Abstract
Humans play a pivotal role in the manual order picking process within warehouses. Warehouse pickers engage in repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue, physical discomfort, and injuries. Recognizing the importance of human well-being, it becomes imperative to integrate human factors into the design and operations of warehouses. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of ergonomic concerns discussed in prior research. The identified studies are organized into thematic categories such as Technological Interventions, Assignment, Human Factors, Learning, Fatigue, Pallet Selection, Load Speed Variation, Safety and Incentive. Further research is suggested in safety and incentive studies to enhance ergonomic practices in warehouses.These categories are further segmented based on research methodologies, encompassing mathematical, experimental, and theoretical studies. Many studies applied multi-objective and Mixed Integer Programming models with heuristics and meta-heuristics to address ergonomic considerations. Few studies suggested exact solutions, indicating an opportunity for further research in precise modeling. Additionally, the paper offers a nuanced analysis of core themes and utilizes Bibliometric tools to extract critical insights from the existing literature. The analysis highlighted Germany and Italy as prominent contributors to ergonomic research in warehouses. Managerial perspectives and potential avenues for future research are also presented in this paper. Integrating ergonomic-focused thematic areas offers warehouse managers practical solutions for improved productivity and employee well-being, balancing economic and ergonomic goals.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data and code availability
All the data and code used in this manuscript can be shared.
References
Al Shehhi S, King N, Amer S, Mohammad J (2019) Modeling the ergonomics of Goods-to-Man order picking. In: IIE Annual Conference. Proceedings. Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), pp 620–625
Aria M, Cuccurullo C (2017) bibliometrix: an R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. J Informet 11(4):959–975
Battini D, Calzavara M, Persona A, Sgarbossa F (2015a) A comparative analysis of different paperless picking systems. Ind Manag Data Syst 115(3):483–503
Battini D, Calzavara M, Persona A, Sgarbossa F (2017) Additional effort estimation due to ergonomic conditions in order picking systems. Int J Prod Res 55(10):2764–2774
Battini D, Glock CH, Grosse EH, Persona A, Sgarbossa F (2016) Human energy expenditure in order picking storage assignment: a bi-objective method. Comput Ind Eng 94:147–157
Battini D, Martina C, Alessandro P, Fabio S (2015b) Linking human availability and ergonomics parameters in order-picking systems. IFAC-PapersOnLine 48(3):345–350
Battini D, Persona A, Sgarbossa F (2014) Innovative real-time system to integrate ergonomic evaluations into warehouse design and management. Comput Ind Eng 77:1–10
Batt RJ, Gallino S (2019) Finding a needle in a haystack: the effects of searching and learning on pick-worker performance. Manage Sci 65(6):2624–2645
Borg (1982) A category scale with ratio properties for intermodal and interindividual comparisons. Psychophysical judgment and the process of perception, pp 25–34
Botti L, Galizia FG, Mora C, Zecchi G (2020) A thorough investigation on pushing activities in industry: the impact of the variation in the speed of motion and load conditions on initial and sustained forces. Appl Ergon 85:103080
Calzavara M, Glock CH, Grosse EH, Persona A, Sgarbossa F (2016) Models for an ergonomic evaluation of order picking from different rack layouts. IFAC-PapersOnLine 49(12):1715–1720
Calzavara M, Glock CH, Grosse EH, Persona A, Sgarbossa F (2017a) Analysis of economic and ergonomic performance measures of different rack layouts in an order picking warehouse. Comput Ind Eng 111:527–536
Calzavara M, Glock CH, Grosse EH, Sgarbossa F (2019) An integrated storage assignment method for manual order picking warehouses considering cost, workload and posture. Int J Prod Res 57(8):2392–2408
Calzavara M, Hanson R, Sgarbossa F, Medbo L, Johansson MI (2017b) Picking from pallet and picking from boxes: a time and ergonomic study. IFAC-PapersOnLine 50(1):6888–6893
Calzavara M, Persona A, Sgarbossa F, Visentin V (2018) A device to monitor fatigue level in order-picking. Ind Manag Data Syst 118(4):714–727
