Implementing a fast-pick area at Defense Distribution Center San Joaquin (DDJC)

Abstract

In a warehouse, a fast-pick-area is a region containing many items that can be retrieved quickly and inexpensively to fulfill customer orders. The Defense Distribution Center San Joaquin (DDJC) implements a similar strategy on a wider scale by designating one of many warehouses as a "fast-pick-area." We develop a plan to optimally slot the fast-pick area at DDJC using a computer model that captures the tradeo.s of storage space versus cost of replenishment from bulk storage. Our results suggest that defense distribution centers should consider implementing a fast pick area as a means of reducing operating costs.