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Function documentation  Task Interleaving Locate the document in its SAP Library structure

Use

TRM facilitates task interleaving, a process by which a resource, having just completed and confirmed a task, is assigned a new task, the source of which is close to the resource's current location. Task interleaving provides a continuous flow of work to resources, replacing one-way work assignments and travel with bi-directional work assignments.

Task interleaving alleviates the problem of deadheading, which occurs when a forklift, for example, travels in one direction to perform a task and returns empty.

Activities

At task selection, TRM prioritizes the available tasks in the task pool that the resource is capable of performing. The distance from the source is one of the priority model entities that is taken into account when calculating a task’s priority. If this priority entity is given a relatively large weighting factor, then there is a strong chance that task interleaving will occur.

Task interleaving is only appropriate when the resource is using the semi system-guided mode of selecting tasks.

Note

For more information on the different modes for selecting tasks, see Task Selection.

Example

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  1. A forklift driver is sent to a zone where he scans a handling unit and is assigned a picking task. He loads the handling unit on to his forklift.
  2. The forklift driver travels with the handling unit to the destination, being the goods receipt area.
  3. After placing the handling unit in the goods receipt area, the driver confirms execution of the task. He is assigned a putaway task, the source of which is at the goods receipt area.
  4. The driver scans the putaway handling unit, loads it on to his forklift and moves it to the destination bin.

See Also:

Prioritization of Tasks

 

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