Chan FT, Chan HK (2011) Improving the productivity of order picking of a manual-pick and multi-level rack distribution warehouse through the implementation of class-based storage. Expert Syst Appl 38(3):2686–2700
Dai B, Jin S, Ning X, Mirka GA (2010) The effects of horizontal load speed and lifting frequency on lifting technique and biomechanics. Ergonomics 53(8):1024–1032
Dar-El EM, Ayas K, Gilad I (1995) A dual-phase model for the individual learning process in industrial tasks. IIE Trans 27(3):265–271
De Koster RB, Stam D, Balk BM (2011) Accidents happen: the influence of safety-specific transformational leadership, safety consciousness, and hazard reducing systems on warehouse accidents. J Oper Manag 29(7–8):753–765
De Koster R, Le-Duc T, Roodbergen KJ (2007) Design and control of warehouse order picking: a literature review. Eur J Oper Res 182(2):481–501
De Vries J, deKoster R, Stam D (2016a) Aligning order picking methods, incentive systems, and regulatory focus to increase performance. Prod Oper Manag 25(8):1363–1376
De Vries J, deKoster R, Stam D (2016b) Safety does not happen by accident: antecedents to a safer warehouse. Prod Oper Manag 25(8):1377–1390
De Vries J, De Koster R, Stam D (2016c) Exploring the role of picker personality in predicting picking performance with pick by voice, pick to light and RF-terminal picking. Int J Prod Res 54(8):2260–2274
Dewa PK, Pujawan IN, Vanany I (2017) Human errors in warehouse operations: an improvement model. Int J Logist Syst Manag 27(3):298–317
Diefenbach H, Emde S, Glock CH (2020) Loading tow trains ergonomically for just-in-time part supply. Eur J Oper Res 284(1):325–344
Diefenbach H, Glock CH (2019) Ergonomic and economic optimization of layout and item assignment of a U-shaped order picking zone. Comput Ind Eng 138:106094
Elbert R, Müller JP (2017) The impact of item weight on travel times in picker-to-parts order picking: an agent-based simulation approach. In: 2017 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC). IEEE, pp 3162–3173
Elbert RM, Franzke T, Glock CH, Grosse EH (2017) The effects of human behavior on the efficiency of routing policies in order picking: the case of route deviations. Comput Ind Eng 111:537–551
Feldmann F, Seitz R, Kretschmer V, Bednorz N, Ten Hompel M (2019) Ergonomic evaluation of body postures in order picking systems using Motion Capturing. In: 2019 Prognostics and System Health Management Conference (PHM-Paris). IEEE, pp 204–209
Feng X, Hu X (2021) A heuristic solution approach to order batching and sequencing for manual picking and packing lines considering fatiguing effect. Sci Program 2021(1):8863391
Finco S, Ashta G, Persona A, Zennaro I (2023) Investigating different manual picking workstations for robotized and automated warehouse systems: trade-offs between ergonomics and productivity aspects. Comput Ind Eng 185:109668
Gabriel AT, Madaleno S, Kanazawa F, Ollay C (2023) Ergonomic risk assessment in an energy, mobility, and system company. In: Arezes PM et al, Occupational and environmental safety and health IV. studies in systems, decision and control, vol 449. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12547-8_22
Gajšek B, Vujica Herzog N, Butlewski M, Đukić G (2017) Research opportunity: incorporation of human factors in order picking system models. Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Poznańskiej. Organizacja i Zarządzanie
Garg A, Chaffin DB, Herrin GD (1978) Prediction of metabolic rates for manual materials handling jobs. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 39(8):661–674
Glock CH, Grosse EH, Elbert RM, Franzke T (2017) Maverick picking: the impact of modifications in work schedules on manual order picking processes. Int J Prod Res 55(21):6344–6360
Glock CH, Grosse EH, Kim T, Neumann WP, Sobhani A (2019a) An integrated cost and worker fatigue evaluation model of a packaging process. Int J Prod Econ 207:107–124
Glock CH, Grosse EH, Abedinnia H, Emde S (2019b) An integrated model to improve ergonomic and economic performance in order picking by rotating pallets. Eur J Oper Res 273(2):516–534
Glock CH, Grosse EH, Neumann WP, Feldman A (2021) Assistive devices for manual materials handling in warehouses: a systematic literature review. Int J Prod Res 59(11):3446–3469
Granotto GF, Sgarbossa F, Glock CH, Grosse EH (2019) The effect of worker fatigue on the performance of a bucket brigade order picking system. IFAC-PapersOnLine 52(13):2195–2200
Grosse EH, Glock CH (2013) An experimental investigation of learning effects in order picking systems. J Manuf Technol Manag 24(6):850–872
