Department of warehouse logistics at the enterprise. What is warehouse logistics, what important tasks and functions does it perform. WMS warehouse management systems

You may hear "warehouse" and "distribution center" used interchangeably, but technically, a warehouse provides nothing more than storage. On the other hand, he stores the product but also fulfills orders.

Warehouse elements work deeper, penetrating inventory management, supply chain management, cost control, human resources, risk and security management, among other factors. So, how can you achieve the flexibility to stay competitive while maintaining adequate offerings to please customers, while still exercising enough control to protect your revenue? These are the questions facing warehouses today.

In an ideal supply chain, there is no place for warehouses. However, there is no perfect supply chain, so warehousing is essential to maintain an efficient, continuous flow of materials and goods from source to point of use. Since this is such a critical activity, warehousing knowledge is important for anyone involved in operations or supply chain management.

What is warehouse logistics

To define warehouse logistics, one must first understand the meaning of logistics itself. In the simplest possible terms, logistics can be defined as the detailed planning, organization, management and implementation of complex operations. In many industries, including warehousing, logistics also extends to the flow of both physical goods and information.

Thus, warehouse logistics covers all the various, complex factors, organization, movement and management, that is, it participates in warehousing. This includes the flow (shipping and receiving) of physical inventory, as well as the flow of more abstract goods, including information and time.

Warehouse logistics can also extend to everything related to warehouse control, to the handling of damaged goods, to security policy, to human resource management, to customer returns. In other words, warehouse logistics includes all the policies, procedures and organizational tools required for warehouse operations.

The warehouse provides a central location for receiving, storing and distributing products. As each incoming batch arrives, the responsibility for handing over the goods to the warehouse staff, the products are identified, sorted and sent to their temporary storage location. Storage is not a static "thing" but a process that includes security measures and maintains an environment that preserves the integrity and usefulness of the elements. Once it's time to move items, each order is retrieved, grouped, packaged and checked for completeness before being sent to a new destination.

Warehouses provide economies of scale through efficient operations, storage capacity, and a central location. Economic benefits are realized, for example, through consolidation and accumulation transactions. Consolidation operations reduce outbound shipping costs for both the business and its customers. Instead of shipping items individually from multiple sources, items are delivered to a central warehouse, packaged together, and sent back as a complete order. Accumulation operations allow the warehouse to act as a buffer, balancing supply and demand for seasonal and long-term storage. This can be important for business profitability when the demand for a product is year-round, but the product may only be available at certain times.

Warehouses can serve as part of a contingency plan to keep outbound orders filled and on time. A practice called secure warehousing allows businesses to maintain a predetermined number of inventory items in their warehouse. An emergency such as a delay in transportation or shipment with defective or damaged items does not delay a delivery order.

Goals

The logistics process from suppliers to customers and inventory movement optimizes all warehousing operations. Typically, these systems have always been part of much larger and more complex distribution functions. Logistics execution allows an organization to improve its competitive advantages by minimizing labor costs, improving customer service, inventory accuracy, flexibility and mobility.

The logistics process allows a firm to manage inventory in real time with data as-is, such as last order, shipment or receipt, and any movement in between. Here are some of the many logistics process goals to consider for a logistics business:

• Rapid inventory turnover. Good software for warehouse management can minimize lead times by organizing the movement of goods and increasing the reliability of inventory records.
• Use of the halls. The logistics process regularly improves the available storage space by placing products systematically and efficiently in relation to shipping. This improved efficiency can actually increase productivity and significantly reduce storage costs.
• Reducing the amount of paper documents. The execution of the logistics process can greatly minimize the paperwork that is typically associated with warehouse functions, as well as ensure the timely and perfect flow of resources and information. All information that was traditionally maintained as hard copies, such as tickets, packing lists, etc., can now be maintained digitally.
• Accelerated counting of cycles. A business can use the warehouse logistics process to replace pertinent data such as specific locations, frequency of movement, etc. so they can properly schedule staff. Not only do these numbers increase the accuracy of inventory records for future planning purposes, but they can also significantly eliminate or minimize the need for costly inventory. By streamlining processes directly from product order to shipment, businesses can more efficiently and accurately find product availability and exact delivery dates.
• Increasing labor productivity. The system helps to optimize material flow mainly by integrating different options.

However, understanding what features to look for can help you pick the right one. Necessary things such as business size, product output, etc. that one would like to offer to their customers are some of the parameters that will help determine the type of warehouse system chosen.

