Storage management
Storage management
Function Description
Stores excess supply to meet demand
Buffering
fluctuations.
Stockpiling Reserves inventory for future use.
Helps in balancing supply and demand
Price Stabilization
fluctuations.
Ensures raw materials are available for continuous
Production Support
manufacturing.
Protects against stockouts and uncertainties in
Risk Management
supply.
Classification of
Inventory
Inventory can be
categorized based on its
role in the supply chain:
A. Based on Usage:
• 1️⃣Raw Materials: Used
in production.
2️⃣Work-in-Progress
(WIP): Semi-finished
goods.
3️⃣Finished Goods:
Ready for sale.
B. Based on Demand:
1️⃣Independent Demand
Inventory: Customer-driven
demand (e.g., finished products).
2️⃣Dependent Demand
Inventory: Demand based on
other products (e.g., raw materials).
C. Based on Functionality:
• 1️⃣Cycle Stock: Regular stock for
fulfilling orders.
2️⃣Safety Stock: Extra inventory to
handle demand fluctuations.
3️⃣Pipeline Stock: Goods in transit.
4️⃣Seasonal Stock: Inventory for
seasonal demands.
5️⃣Dead Stock: Obsolete items.
Methods of Method Description
Controlling Stock Economic Order
Calculates optimal
Levels Quantity (EOQ)
order quantity to
minimize costs.
Minimizes inventory
Efficient inventory Just-in-Time (JIT) by ordering goods only
when needed.
control methods
Inventory is reordered
help in reducing Reorder Point
when it reaches a
excess stock while (ROP)
predetermined level.
preventing Maintains extra stock
Safety Stock
shortages. Calculation
to manage demand
fluctuations.
Real-time tracking
Perpetual of stock movements
Inventory System using WMS and
RFID.
Always Better Control (ABC) Inventory System
ABC analysis classifies inventory based on value and impact:
Management
Category Characteristics
Strategy
A-Class (High 20% of items
Strict control,
Value, Low contributing to 80%
frequent monitoring.
Volume) of total value.
B-Class (Moderate 30% of items
Value, Moderate contributing to 15% Periodic monitoring.
Volume) of total value.
C-Class (Low 50% of items
Basic controls, bulk
Value, High contributing to 5%
ordering.
Volume) of total value.
Warehouse Management
Systems (WMS) – A
Complete Guide
• A Warehouse
Management System
(WMS) is software
designed to optimize
warehouse operations,
including inventory
management, order
processing, and logistics. It
enhances efficiency,
accuracy, and
productivity in modern
supply chains.
Functions of WMS
A WMS helps in:
• 1️⃣U-Shaped Layout –
Efficient flow with receiving &
shipping on opposite ends.
2️⃣L-Shaped Layout – Ideal
for high-volume warehouses.
3️⃣Straight-Line Layout –
Linear movement, best for
automated warehouses.
Data Collection for Warehouse Design
Example Calculation:
• Warehouse size: 10,000 sq. meters
• Storage utilization efficiency: 80%
• Average pallet area: 2 sq. meters
• Total storage capacity: (10,000×0.8)/2=4,000(10,000
\times 0.8) / 2 = 4,000(10,000×0.8)/2=4,000 pallets
B. Space Utilization Strategies
• ✔ Vertical Storage – Use multi-level racks to maximize
space.
✔ Dynamic Slotting – Store fast-moving items closer
to picking zones.
✔ Cross-Docking – Reduce storage needs by moving
goods directly from inbound to outbound.
Recommended Aisle Widths:
Width
Type of Aisle Best For
(Meters)
High-density
Narrow Aisles
1.5m - 1.8m storage, guided
(NA)
forklifts
Standard
Wide Aisles
3m - 3.5m forklifts, easy
(WA)
movement
Example:
• Forklift width: 1.2m
• Turning radius: 1.8m
• Safety clearance: 0.3m
• Total Aisle Width = 3.3m
Finding Additional Space in the Warehouse
🔍 Space Optimization Techniques:
✔ Reduce Aisle Width: Implement narrow aisle racking.
✔ Use Mezzanine Floors: Add additional levels for
storage.
✔ Stacking Height Optimization: Adjust racking
heights to accommodate taller pallets.
✔ Implement Dynamic Storage Systems: Use mobile
racking or vertical carousels.
✔ Rearrange Workstations: Remove unnecessary
space in picking and packing areas.