Grosse EH, Glock CH (2015) The effect of worker learning on manual order picking processes. Int J Prod Econ 170:882–890
Grosse EH, Glock CH, Jaber MY (2013) The effect of worker learning and forgetting on storage reassignment decisions in order picking systems. Comput Ind Eng 66(4):653–662
Grosse EH, Glock CH, Jaber MY, Neumann WP (2015) Incorporating human factors in order picking planning models: framework and research opportunities. Int J Prod Res 53(3):695–717
Grosse EH, Glock CH, Neumann WP (2017) Human factors in order picking: a content analysis of the literature. Int J Prod Res 55(5):1260–1276
Gruchmann T, Mies A, Neukirchen T, Gold S (2021) Tensions in sustainable warehousing: including the blue-collar perspective on automation and ergonomic workplace design. J Bus Econ 91(2):151–178
Hara T, Li Y, Ota J, Arai T (2020) Automatic risk assessment integrated with activity segmentation in the order picking process to support health management. CIRP Ann 69(1):17–20
Hilmola OP, Tolli A (2016) Warehouse layout implications on picking distance: case of human factor. World Rev Intermod Transp Res 6(1):43–58
Hofstra N, Petkova B, Dullaert W, Reniers G, De Leeuw S (2018) Assessing and facilitating warehouse safety. Saf Sci 105:134–148
Horváthová B, Dulina Ľ, Čechová I, Gašo M, Bigošová E (2019) Data collection for ergonomic evaluation at logistics workplaces using sensor system. Transp Res Proc 40:1067–1072
Jong JR (1957) The effects of increasing skill on cycle time and its consequences for time standards. Ergonomics 1(1):51–60
Kudelska I, Pawłowski G (2020) Influence of assortment allocation management in the warehouse on the human workload. CEJOR 28(2):779–795. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10100-019-00623-2
Larco JA, de Koster R, Roodbergen KJ, Dul J (2017) Managing warehouse efficiency and worker discomfort through enhanced storage assignment decisions. Int J Prod Res 55(21):6407–6422. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2016.1165880
Lavender SA, Sun C, Xu Y, Sommerich CM (2021) Ergonomic considerations when slotting piece-pick operations in distribution centers. Appl Ergon 97:103554
Le-Duc T, De Koster R (2005) Determining number of zones in a pick-and-pack orderpicking system (No. ERS-2005–029-LIS)
Lesch V, Müller PB, Krämer M, Hadry M, Kounev S, Krupitzer C (2023) Optimizing storage assignment, order picking, and their interaction in mezzanine warehouses. Appl Intell 53(15):18605–18629
Lee J, Chang YS, Karwowski W (2020) Assessment of working postures and physical loading in advanced order picking tasks: a case study of human interaction with automated warehouse goods-to-picker systems. Work 67(4):855–866
McMenamin TM (2007) A time to work: recent trends in shift work and flexible schedules. Monthly Lab Rev 130:3
Mahroof K (2019) A human-centric perspective exploring the readiness towards smart warehousing: the case of a large retail distribution warehouse. Int J Inf Manage 45:176–190
Matusiak M, De Koster R, Saarinen J (2017) Utilizing individual picker skills to improve order batching in a warehouse. Eur J Oper Res 263(3):888–899
Mocan A, Draghici A (2018) Reducing ergonomic strain in warehouse logistics operations by using wearable computers. Procedia Soc Behav Sci 238:1–8
Nasir D, Venkitasubramony R, Jakhar SK (2023) Energy-based storage assignment in a multi-aisle warehouse. Opsearch 60(4):1951–1975
Otto A, Boysen N, Scholl A, Walter R (2017) Ergonomic workplace design in the fast pick area. Or Spectrum 39:945–975
Petersen CG, Siu C, Heiser DR (2005) Improving order picking performance utilizing slotting and golden zone storage. Int J Oper Prod Manag 25(10):997–1012
Pimparel A, Madaleno S, Ollay C, Gabriel A (2022) How ergonomic evaluations influence the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the industrial context? A brief literature review. In: Arezes PM et al, Occupational and environmental safety and health III. studies in systems, decision and control, vol 406. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89617-1_36
Reif R, Günthner WA, Schwerdtfeger B, Klinker G (2010) Evaluation of an augmented reality supported picking system under practical conditions. In: Computer Graphics Forum (Vol 29, No 1, pp 2–12). Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Reif R, Walch D (2008) Augmented & Virtual Reality applications in the field of logistics. Vis Comput 24:987–994
Roodbergen KJ, Sharp GP, Vis IF (2008) Designing the layout structure of manual order picking areas in warehouses. IIE Trans 40(11):1032–1045
