A warehouse is one hub within a logistics network which temporarily stores goods or reroutes them to a different area of the network. Goods are stored after manufacturing till the time they are required for consumption.
A warehouse is a commercial building used primarily for storage of goods; in some cases, a base of operations to facilitate value-added activities. For example; bulk supplies broken down and repackaged into smaller units specific to a customer’s individual requirements. Warehouses are utilised by a wide range of businesses such as manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers and haulage companies. There is no typical size of warehouse; they may vary from single unit sites to large buildings encompassing huge areas of land. In general, most tend to be sited on industrial trading estates located near population centres. They are often equipped with loading docks (bays) which enables the efficient off/on loading of vehicles. The warehouse will normally operate a range of manual handling equipment to facilitate efficient safe handling of goods throughout warehouse operation/storage areas.
Warehouse Departments
No matter what type of warehouse, there are activities which are universal to all. The main departments of a warehouse can be designated as follows:
- Receipts;
- Replenishment or put away;
- Stores;
- Picking;
- Packing;
- Housekeeping;
- Despatch.