ESSAY: Warehouse Layout

In a two-to-three page paper (not including the title and reference pages), compare and contrast through-flow warehouse layout vs U-flow warehouse layout. What are some factors to consider when choosing a warehouse layout? What determines the amount of storage space needed? How wide should aisles be? What determines the aisle sizes? Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide and should cite at least two scholarly sources in addition to the textbook.

ANSWER

Warehouse Layout

            Today, numerous warehouses are high-tech and automated. However, Zhou et al. (2020) argue that even the best technology is of little use if warehouse operations are not designed for the right type of product flow. How products flow in the warehouse can make a significant difference in terms of safety and efficiency. Notably, most warehouse systems today have been designed for either a U-flow of products or a through-flow strategy. There are distinct differences between U-flow and through flow warehouse layout.

           U-flow, also known as U-shaped, warehouse layout is commonly used. One end of the warehouse facility can accommodate both the receiving and shipping of products. According to Kembro et al. (2018), products can flow from receiving to storage to shipping. At the same time, in a U-flow warehouse layout, products/goods flow from receiving to storage, and then to shipping, while following an orderly and smooth fashion. Other than being one of the warehouse layout facilitating a flow of products/goods distinctly, through flow layout of the warehouse is different from the U-flow layout (Cakmak et al., 2012). For instance, in a U-flow layout, shipping is located at one end of the warehouse facility and, at the same time, receives products on the other end. Accordingly, products/goods travel or move from one end of the facility to the other, while there is a distinct separation of shipping and receiving.

           Both through flow and U-flow warehouse layouts are distinct and are associated with respective advantages and disadvantages. The differences in layout influence how products/goods are received, stored and shipped out. Through flow, for instance, is recommended when there are interference or confusion risks between goods going in and those coming out (Cakmak et al., 2012). On the other hand, U-flow design facilitates the smooth utilization of dock resources since there is a sharing of shipping and receiving processes. The distinction is determined by how products are received in the warehouse, moved in for storage, and the size of the picking area before they are marshaled and dispatched.

           There are various factors for consideration when choosing a warehouse layout. Flow, for instance, is a major factor as the warehouse should be designed to allow for free movement of goods or products. Accessibility is another factor as it is important to design and construct a warehouse that facilitates easy access to every product while taking advantage of every space in the warehouse (Bortolini et al., 2019). Space is also critical, and it should be at the center of the design. Storage and processing space are of importance as it also allows for other minor activities to be conducted within the warehouse. Other factors for consideration include throughput, local authority plans, site details, building factors, financial consideration, cube design, and movement of equipment and people.            While designing a warehouse, a lot of emphases are placed on the storage and processing space. According to Kembro et al. (2018), the allocation of space for storage and processing activities should be more in comparison to the space left for other minor activities. Therefore when designing a warehouse, current trends of warehousing determine the amount of storage space needed. For instance, one of the current trends in technology. Zhou et al. (2020) noted that technology provides warehousing equipment that can stand alone, and may not require wall support. This means that durable walls may not be necessary…