STORAGE METHODS
Lecture II
Warehousing Operations Management
Selection criteria for storage method
The objective of every storage system is to allow easy access to every goods.
The physical storage systems allow the deposit and removal of goods. Where
each part is to be placed and how it will be stored is based on the profile of the
inventory, such as the stock turn over or size of goods … etc.
Load:
For warehouses accommodating large and small volumes
(weight) goods storage systems will be selected based on the
large volume (weight) goods.
Warehouses having very few large volume goods the storage
system will be chosen to accommodate the average sized
goods and the large goods will be stacked on floor.
Selection criteria for storage method
Storage level/height
The storage method will be constrained by either the choice of
MHE height and/ or the building height.
Throughput rate:
The throughput rate is the sum of pallets moving into and out of
the warehouse per unit of time.
Items movement are categorized as Fast, Medium and
Slow (Rare).
Slow items should be located as far away, while fast
movers should be as near, as possible to the issuing
point, so as to minimize travelling distance.
Storage Methods
1-Random location Method
Goods are placed randomly in any vacant location [usually the
nearest available spot] when they arrive at the warehouse.
It is the most popular and most economical system.
Higher utilization of storage space results in lower cost.
However, a system (paper-based or IT) is needed to track
the cargo location.
If the warehouse has no tracking system, the frequent
shifting of goods will result in higher incidence of damage
and problems associated with traceability.
Storage Methods
2- Fixed location method
Each item has a fixed storage space for the
life cycle.
The space allocated cannot be used for other items.
If each item or part number has a fixed quantity for
storage, this location method would be ideal.
Lower utilization of the storage space results in higher
cost.
Warehouse staff may prefer this system because it is
easy to remember cargo locations.
Storage Methods
3- Fixed area working on a random method
It combines the advantages of the above two
systems.
Groups of like items can be drawn together and housed
in one area.
Having segregated this group of stock and having
selected the fixed areas where the stock will be stored,
the exact location is controlled by Random Location
System.
Storage Accessories
For storing individual and/or small items, various accessories are available.
Almost all storages and warehouses will utilize one or more of the following to
develop an orderly storage facility.
Storage Accessories
Racks:
The most commonly used items
in storage areas
In most cases, steel shelves are
used for storage of palletized
or un-palletized loads or large
items.
Steel shelving is simply sheet
metal that has been fastened
to upright posts. The posts
usually provide for flexibility in
adjusting the height of the
shelves and the vertical spaces
between shelves
Storage Accessories
Bins:
There are many different sizes and shapes of bins that can be used
when a great variety of small parts are to be stored.
Storage Accessories
Shelves:
In most cases, steel or wooden shelving is used for storage of
unpalletized loads or large items
Storage Accessories
Stacking:
Unit loads on pallets or in boxes, bags, or sacks can be stacked on top
of each other to better utilize vertical space
Storage Accessories
Conveyor Storage:
Conveyor racks can make an effective storage accessory. They are a
series of roller or skate wheel conveyors placed one above the other in
adjacent stacks and slanted from input to output
The stored items should be contained in boxes or tote pans
Very compact storage can be achieved by utilizing loaders and
eliminating excess aisles.
Storage Accessories
Yard Storage:
The high construction costs of enclosed warehouses have made outside
storage more desirable for bulk items such as coal, sand, pulp, wood,
and scrap metal
The availability of containers and protective coatings has also
contributed to greater use of yard storage.