If you have friends in other companies that have implemented the logistics process, you can ask them what systems they use for their business. In addition, one can attend seminars and trade shows to understand the wide range of systems available in the country.

The purpose of the logistics system is to reduce the cycle time for the delivery of goods, reduce costs and, most importantly, improve service. Warehousing increases the useful value of goods. Operations such as order consolidation, order picking, product mixing and cross-docking that take place in the warehouse structure also add value to the entire logistics system.

Functions

Warehouse logistics functions usually provide steps on how to manage the logistics process:

• receipt and export of stocks;
• examination and verification of the admission process;
• safety of goods;
• expertise of reserves;
• documentation control;
• handle unaccepted material;
• disposal of obsolete and inappropriate disposals.

Many features will be common across products, including:

• Warehouse design that allows organizations to customize the logic of operation and sampling to ensure that the warehouse is designed to optimize resource allocation. It maximizes storage space and takes stock variance into account.
• Inventory tracking, which allows you to use traceability processes using identification, information gathering and barcode scanners to ensure that an item can be easily found when needed.
• Pickup and Retention, which allows inventory and retrieval to help warehouse workers locate items.
• Collection and packaging of goods. Gym workers use the zoning and task rotation features for the most effective solution selection and packaging.
• Delivery, which allows you to send invoices before shipping, create packing lists and invoices for shipping, and send delivery notifications to recipients.
• Control labor resources, which helps warehouse managers monitor worker productivity using key indicators performance that indicate employees performing above or below standards.
• Docking station management that helps truck drivers arrive at the warehouse to find the right stations.
• A report that helps analyze the performance of the logistics process and find areas for improvement.
• Connected methodologies and sensors help organizations ensure productivity and ship quantities at the right price.

Such data can be integrated to move the goods from the reception to the end station. This integration allows organizations to design supply chains based on traction. Pull-based supply chains are driven by consumer demand, allowing the organization to be more flexible, while momentum-based supply chains are driven by long-term projections of consumer demand.

Warehouse types

Warehouses can be of several types:

• Commercial hall.
• government or state.
• transit hall.
• Fortified rooms.
• Open storages.
• Spaces owned by the company.
• Ready warehouse halls where there are no structures.

In addition to distribution center warehouses, some companies may also have production warehouses that are used solely to level the flow of incoming materials into production. Some industries also use storage warehouses.

Logistics processes are of different types and methods of implementation, and the type depends on the size and nature. They can be stand-alone systems, modules in a larger enterprise resource planning system, or a supply chain execution suite.

They can also vary widely in difficulty. Certain companies use a series of printed documents or spreadsheet files, but most large organizations operate the software. Some installations are designed specifically for the size of an organization, and many vendors have product versions that can scale to different organizational sizes. Logistics processes fit into the overall supply chain.

Warehouse items

Whether the goal is strict storage and delivery of orders, warehouses use certain elements that help manufacturers, distributors and retailers control inventory and store it safely. An overview of the main elements includes:

• Shelving and shelving systems that provide maximum capacity and easy access to products.
• Climate control system for product storage. This is especially important for frozen foods or those that require refrigeration, including some pharmaceutical or laboratory foods, and others that deteriorate when exposed to too much heat.
• Inventory management software that informs the product owner.
• Equipment that can move products from point A to point B: forklifts, pallets, bins that contain products, and conveyor belts.
• Delivery of supplies to fulfill the order. People loading products into the warehouse and others who fill orders in a true distribution center.
• Security to protect stored products.
• Access to cost-effective transportation to deliver products or move them on order. This often means easy access to interstate, rail lines or airports.

How to improve warehouse logistics

Advanced logistics processes give you real-time visibility into your warehouse and enable you to use the tools you need to manage your warehouse efficiently and profitably. Indeed, this is not only a surefire way to improve warehouse logistics, but also a must for today's warehousing. Logistics processes, more than inventory management, control all warehouse logistics. Many today include mobile tools so warehouse managers and employees can consult the system on the go using a smartphone. The integrated system also combines traditional management tools with warehouse management systems to create warehouse-wide synergy and improve general logistics from inventory to delivery.

