Distribution Warehousing
Distribution warehousing is the process involved in the shipment of products stored in large commercial buildings known as warehouses to retail stores, businesses and even individual customers. Distribution warehouses can be found at various locations throughout the world and are used by manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, exporters and even small businesses and individuals. They are involved with virtually everything on the market today, including food, plastics, chemicals, papers, automotive parts, drugs, industrial parts and more.
Distribution warehousing involves receiving, storing, tracking and shipping merchandise. The warehouse is a large storage building and it is important that use of space is optimized. Products are usually shipped to the warehouses in bulk or by pallet. When received they must counted, labeled and stored in a lot or batch location until time for shipment. The system often used for storage is called slotting. This method makes it easy to retrieve and prepare products for shipment. Picking and packing is very important. The warehouse must have packing materials like corrugated cardboards and wooden boxes. Shipping must be done in accordance with all shipping regulations.
Inventory management is an important component of distribution warehousing. Warehouse managers need to know what merchandise is on hand. Distribution warehousing today often involves the incorporation of technology and computer software programs for warehouse management. Some are automated with materials being moved on automated conveyers or cranes that are controlled by computers. This method is used a lot with products that must be refrigerated with uncomfortable temperatures for workers or stored in very high bays that make it difficult for forklifts and workers to reach. Computers play a role in receiving inventory, processing orders and tracking orders once they are shipped. Many warehouses have bar code labeling capabilities and web based tracking.
There are several features that make distribution warehousing more efficient and cost effective. The physical layout of the distribution warehouse depends on the products being stored there. A drug distribution warehouse might have narrow aisles and vertical carousels while a furniture warehouse might have a cross dock layout. It is important that the warehouse have a physical layout that allows for direct and easy access to the products that are going to be shipped. Equipment can also be used to improve efficiency. Common equipment includes overhead hoists, extending booms, forklifts, paper roll clamps, carton clamps, drum handling equipment and more. The distributing process itself should be simple and easy to keep track of. It is important for distribution warehouse workers to be safe and to abide by safety standards.
Distribution warehousing offers a variety of services including storage and handling on a year round or temporary basis. Today there are warehouse style retail stores and J.I.T. (Just in Time programs) where the product is shipped directly from the supplier to the consumer has become a common service. It requires adhering to strict quality control standards and tailoring services to meet the individual needs of the customer and this means providing the best service possible for the best price possible. |
