SENA

Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje

Evidencia 2: Workshop: Understanding the distribution center layout

Presentado por:

SENA

Actividad de aprendizaje 9

Evidencia 2: Workshop: Understanding the distribution center layout

Tener claridad respecto a los procesos internos de la gestión logística es tan importante
como entender la importancia de la adecuada gestión de la infraestructura física de las
bodegas y centros de distribución, ya que, como algunos afirman, es el corazón o núcleo
de las operaciones logísticas, en tanto allí se almacenan los productos que posteriormente
serán distribuidos al comercio tanto minorista, como mayorista.

Por lo anterior, es importante que el aprendiz de gestión logística esté en la capacidad de

entender textos en inglés que den cuenta de los estándares de calidad para la
infraestructura de un centro de distribución. Esto le permitirá al aprendiz tener
herramientas para gestionar procesos físicos – de infraestructura - de la cadena de
abastecimiento.

Así, con el fin de ayudarle a adquirir estas herramientas, la presente evidencia de

aprendizaje consiste en realizar un taller sobre el diseño de un centro de distribución
denominado Workshop: Understanding the distribbution center layout. Este taller consta
de dos momentos en los que usted deberá hacer uso del conocimiento técnico adquirido
hasta el momento en el área de inglés para, posteriormente, como segundo momento,
participar en un debate, junto con otros tres compañeros –seleccionados por el instructor-
para compartir su opinión respecto a las recomendaciones de diseño de un centro de
distribución que aparecen enunciadas en el taller.

Para la elaboración de la presente evidencia, tenga en cuenta lo siguiente:

Primer momento: comprensión y producción escrita

1. Estudie en su totalidad el material de formación Using prepositions to describe

Distribution Centers junto con el material complementario disponible para esta
actividad.
2. Desarolle completamente el taller disponible para la presente actividad de
aprendizaje Workshop: Understanding the distribution center layout. Para la
elaboración de este taller puede usar la herramienta ofimática de su
preferencia.
3. Envíe el archivo al instructor en formato .doc o .pdf a través de la plataforma
virtual de aprendizaje.

Segundo momento: comprensión y producción oral

1. Revise constantemente los anuncios de la plataforma para obtener información de

fecha y hora del encuentro sincrónico al que usted asistirá para completar el
 segundo momento de la presente evidencia: Un debate respecto a las prácticas
para el diseño de un centro de distribución.

2. Participe en el encuentro sincrónico propuesto por su instructor para discutir

brevemente las respuestas brindadas por usted en la sección “Critical thinking-
Making decisions” del taller Workshop: Understanding the Distribbution Center
Layout.

Recuerde que debe sustentar su opinión por medio de las ventajas y desventajas
señaladas por usted para cada uno de los enunciados que usted trabajó en el
taller. De igual modo, recuerde utilizar el vocabulario técnico aprendido. No olvide
tener en cuenta el material complementario ““Expressions for Discussion and
Debate” además de los diferentes aspectos de pronunciación de inglés estudiados
en actividades de aprendizaje anteriores y en el video provisto en el taller
mencionado.

Cabe aclarar que dicho encuentro contará con la participación de tres aprendices
más seleccionados por su instructor y, aunque este segundo momento se realizará
de manera grupal, su desempeño se evaluará de manera individual.

3. Asegúrese de responder a cabalidad cada una de las preguntas de su tutor o

compañeros.

En caso de tener dudas relacionadas con la participación en una videoconferencia,

se recomienda consultar el video: ¿Cómo unirse a una sesión virtual de Blackboard
Collaborate?, ubicado en el botón Tutoriales del menú del programa de formación.

Workshop: Understanding the distribution center layout

Your warehouse or distribution center layout greatly affects the performance of your
business. In fact, without a properly configured warehouse layout, you could face capacity
issues and even a decrease in productivity.
Complete the following activities in order to understand the importance of the layout
when designing a Distribution Center or warehouse.

1. Getting familiar with Distribution Centers

a. Read the following description of a Distribution Center and complete it with the
words from the box.
 STORAGE RECEIVING
b. Read and match. Read the definition for each of the areas that a distribution
center may include and match the definition with the name of such area.
1. LOADING DOCK
2. BULK DEPARTMENT
3. QUALITY ASSURANCE
DEPARTMENT
4. TRANSPORTATION AREA
5. EXPORT DEAPARTMENT
AREAS CENTERS
All distribution centers have three main
_areas_ and may have additional
specialized areas. The three main areas
are the _receiving_ dock, also called
loading dock, the _storage_ area or
cargo deck, and the shipping dock.
In small organizations it is possible for
the receiving and shipping functions to
occur side by side, but in large
__centers_, separating these areas
simplifies the process.
2 A. This area controls and ships large. This
department usually includes forklift truck
drivers to load containers and wagons, and
man-up or combi forklift trucks to unload
full pallets from warehouse racking.
5 B. This department controls orders which are
leaving the country of the distribution
center. This department is almost identical
in function to a bulk department; however,
workers in this department build pallets
conforming to different standards and sizes.
7 C. This area is in charge of replenishing and
storing goods in the store's backroom or
warehouse.
6 D. An area reserved for inventory that is ready
for final assembly or transport.
8 E. There are many types of this racking.