Steps to control the flow of resources and the efficiency of warehouse logistics:

1. Maintain inventory in storage with better inventory flow. Throughout the order fulfillment process, companies are required to ensure optimal warehouse efficiency through proper flow control. Warehouse management is at the heart of an effective transport management strategy, and an inefficient, faulty system leads to poor delivery procedures, poor customer satisfaction. Companies must also consider the potential impact of the arrival of consignments and storage capacity. An overcrowded warehouse leads to misplaced product in unusual slots and lost costs.
2. Automated data collection. Some companies believe that pen and paper can keep track of inventory. However, the sheer volume of today's warehouse management processes has made manual tracking procedures obsolete. The same problem exists when manually entering information into computers and electronic systems delivery. While such methods still exist, they can be easily misunderstood and misinterpreted. As a result, subsequent delivery processes for a particular order become disorganized and inaccurate. Modern management warehouse requires barcodes or RFID (to automatically track and collect item data). This eliminates the possibility of human error when transcribing information by hand. When automatic data collection appeared, the cost of implementing such a technology exceeded the potential losses from errors. However, automated data collection has become more accessible and efficient in the global economy. Automation brings a significant return on investment when the warehouse makes the transition. The initial changes will be difficult, but it will reduce costs and improve the overall performance of the facility. The introduction of an innovative logistics process involves different expectations and motivations from different stakeholders. Business owners and operators/logistics managers are looking for a quick ROI. Warehouse managers expect the new system to be user-friendly to make work easier by eliminating inefficient processes and bad practices. Warehouse workers expect their work to become easier, with fewer errors, but without jeopardizing their jobs. The challenge for a logistics process provider is to clearly communicate and manage expectations from the outset, in order to assist employees at all levels.
3. Transaction based resource flow. Every movement throughout the warehouse provides an opportunity to lose inventory tracking, cause an order error, or lead to additional selection errors. Every movement from arrival to placement of goods must generate a transaction. Transactions are usually misunderstood to reflect the sale of goods. However, warehouse transactions allow you to track the movements and status of the product during the order fulfillment process.
4. Arrival time. All goods must arrive at the station at the same time as the truck arrives. Many projects for the introduction of the logistics process do not meet their schedules. This issue can be considered as a project risk. This is often the result of poor planning and unexpected roadblocks. A flexible, realistic implementation plan allows space and time in the schedule for unexpected events and can therefore accommodate them.
5. Picking procedures. In warehouse management, better inventory flow requires forecasting and managing orders that haven't arrived yet. The pickers, who can be human or robotic, must plan for the next wave of picking. If an upcoming wave causes a disruption in one part of the warehouse, pickers should be diverted away from lower priority builds into the surge zone.
6. System requests for replenishment. As the orders move through the order fulfillment, the slots will be gradually emptied. When a product name falls below standard levels, the system should generate an order to the manufacturer. However, this generated order should take into account whether a given product will be in demand in the coming weeks. This will help account for fluctuations in inventory flow as customer requirements rise and fall throughout the year.
7. Compliance programs. While the ideal warehouse will focus on incoming product from a single supplier, modern commerce involves hundreds and thousands of potential suppliers. The Supplier Compliance Program enables warehouse managers to ensure that all inventory is brought to the facility at the correct time, in the correct quantity, and packaged appropriately. Therefore, the relationship between the provider and the facility is an important part of the pre-notification.
8. Returns management. Returns are an integral part of any warehouse management strategy, regardless of efficiency and implementation best practices. Customers may decide to return an item due to buyer's remorse. However, the distribution center or warehouse treats this as an additional cost. To ensure efficiency and accurate inventory management, all returns must be scrutinized for resale value, necessary repairs or return to manufacturer.
9. Risk reduction. Risk reduction is an integral part of the implementation of the logistics process. The main goal is to assess the risks that may arise as a result of implementation and take measures to minimize them. The experience of the logistics process implementation team in the supplier's system is of paramount importance. An experienced WMS provider installation team will be immersed in experience with a variety of warehousing scenarios and processes can lead to a wide range of risks. The more experienced the client and service provider involved in the project, the lower the risk to the project.
10. Business overview. A business overview at the start of a logistics process project allows both parties to discuss, analyze and understand how the warehouse functions and what the needs of the warehouse are. The types of problems that should arise are the shortcomings of the current logistics process, risks and expectations. The implementation schedule and process should be built around a business overview.
11. Team formation. WMS implementation requires two teams: a development team and a customer warehouse management team. Choosing the right team can make the difference between success and failure. The process is more complex than just choosing the best staff. Issues such as communication between customer representatives and implementation team leaders are critical to the success of a logistics process setup.
12. Design and customization. The logistics process installation design is developed based on the above business review and the existing software is customized to meet the needs of the customers. The more flexible the future WMS, the less customization required. Minimizing customization is usually one of the keys to a successful project. While most logistics processes are built to industry standards, changes may be required in how a warehouse operates. Risks and expectations must be considered accordingly.
13. Education. During design and configuration, future users of the system must be trained. It usually offers two days of training for customer warehouse staff. This is important to facilitate the transition from one logistics process to another. The success of the implementation depends largely on the ability of users to handle the new system.
14. Data. Part of the implementation of the new WMS involves transferring warehouse data from one system to another. This means that the entire database used by the old system for process control must be adapted to the data schema and terminology. new system. In addition, missing data must be added, and the data must be modified to meet the new system requirements.
15. Testing. Testing is usually performed using real warehouse data, comparing the results of running warehouse processes in both systems. Various warehousing scenarios are run and design errors are captured by the logistics process supplier. Errors in the configuration are also resolved by the WMS provider's development team.
16. Deployment. After testing and modification, the implementation of the logistics process reaches a critical stage of deployment. On an agreed date, an accurate snapshot of storage data is uploaded to the new WMS database and work begins on the new system. Sometimes both systems are used at the same time certain processes to ensure data accuracy.
17. Support. Working with a newly implemented warehouse management system often reveals issues that were not fixed during the implementation. Support is an important part successful project, because the complexity of the project of the logistics process always requires the solution of problems that arise during operation. This is where the cloud provider of the logistics process is created. It offers a model (software as a service) whereby, through monthly billing subscriptions, the customer's warehouse has a managed service at its disposal twenty-four hours a day.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of any manufacturing enterprise can be given by the level of cost of all operations carried out in it. And this indicator to a large extent depends on the organization of logistics processes of movement. material flows, which include components and materials, semi-finished products, etc.

