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Workshop: Understanding The Distribution Center Layout

The document summarizes key aspects of distribution center layout and design. It discusses the main areas of distribution centers including receiving docks, storage areas, and shipping docks. It also covers specialized areas like quality assurance departments. The document provides examples of layouts and has readers describe locations of areas within distribution centers using prepositions. It discusses pros and cons of different approaches to layouts, including flexible designs versus rigid structures, maximizing space usage, and automation.

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Mayerlis Escorcia
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57 views

Workshop: Understanding The Distribution Center Layout

The document summarizes key aspects of distribution center layout and design. It discusses the main areas of distribution centers including receiving docks, storage areas, and shipping docks. It also covers specialized areas like quality assurance departments. The document provides examples of layouts and has readers describe locations of areas within distribution centers using prepositions. It discusses pros and cons of different approaches to layouts, including flexible designs versus rigid structures, maximizing space usage, and automation.

Uploaded by

Mayerlis Escorcia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WORKSHOP: UNDERSTANDING THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER

LAYOUT

TECNOLOGO GESTION LOGISTICA

SERVICIO NACIONAL DE APRENDIZAJE SENA

DIANA RODRIQUEZ PIRA

30/11/2020
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 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

b. Readandmatch.Readthedefinitionforeachoftheareasthatadistribution center
may include and match the definition with the name of such area.

LOADINGDOCK 2 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.

BULK 5 his department controls orders which


DEPARTMENT 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.

QUALITY 7 This area is in charge of replenishing


ASSURANCE and storing goods in the store's
backroom or warehouse.
DEPARTMENT

TRANSPORTATION 6 An area reserved for inventory that is


AREA ready for final assembly or transport.

EXPORT 8 There are many types of this racking.


DEAPARTMENT However, all types allow for the storage
of palletized materials in horizontal rows
with multiple levels.

STAGING 1 This is an area of the warehouse where


LOCATION 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

STOCKING 4 Arranges and coordinates shipments in and
DEPARTMENT out of the distribution center.

PALLET RACKING 3 This department performs periodic checks


of random samples of stock to check
quality, including from the warehouse
racking, goods in, and returned stock

2. Describing a Distribution Center

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

2. Organize your pallets evenly in/on/at 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/near/through the warehouse.
4. The machinery or equipment station must befar/ below/close the shipping
and receiving area in order to load and unload freight trucks.
5. The offices must be located in front of/under/above 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:
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 The loading area is located next to


the freezer.

Value added services area The Value added services area is in


front of the line loading 

Inventory control area The Inventory control area is next


to lineloading

Quality auditing area Quality auditing area is within


Inventory control area

Order packing area The Order packing area is Opposite


the Put-to-store

Refrigerated specialty products area The Refrigerated specialty products area


is  Among the Value added services area
and high value products area

Put-to-store 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 facilitie
s are ready for anything that comes in the future.

CONS : Flexible Distribution Centers tends to be


more disorganized. It is hard to keep control of
the changes

Save space: cram as many pallet racks into your OPI: I agree As long as it does not harm the
warehouse as possible development of machinery and personnel

PROS: helps you use your distribution center


more

CONS: makes good management difficult within


CEDI

Having an aisle map will help you validate that OPI: It is very good at locating, verifying and
the correct item is in the assigned location. uploading the desired item quickly
PROS: Corridor maps not only make it easy to
locate, but also suggest ideas for a new
organization.
CONS: can hinder the experience and work of the
staff

OPI: The manager must study the areas that


Provide for the level of automation need this process most notably
that can be cost-justified based on your PROS: Improves the flow of processes and
particular operation and cost structure. reduction of steps to perform a task
CONS: Caution must be taken to find the practical
way, it can lead to capital expenditures.

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