What is warehousing?

Warehousing is the act of storing goods that will be sold or distributed later. While a small, home-based
business might be warehousing products in a spare room, basement, or garage, larger businesses
typically own or rent space in a building that is specifically designed for storage.

Principles of warehousing

1. Determine the Objective of the Facility

Effective Warehouse Design

In a recent web discussion with a number of warehouse professionals, I asked what they believe to be
the critical principles of effective warehouse design. This principle ranked at top of the list. The first step
is to define the objectives and goals of the facility. For example:

- Why will it exist?

- What market does it serve?

- Is it part of a network?

- What types of goods will be stored?

- What is the anticipated life of the facility?

- Will it be a green-field site or an existing facility?

It is vital to write these objectives down so that all associated parties remain cognisant of the expected
outcome – especially when timing, budget, or resource issues during the project tempt stakeholders to
compromise operational or design goals.

Why Does This Matter?

The efficiency, effective utilisation, running costs, working environment of your warehouse all depend on
its fitness for purpose. This becomes even more important as distribution and fulfillment processes
change in line with the shift toward omnichannel sales.