Where stock lives.
WHAT A WAREHOUSE MUST DO
Receive goods accurately Store them safely and findably Pick orders correctly Despatch on time
WHY ACCURACY MATTERS MORE THAN SPEED
A wrong delivery costs the return, the redelivery and the customer's confidence.
WHAT RECEIVING REQUIRES
Checking against the order and the invoice Checking condition Recording batch and expiry where relevant Putting away to recorded locations
WHY CHECKING ON RECEIPT
Discrepancies found later cannot be claimed.
WHAT STORAGE REQUIRES
Organisation by product, with fixed or recorded locations Fast-moving items accessible Heavy items low Stock rotation by date where applicable Protection from damp, heat, pests and sunlight
WHY FAST MOVERS ACCESSIBLE
Picking time is dominated by walking.
WHAT PICKING REQUIRES
A pick list Verification against it A check before despatch
WHY A CHECK
Picking errors are the commonest warehouse failure.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Order accuracy Picking errors by cause Time from order to despatch
WHAT SAFETY REQUIRES
Stacking within safe heights Racking rated and inspected Aisles clear Trained handling equipment operators Protective footwear
WHY STACKING SPECIFICALLY
Collapsing stacks kill people in warehouses.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Maximum stack heights by product.
WHAT SECURITY REQUIRES
Controlled access Recorded movements Separation of receiving and despatch where possible
WHY SEPARATION
It prevents goods leaving with incoming vehicles.
