The paper was presented at the Polish Logistics Congress “Logistics 2006 – Best Practices in Logistics”. Poznań, May 10-12, 2006.
In warehouses that are links in supply chains, constant trends of change are observed. These are related, among other things, to increasing the number of product ranges, an increase in the number of orders from customers, shortening order fulfillment times, and raising the level of customer service. The supply chains being created force an appropriate shaping of the distribution network. This determines the number of warehouses in the network, their location, size, functions, and information flow. Many industrial finished goods warehouses of manufacturers are taking on the role of distribution warehouses. Increasingly, alongside using their own warehouses, companies are deciding to outsource warehousing.
The observed efforts to improve distribution networks cause warehouses to undergo permanent changes:
-
location,
-
size,
-
functions,
-
information flow,
-
the method of executing warehousing processes.
For supply chains to function properly, appropriate logistics infrastructure is necessary. From a systemic perspective, three components of this infrastructure are distinguished:
- linear infrastructure,
- point infrastructure,
- communication infrastructure.
The essence of linear infrastructure is the existing network in the country, understood as any dedicated strip of land intended for the movement or parking of transport vehicles, along with the engineering structures located along it. Point infrastructure includes spatially separated facilities used for stationary cargo handling.
On the other hand, communication (IT) infrastructure includes transmission media, data exchange standards, and means to secure their flow [1].
According to the above division, warehouses belong to point infrastructure.
There are many criteria for classifying warehouses. From the point of view of supply chains, the most appropriate classification criterion is purpose. According to this criterion, the following warehouses are distinguished:
On the other hand, communication (IT) infrastructure includes transmission media, data exchange standards, and means to secure their flow [1].
According to the above division, warehouses belong to point infrastructure.
There are many criteria for classifying warehouses. From the point of view of supply chains, the most appropriate classification criterion is purpose. According to this criterion, the following warehouses are distinguished:
- industrial (raw materials, semi-finished products, packaging, finished goods, maintenance materials), ensuring the continuity of production and sales,
- distribution (commercial), which ensure the distribution and continuity of material supply and consumption,
- reserve, used for accumulating and storing stocks for a longer period.
According to another classification taking into account the same criterion regarding purpose, we distinguish warehouses:
- stock,
- transshipment,
- distribution (delivery or shipping) [2].
Increasingly, logistics centers appear in supply chains, of which warehouses are elements.
A logistics center is defined as a spatially functional facility, along with infrastructure and organization, in which logistics services related to receiving, storing, distributing, and issuing goods are carried out, as well as accompanying services provided by business entities independent of the sender or recipient [3]. Within the logistics functions performed by the logistics center, flowing goods are stored in warehouses, and their picking and packing are carried out [4].
A logistics center is defined as a spatially functional facility, along with infrastructure and organization, in which logistics services related to receiving, storing, distributing, and issuing goods are carried out, as well as accompanying services provided by business entities independent of the sender or recipient [3]. Within the logistics functions performed by the logistics center, flowing goods are stored in warehouses, and their picking and packing are carried out [4].
In warehouses that are links in supply chains, constant trends of change are observed. These include:
- increasing the number of product ranges,
- introducing several types of packaging for one product range,
- an increase in the number of orders from customers,
- a decrease in the quantity of ordered assortment within individual order items,
- requiring shorter lead times,
- shifting logistics costs to the supplier,
- raising the level of customer service.
Modern supply chains most often include various distribution channels. They are oriented towards creating a comprehensive distribution system. Such a system allows for improving operational efficiency while reducing distribution costs and increasing productivity. It enables strengthening the company’s market position and meeting growing customer requirements.
The supply chains being created force an appropriate shaping of the distribution network. The model of the distribution network adopted for implementation determines such aspects for warehouses as:
The supply chains being created force an appropriate shaping of the distribution network. The model of the distribution network adopted for implementation determines such aspects for warehouses as:
- number,
- location,
- size,
- functions,
- information flow,
- the method of executing warehousing processes.
In the following parts of this article, the aspects mentioned above will be discussed.
Full article in PDF format.