Setayesh A, Grosse EH, Glock CH, Neumann WP (2022) Determining the source of human-system errors in manual order picking with respect to human factors. Int J Prod Res 60(20):6350–6372
Setayesh A, Grosse EH, Greig MA, Glock CH, Neumann WP (2024) Evaluating usability, functionality, and usefulness of the warehousing error prevention tool. Int J Prod Res 62(5):1633–1647
Schwerdtfeger B, Reif R, Günthner WA, Klinker G (2011) Pick-by-vision: there is something to pick at the end of the augmented tunnel. Virtual Reality 15:213–223
Sgarbossa F, Glock CH, Grosse EH, Calzavara M, De Koster R (2022) The impact of monetary incentives and regulatory focus on worker productivity and learning in order picking. Int J Oper Prod Manag 42(11):1793–1816
Tompa E, Dolinschi R, De Oliveira C, Amick BC, Irvin E (2010) A systematic review of workplace ergonomic interventions with economic analyses. J Occup Rehabil 20:220–234
Tompkins JAAAMA (2010) Facilities planning. John Wiley & Sons
Weisner K, Deuse J (2014) Assessment methodology to design an ergonomic and sustainable order picking system using motion capturing systems. Procedia CIRP 17:422–427
Wright TP (1936) Factors affecting the cost of airplanes. J Aeronaut Sci 3(4):122–128
Zangaro F, Finco S, Battini D, Zennaro I (2019) An optimization model for the storage assignment of the references under ergonomics constraints. In: Proceedings of the Summer School Francesco Turco, 11–13-Sept 2019
Zhang M, Grosse EH, Glock CH (2023) Ergonomic and economic evaluation of a collaborative hybrid order picking system. Int J Prod Econ 258:108774
Zhao X, Liu N, Zhao S, Wu J, Zhang K, Zhang R (2019) Research on the work-rest scheduling in the manual order picking systems to consider human factors. J Syst Sci Syst Eng 28:344–355
Funding
The authors declares that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Coflict of interest
The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article. The authors certifies that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript. The authors have no financial or proprietary interests in any material discussed in this article.
Ethical approval
The authors states that the submitted manuscript is original and is not offered or published elsewhere in any form or language.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Appendix A
Appendix A
1.1 Complete list of papers
SL | Paper | Journal | Type | Theme | Ergonomic Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Reif and Welch (2008) | Visual Computer | E | Tech | AR & VR |
2 | Reif et al. (2010) | Computer Graphics Forum | E | Tech | Pick by vision |
3 | Schgwerdtfeger et al. (2011) | Virtual Reality | E | Tech | Pick by vision |
4 | Weisnera and Deusea (2014) | Procedia CIRP | T | Tech | Multiple loads tool(MultiplA) |
5 | Battini et al. (2014) | Computers & Industrial Engineering | E | Tech | Motion capture system |
6 | Industrial Management & Data Systems | M | Tech | Paper less picking | |
7 | International Journal of Production Research | E | Tech | Pick by light,RF,Pick by voice | |
8 | Mocana and Draghicia (2018) | SIM 2017 / 14th International Symposium in Management | T | Tech | Wearable devices |
9 | Mahroof (2019) | International Journal of Information Management | T | Tech | AI |
10 | Horvathovaa (2019) | 13th International Scientific Conference on Sustainable, Modern and Safe Transport (Transcom 2019) | E | Tech | CAPTIV sensory system |
11 | Feldmann et al. (2019) | Prognostics and System Health Management Conference | E | Tech | Mocap & KIM |
12 | Al Shehhi et al. (2019) | Proceedings of the 2019 IISE Annual Conference | E | Tech | Jack software |
13 | Gruchmann et al. (2021) | Journal of Business Economics | T | Tech | Automation |
14 | Diefenbach et al. (2020) | European Journal of Operational Research | M | Tech | Tow trains, Garg et al. (1978) equations |
15 | Zhang et al. (2023) | International Journal of Production Economics | M | Tech | NIOSH and energy expenditure |
16 | Finco et al. (2023) | Computer & Industrial Engineering | E | Tech | NIOSH equation, RULA, OCRA |
17 | Petersen et al. (2005) | International Journal of Operations & Production Management | E | Assignment | Golden zone |
18 | Battini et al. (2016) | Computers & Industrial Engineering | M | Assignment | Garg et al. (1978) equations |
19 | Otto et al. (2017) | OR Spectrum | M | Assignment | NIOSH equation |
20 | Al-Araidah et al. (2017) | European J. Industrial Engineering | M | Assignment | Work envelope |
21 | Larco et al. (2017) | International Journal of Production Research | M | Assignment | Discomfort using Borg scale |
