Principles of Warehouse Layout and Operation
- Gather as much data as possible about the warehousing aspects considered and analyse it.
- Forecast the functionality, demand and supply attributes of the business (in 5–10 years’ time) and build flexibility in the warehouse design.
- Using the most suitable unit load — A unit load is an assembly of individual items or packages, usually of a same kind to enables convenient composite movement.
- Making the best use of space — it is important to make the best use of space when planning and operating a warehouse.
- Minimising movement — System planning and operation should aim to minimise movement and movement cost.
- Controlling movement and location
- Put the health and safety of staff at the forefront of the design, by providing safe, secure and environmentally sound conditions
- Maintaining at minimum overall operating cost
- Using a one-story facility wherever possible
- Using straight-line or direct flow of goods into and out of the warehouse
- Using efficient materials-handling equipment and operations
- Using an effective storage plan in the warehouse
- Minimising aisle space within the constraints imposed by the size, type, and turning radius of materials-handling equipment
- Making maximum use of the building’s height — That is, utilising the building’s cubic capacity effectively.
- Successful warehouse layouts must adhere to the principles, regardless of material being stored in order to:
- maximise the use of space
- maximise the use of equipment
- maximise the use of labour
- maximise accessibility to all items
- maximise protection of all items
- Understand the local building regulations and floor loading requirements.