A team of researchers at the Technical University of Košice in Slovakia have published a report that details an approach to designing warehouse systems. A well-designed warehouse is critical to optimise how much can be stored and for efficiency. It also informs decisions on what equipment to purchase from a warehouse equipment supplier.
Led by J. Šaderová, the report identifies several stages in designing a warehouse system:
– Project Identification: Determining the objectives and scope of the warehouse system
– Design Paradigm Selection: Choosing the framework or model that will guide the design processes based on logistics principles
– System Analysis: Understanding the current operational requirements and limitations
– Synthesis: Developing potential design solutions
– Project Evaluation: Assessing the alternatives to determine the best solution
To test this approach, the researchers designed a warehouse system in a cold storage area that stored items on pallets which are moved by forklifts. They created two alternative designs. Alternative one had standard pallets and wide aisles, while alternative two used a dynamic flow rack system.
Each alternative was evaluated for capacity, efficiency, aisle ratio, forklift accessibility and cost. This multicriteria evaluation showed that alternative two was better. It supported more pallets, required only two aisles, was safer, and better at managing the shelf life of perishable goods.
The researchers concluded that their proposed methodology is a valuable tool for decision-making in the design of warehouse systems so that systems are not only efficient but also tailored to the specific conditions in a warehouse.
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