22 | Diefenbach And Glock (2019) | Computers & Industrial Engineering | M | Assignment | Garg et al. (1978) equations |
23 | Zangaro et al. (2019) | XXIV Summer School “Francesco Turco”—Industrial Systems Engineering | M | Assignment | Energy consumption cutt off |
24 | Kudelska and Pawlowski (2020) | Central European Journal of Operations Research | M | Assignment | correlation |
25 | Lesch et al. (2023) | Applied Intelligence | M | Assignment | Heavy and Fast moving products should be stored at grip height |
26 | Tompa et al. (2010) | Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation | T | HF | Ergonomic interventions |
27 | Grosse et al. (2015) | International Journal of Production Research | T | HF | Ergonomic interventions via Literature review |
28 | Gajsek et al. (2017) | Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Poznańskie | T | HF | Ergonomic interventions via Literature review |
29 | Grosse et al. (2017) | International Journal of Production Research | T | HF | Ergonomic interventions via Literature review |
30 | Matusiak et al. (2017) | European Journal of Operational Research | M | HF | Skills |
31 | Dewa et al. (2017) | International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management | M | HF | Human error |
32 | Elbert et al. (2017) | Computers & Industrial Engineering | E | HF | Agent based simulation |
33 | Glock et al. (2017) | International Journal of Production Research | T | HF | Theoretical framework |
34 | Lee et al. (2020) | Work | E | HF | Electromyography |
35 | Lavender et al. (2021) | Applied Ergonomics | T | HF | Electromyographic (EMG) responses |
36 | Setayesh et al. (2022) | International Journal of Production Research | T | HF | Theoretical framework |
37 | Glock et al. (2021) | International Journal of Production Research | T | HF | Tech devices Literature review |
38 | Setayesh et al. (2024) | International Journal of Production Research | T | HF | Warehouse error prevention tool (WEP) |
39 | Battini et al. (2015b) | IFAC PapersOnLine | M | Fatigue | Mocap, OWAS |
40 | Battini et al. (2017) | International Journal of Production Research | M | Fatigue | OWAS |
41 | Calzavara et al. (2018) | Industrial Management & Data Systems, | E | Fatigue | Heart rate monitor |
42 | Zhao et al. (2019) | Journal of Systems Science and Systems Engineering | M | Fatigue | Error rate |
43 | Granotto et al. (2019) | IFAC PapersOnLine | M | Fatigue | Exponential fatigue function |
44 | Feng and Hu (2021) | Scientific Programming | M | Fatigue | Fatigue curve |
45 | Calzavara et al. (2016) | IFAC PapersOnLine | M | Pallets | OWAS & Garg et al. (1978) equations |
46 | Calzavara et al. (2017a) | Computers & Industrial Engineering | M | Pallets | Garg et al. (1978) equations |
47 | Calzavara et al. (2017b) | IFAC PapersOnLine | E | Pallets | OWAS |
48 | European Journal of Operational Research | M | Pallets | Biomechanical model (4DWATBAK) | |
49 | Calzavara et al. (2019) | International Journal of Production Research | M | Pallets | OWAS & Garg et al. (1978) equations |
50 | Grosse et al. (2013) | Computers & Industrial Engineering | M | Learning | Wright (1936) learning model |
51 | Grosse And Glock (2013) | Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management | E | Learning | Six Learning models |
52 | Grosse And Glock (2015) | International Journal of Production Economics | M | Learning | Learning |
53 | Hilmola et al. (2016) | World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research | E | Learning | Learning |
54 | Batt And Gallino (2019) | Management Science | M | Learning | Learning |
55 | Dai et al. (2010) | Ergonomics | E | LSV | EMG and LMM |
56 | Elbert and Muller (2017) | Proceedings of the 2017 winter simulation Conference | E | LSV | Weight based classses |
57 | Botti et al. (2020) | Applied Ergonomics | E | LSV | Digital force gauge |
58 | De Koster et al. (2011) | Journal of Operations Management | T | Safety | SSTL |
59 | De Vries et al. (2016b) | Production and Operations Management | T | Safety | SSTL |
60 | Hofstraa et al. (2018) | Safety Science | T | Safety | Safety marking, Safety policy, Safety culture, Safety behaviour |
61 | Hara et al. (2020) | CIRP Annals—Manufacturing Technology | E | Safety | Motion capture system |
62 | De Vries et al. (2016a) | Production and Operations Management | E | Incentive | Cooperation based incentive scheme |
63 | Sgarbossa et al. (2022) | International Journal of Production and Operations Management | E | Incentive | Monetary and Promotion based incentive schemes |