6. STAGING LOCATION
7. STOCKING DEPARTMENT
8. PALLET RACKING
However, all types allow for the storage of
palletized materials in horizontal rows with
multiple levels.
1 F. This is an area of the warehouse where
goods vehicles (usually road or rail) are
loaded and unloaded. This area usually
includes pallet wrapping workers, conveyor
belt unloaders, forklift drivers, and
administrative staff
4 G. Arranges and coordinates shipments in and
out of the distribution center.
3 H. This department performs periodic checks
of random samples of stock to check
quality, including from the warehouse
racking, goods in, and returned stock.

Note: In case you have any questions with vocabulary, remember to check the following
dictionaries:
- http://www.businessdictionary.com/
- http://www.linguee.com/

2. Describing a Distribution Center

Following, you’ll see the very basic design of any Distribution Center. Check the image and answer
the questions:

Fuente: SENA
A) According to the image, complete the following paragraph by selecting the best
preposition for each case.

While creating a layout for your warehouse or distribution center can be

considered a big task, it doesn't have to be complicated. The following tips
can help you navigate the process of laying out your warehouse and make
the most out of your space.

1. Make sure you have enough pallets to store all your goods on
them.
2. Organize your pallets evenly in specific racks in such way that it is
easy for the machinery –forklifts- to access them.
 3. There should be enough space for your equipment or machinery to
move by the warehouse.
4. The machinery or equipment station must be far the shipping and
receiving area in order to load and unload freight trucks.
5. The offices must be located in front of the warehouse racking for
you to supervise the activity within the warehouse.

Let’s check another example of a distribution center. Pay attention to the different areas
within this distribution center and answer the questions below:

Fuente: SENA
B) Write sentences to describe the previous distribution center. Do not forget to use
prepositions to describe their location. Check the example:

Where is the…? Answer

- Loading area
- Value added services area
- Inventory control area
- Quality auditing area
- Order packing area
- Refrigerated specialty The refrigerated specialty products area
products area
- Put-to-store area
The loading area is located next to the freezer.
The value added services area is in front of the
line loading
The inventory control area is next to line
loading
Quality auditing area is within Inventory
control area
The order packing area is opposite the put-to-
store
is among the Value added services area and
high value products area
The put-to-store area is next to reverse
logistics

3. Critical thinking – Making decisions

A) Pros and Cons. Read the following statements about Distribution Center Design
and decide in your agree or disagree with the statement. Do some research on the
topic and provide pros and cons for each statement.

Check the example:

The layout in your warehouse must be
flexible
Your opinion:
I disagree. I think Distribution Centers
must have a specific design that helps
the regular non-changing flow of
goods.
 PROS:
-With flexible Distribution Centers you
can ensure your facilities are ready for
anything that comes in the future.

Save space: cram as many pallet racks Your opinion: I agree as long as this
into your warehouse as possible
CONS:
-Flexible Distribution Centers tends to
be more disorganized. It is hard to keep
control of the changes.
does not affect the normal
development of operational activities
and machinery traffic.
PROS: Improves the use of the
distribution center
CONS: It can generate difficulties
within the distribution center

Having an aisle map will help you Your opinion: It is very useful so it
validate that the correct item is in the facilitates the meeting of the required
assigned location. and optimizes the times.
PROS: Generate new proposals to
make it easier for staff to find the
products.
CONS: They are of great help but
nevertheless you should always carry
out an intense review since some
product may be badly located.
Provide for the level of automation Your opinion: The person in charge
that can be cost-justified based on must study the areas that need this
your particular operation and cost process in a more relevant way.
structure. PROS: optimizes times as it reduces the
times in which a task is performed
CONS: Care must be taken to find the
practical way, it can lead to capital
expenditures.

4. Sharing your opinion

It is time to share your opinions about distribution centers design. Study the
complementary material “Expressions for Discussion and Debate” and get ready for your
Blackboard Collaborate session.

Study the following video to have a successful participation in your debate session. Pay
attention to pronunciation and the different expressions to participate in a discussion
How to discuss a topic in a group:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY2yjEEoB3U

Pasos para enviar la evidencia:

Clic en el título de la evidencia.

Clic en Examinar mi equipo y buscar el archivo previamente guardado.
Dejar un comentario al instructor (opcional).
Clic en Enviar.

Nota: Recuerde que la elaboración de esta evidencia es de carácter individual y para su

desarrollo exitoso, usted debe revisar el material de formación “Using prepositions to
describe Distribution Centers” y los materiales complementarios pertenecientes a esta
actividad de aprendizaje.

Criterios de evaluación
 Explica claramente las ventajas y desventajas de una posible decisión en lo
técnico.

 Toma parte activa en debates informales dentro de contextos de trabajo

habituales.

 Plantea, explica y contesta hipótesis técnicas.

Nota: Recuerde que la elaboración de esta evidencia es de carácter individual y para su

desarrollo exitoso, usted debe revisar el material de formación “Using prepositions to
describe Distribution Centers” y los materiales complementarios pertenecientes a esta
actividad de aprendizaje.
 Criterios de evaluación
 Explica claramente las ventajas y desventajas de una posible decisión en lo
técnico.

 Toma parte activa en debates informales dentro de contextos de trabajo

habituales.

 Plantea, explica y contesta hipótesis técnicas.