Put your warehouse in order

When it comes to warehouse layout, the application of 10 basic concepts will determine your success. These concepts, present in every warehouse layout, are quickly learned and easy to recall. Think of them as a checklist for your next planning project. These are: 1. relationships, space, and adjustment, 2. key input data: PQRST, 3. flow of material, 4. P, Q, and R: the determinants of flow, 5. classical layouts, 6. non-flow activities, 7. space type, 8. fixity, 9. flow patterns, and 10. four phases of layout planning. Keep these 10 concepts in mind as you plan your next layout. They will likely enable you to finish sooner and achieve a better layout -- one that is well accepted by management and the operators who make it work.