Storage and handling infrastructure
Storage and handling infrastructure refers to the physical structures, equipment, and processes used to store and move materials, products, and goods within an organization. There are several important factors to consider when designing and maintaining storage and handling infrastructure:
- Safety: Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to storage and handling infrastructure. This includes ensuring that storage areas and handling equipment are designed and maintained in such a way that they are safe for workers to use, and that they comply with relevant safety regulations and standards.
- Capacity: The storage and handling infrastructure should be able to accommodate the volume of materials, products, and goods that the organization needs to store and handle. This includes considering the size and layout of storage areas, as well as the capacity of handling equipment.
- Accessibility: The storage and handling infrastructure should be designed to be easily accessible to workers, vehicles, and other equipment, in order to minimize the time and effort required to move materials and goods in and out of storage.
- Efficiency: The storage and handling infrastructure should be designed and maintained to be as efficient as possible, in order to minimize the costs and resources required to store and handle materials and goods.
- Durability: The storage and handling infrastructure should be durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use, in order to minimize the need for repairs and maintenance.
- Flexibility: The storage and handling infrastructure should be flexible enough to accommodate changes in the organization's operations, such as changes in product lines, seasonal fluctuations in demand, or changes in the way goods are stored or handled.
- Environmental protection: The storage and handling infrastructure should be designed to minimize the environmental impact of storing and handling materials and goods, such as by reducing energy consumption and minimizing the risk of spills or leaks.
- Automation: Automation helps to improve the efficiency and accuracy of storage and handling processes, and can also reduce the risk of human error.
In summary, the storage and handling infrastructure is important for an organization to consider factors such as safety, capacity, accessibility, efficiency, durability, flexibility, environmental protection, and automation to meet the needs of the business and comply with relevant regulations and standards.
Elements of storage and handling infrastructure
Logistic processes covering the flow of goods, stocking and creation and processing of related information require a specific storage infrastructure. which consists of:
- storage buildings
- technical means of manipulation and internal transport
- storage devices (measurement and control, fire control)
- technical measures relating to the computerization of processes in warehouses
The most important tasks that meet the storage facilities is to provide smooth and expeditious flow of stocks, their protection and preservation of value, and smooth and rapid flow of information
In addition, it takes into account auxiliary storage device (mechanical forming and securing of cargo, to measure the weight, volume and dimensions, etc.).
Technical measures for handling and transportation
Another important component of the infrastructure is technical means of manipulation and handling, which significantly affect the flow rate, level of performance of stock manipulation and transport processes and the degree of protection against the loss of value.
Main types of means of transport and handling:
- cranes
- conveyors
- trucks and other wheeled vehicles
Examples of Storage and handling infrastructure
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS): ASRS are computer-controlled systems that store and retrieve items from a predetermined location. These systems are used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other facilities to reduce storage costs, improve inventory accuracy, and increase speed and efficiency.
- Pallet Racking: Pallet racking refers to the storage of items on pallets in a systematic arrangement. This type of storage is commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers to maximize floor space and increase productivity.
- Conveyor Systems: Conveyor systems are automated infrastructure used to move products and materials through a facility. These systems can be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase safety in a variety of industries.
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): AGVs are robotic vehicles that can be programmed to move materials and products within a facility without the need for manual control. These vehicles can reduce labor costs and improve safety by eliminating the need for manual handling.
- Packaging and Labeling Equipment: Packaging and labeling equipment are used to ensure that products are properly packaged and labeled for shipment. This type of equipment can help reduce costs and improve efficiency by ensuring that the products are accurately labeled and packaged for shipment.
Advantages of Storage and handling infrastructure
Storage and handling infrastructure provides many advantages to businesses, including:
- Increased efficiency, as materials, products, and goods can be stored and moved quickly and accurately.
- Improved safety, as the proper infrastructure ensures that materials, products, and goods are handled in the safest possible way.
- Reduced costs, as storage and handling infrastructure often reduces the labor costs associated with manual storage and handling.
- Improved inventory control, as storage and handling infrastructure can help businesses track and manage their inventory more accurately.
- Increased space utilization, as well-designed storage and handling infrastructure can maximize the use of available space.
- Increased customer satisfaction, as the proper infrastructure helps businesses to deliver products and services in a timely manner.
Limitations of Storage and handling infrastructure
Storage and handling infrastructure can have several limitations that must be taken into account when designing and maintaining it. These include:
- Lack of space: Depending on the size of the organization, storage and handling infrastructure may be limited by the amount of space available. This can limit the amount of materials or products that can be stored and handled at any one time.
- Cost: The cost of purchasing and installing storage and handling infrastructure can be expensive and can be a barrier to some organizations.
- Maintenance: Maintenance of storage and handling infrastructure is essential to ensure it is functioning correctly and that the materials and products stored are safe. This can be costly and time-consuming, especially if the infrastructure is large or complex.
- Safety: Proper safety precautions must be taken when designing and maintaining storage and handling infrastructure to ensure workers are safe and materials are stored correctly and securely.
- Environmental impact: Storage and handling infrastructure can have an impact on the environment, especially if it is not designed and maintained properly.
A well-designed storage and handling infrastructure is essential to any organization's operations. There are several approaches that can be taken to ensure that the infrastructure is efficient and effective:
- Automation: Automation can be used to streamline the processes associated with storage and handling, such as inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and shipping. Automation can also help reduce labor costs and improve accuracy.
- Digitalization: Digital technologies such as barcoding and RFID can be used to track and monitor materials, products, and goods, providing greater visibility into the storage and handling process.
- Optimization: Optimizing the storage and handling process can help reduce costs, improve turnaround times, and increase efficiency. This can be accomplished through improved layout and organization, as well as the use of specialized equipment.
In summary, an effective storage and handling infrastructure requires careful planning and consideration of automation, digitalization, and optimization. This can help organizations achieve greater efficiency and cost savings, while ensuring that products and goods are handled in a safe and secure manner.
| Storage and handling infrastructure — recommended articles |
| Receiving area — Internal transport system — Principles for the warehouse organization — Operating supplies — Role of transportation — Public warehouse — Production process — Logistics and transportation — Production logistics subsystem |
References
- Bowersox, D. J., Closs, D. J., & Cooper, M. B. (2002). Supply chain logistics management (Vol. 2). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