1.2 Future research areas
Themes | Papers | Future research opportunities |
|---|---|---|
Tech Interventions | The study of other warehouse configuration for paper less picking systems | |
The study of boredom and repetitiveness of task on Pick by light and Pick by voice systems | ||
Mahroof (2019) | To evaluate wider implications of the human–technology warehousing dyad | |
Diefenbach et al. (2020) | The bio mechanical approach can be used as ergonomic assessment method in tow train by field measurement. Also health benefits can be assessed while stowing bins on tow train by some case study | |
Gruchmann et al. (2021) | The alignment of sensing, seizing, and transformation capabilities with tension management strategies | |
Assignment | Petersen et al. (2005) | Congestion issues in warehouse |
Battini, et al. (2016) | Routing schemes comparison as different routing have different energy expenditure | |
Larco et al. (2017) | Investigating the long term link of location decision with health outcomes like low back pain, absenteeism rates and long term fatigue | |
Diefenbach and Glock (2019) | Assessment of ergonomic strain in C shape warehouse layout. The model can have pallet cages of half height | |
Zangaro et al. (2019) | The worker’s characteristics such as age, weight, working time can be integrated into the model | |
Human factor | Tompa et al. (2010) | Financial merits of Ergonomic interventions in warehouses |
Grosse et al. (2015) | Quantitative and qualitative studies for better understanding OP system design and humans | |
Elbert et al. (2017) | The effect of varying load such as different item weight during a working shift or whole week on the efficiency of item picking and amount of route deviation | |
Dewa et al. (2017) | The design of warehouse working environment which can improve the speed of warehouse operations | |
Gajšek et al. (2017) | The ways and means by which companies can be more profitable and at the same time provide a safer work place | |
Grosse et al. (2017) | Develop decision support models that balance economic and social goals in planning OP operations | |
Fatigue | Calzavara et al. (2018) | Matching of heart rate monitor data with that of motion capture system |
Scheduling of worker’s activities so that to avoid high value of heart rate for a long duration | ||
Zhao et al. (2019) | The heart rate can be considered dynamic and also the worker did not recovers completely after rest and qualititative analysis is required to understand the after effects | |
Granotto et al. (2019) | The consideration of multiple operators and multiple aisle system in bucket brigade order picking system | |
Pallet Selection | Study other planning problems such as routing or batching and integrates the ergonomic measures | |
Calzavara et al. (2019) | Use of other ergonomic assessment methods rather than restrictive OWAS index to further study the resulting load on the worker during order picking | |
Learning | Grosse and Glock (2013) | Learning influence on routing, assignment and design of warehouse |
Forgetting over time due to storage reassignment | ||
Learning & forgetting in batching | ||
Grosse and Glock (2015) | The factors which are crucial in storage assignment to promote learning | |
The coherence between learning cost via training and learning rate | ||
vEffect of boredom and forgetting in order picking | ||
Load speed | Elbert et al. (2017) | New routing policies that consider item weight and travel distance with weight based storage system |
Botti et al. (2020) | Investigate the effects of human factors such as age, gender, anthropometric on push force | |
Safety | The longterm effects of a manager’s safety leadership on factors such as employee well-being, turnover, and organizational commitment | |
Hofstra et al. (2018) | Investigate the difference between safety in an organization’s self-established warehouses versus its acquired warehouses | |
Hofstra et al. (2018) | Compare the values attched to safety aspect in different countries and backgrounds | |
Hofstra et al. (2018) | Empirical research to further develop safety culture and safety behaviour |
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Nasir, D., Venkitasubramony, R. & Jakhar, S.K. Ergonomics in warehouse design and operations: a systematic literature review. Oper Res Int J 25, 10 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12351-024-00892-z
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12351-024-00892-z