Editing Logistics (section)

=== Handling and order processing ===
[[File:Unit Load Device 003.JPG|thumb|[[Unit load]]s, which serve a protective function, for transportation of luggage at the airport]]
[[Unit loads]] are combinations of individual items which are moved by handling systems, usually employing a [[pallet]] of normed dimensions.<ref>{{cite ISO standard|csnumber=30524|title=ISO 6780:2003 – Flat pallets for intercontinental materials handling – Principal dimensions and tolerances}}</ref>

Handling systems include: trans-pallet handlers, counterweight handler, retractable mast handler, bilateral handlers, trilateral handlers, [[Automated Guided Vehicle|AGV]] and other handlers.

Storage systems include: pile stocking, cell [[Pallet racking|racks]] (either static or movable), cantilever racks and gravity racks.<ref name="ReferenceA">Lambert D., Stock J., Ellram L., Fundamentals of Logistics, McGraw-Hill 1998</ref>

[[Order processing]] is a sequential process involving: processing withdrawal list, picking (selective removal of items from loading units), sorting (assembling items based on the destination), package formation (weighting, labeling, and packing), order consolidation (gathering packages into loading units for transportation, control and [[bill of lading]]).<ref name="autogenerated1">D.F. Bozutti, M.A. Bueno-Da-Costa, R. Ruggeri, Logística: Visão Global e Picking, EdUFSCar 2010</ref>

[[Order picking|Picking]] can be both manual or automated. Manual picking can be both man-to-goods, i.e. operator using a cart or conveyor belt, or goods-to-man, i.e. the operator benefiting from the presence of a mini-load [[Automated storage and retrieval system|ASRS]], vertical or [[horizontal carousel]] or from an Automatic Vertical Storage System (AVSS). Automatic picking is done either with [[Order picking#Technologies|dispensers]] or depalletizing robots.

[[Sorting#Physical sorting processes|Sorting]] can be done manually through carts or conveyor belts, or automatically through [[Tilt Tray Sorter|sorters]].