Every manufacturing process requires different raw materials, and the finished products need to be stored somewhere before they reach the customer. This basic function is performed by warehouses, which have evolved and expanded considerably over the last decades.
The design of different storage processes, storage and retrieval systems, and the use of different storage and retrieval methods, depending on the nature of the warehouse and the goods stored in it. transport equipment selection or installation of material handling machines and lines, which requires considerable logistical expertise.
In this series of articles, we present the general storage functions, the basic steps of warehouse design, and the most common storage techniques, their advantages and possible disadvantages.
Extended responsibilities in warehousing
Most households also perform storage functions, where food and cooking ingredients are put away by the family after shopping in the pantry or pantry to be stored until they are consumed or used. Ideally, especially for perishable goods, they should be stored in the FIFO method is also achieved in home storage.
FIFO: The FIFO method is an abbreviation for first in, first out. The principle is that the first in stock is the first out, i.e. the oldest stock is used first.
But to build and run a serious storage facility, you need more accurate information than just how to fill your home pantry, an approximate knowledge of the amount of materials in it, and processes that don't take place in the average home.
While transport and warehousing may sound familiar, order picking is a little more exotic.
Storage
Warehousing is the basic function of a warehouse, the storage of goods for a limited period of time. The purpose of storage is to nature of goods (bulk or break bulk; pallets, large containers or small boxes, etc.) determines the most economical way to store them in the most economical conditions and with the most efficient storage equipment.
Transport, moving
It may seem surprising at first, but a modern warehouse is far from static, goods in storage are in almost constant movement, which is used by various supplier- and lifting equipment or - either partially or fully automated - warehouse transport systems provide.
The nature and quantity of the goods stored and how they are packaged are key factors in selecting and sizing the optimal transport solution.
Commissioning
Picking is a very important part of the warehousing process, which involves compile a range of goods from the types of goods in storage according to each order.
It is probably the most complex and critical step in the warehousing process, as it requires the most human labour and therefore carries the risk of error.
The process can be one- or two-stage, depending on the number of orders.
Commissioning is of course also can be made more efficient with the help of commodity-moving equipment: a vertical rotating stand (páternoster) or the horizontal rotating stand (carousels) can be of great help in the preparation of goods, forklifts or stand lifts can be of great help in two-dimensional goods handling.
Conveyor, pallet or roller conveyor systems can be used to speed up the delivery of goods considerably.
