensive logistics contexts and the Decision Support Systems [DSS] employed to solve this type of problem. The current review work intends to sort the literature on the topic through a Material Handling Equipment taxonomy supported on a Systematic Literature Review. A historical appraisal of the problem is complemented by the corresponding synthesis, conclusions and future research perspectives. The current study presents an overall view of Material Handling Equipments in real picking-intensive logistics contexts and Decision Support Systems employed to solve this type of problem. New research perspectives and future recommendations aim at a more thorough integration with expert systems (or any more efficient hybrid method) for candidate equipment assessment and final selection. This could be done by using MCDM techniques like to Stochastic Multicriteria Aceptability Analysis [SMAA].