Until relatively recently, business leaders focused on the rational use of equipment, machinery and labor. At the same time, much less effort was made to improve logistics processes to promote material resources. A completely different picture could be observed in highly developed countries. Here, for many years now, all objects of labor have been in the focus of attention of managers who monitor the efficiency of logistics production processes. All this allows to achieve minimization of expenses and maximization of income, which is the most important activity of any commercial structure.

The value of the warehouse in the enterprise

If we consider the logistics chain of any commercial structure, it becomes clear that the movement of material flows is impossible without the concentration and storage of stocks necessary for the production of products in specially designated areas. That's what warehouses are for. They are voluminous premises intended for the placement of material values.

Any movement through the warehouse is impossible without the cost of embodied and live cargo. And this, in turn, refers to investments that increase the value of goods. That is why issues related to the functioning of warehouses have a significant impact on the overall logistics process of the enterprise. And this can be seen in matters of promotion, distribution costs and the use of transport.

On large modern productions a warehouse is a complex technical structure, consisting of numerous interconnected elements. At the same time, it not only has a certain structure, but also performs a number of functions that contribute to the transformation of material flows passing through it. In addition, the warehouse accumulates, processes and distributes existing goods among consumers. This complex technical structure sometimes has a variety of parameters, space-planning and technical solutions, as well as various equipment designs.

Warehouses are distinguished by a wide variety of the range of incoming and processed goods. But at the same time, this facility is only one of the many elements of the logistics business process, which dictates the necessary conditions movement of material flows. That is why the consideration of the warehouse should take place not isolated from the entire production. After all, this element is an integrated component of the overall logistics chain. Only with this approach is it possible to successfully ensure the fulfillment of the main functions assigned to the warehouse, as well as to achieve the required level of profitability.

Rules for creating a warehouse system

It should be borne in mind that at different enterprises the logistics process of the movement of material flows can have significant differences. This is explained by the difference in the parameters of the places of storage of components and raw materials, as well as all their elements and the structure itself, based on the relationship of these components.

When organizing a logistics process in a warehouse, it is necessary to be guided by the principle of making an individual decision. Only such an approach can make the work of this unit as profitable as possible. And this requires preliminary processes in matters of cargo handling, not only inside, but also outside the warehouse. At the same time, it is important to limit the range of possibilities to practical and prudent indicators. That is, the logistics process should provide only economically justified costs in the form of the introduction of any technical and technological solution associated with financial investments.

When determining the necessary investment, it is important to proceed from expediency and rationality decision, regardless of fashion trends and technical capabilities offered on the market. After all, the main purpose of the warehouse was and remains the concentration of stocks, their further storage, as well as ensuring the rhythmic and uninterrupted supply of consumers.

Organization of the movement of materials

The logistics process in a warehouse is very complex. It requires complete coordination in the performance of the functions of supplying stocks, processing cargo, and also distributing existing values. In fact, the warehouse logistics process is an activity that covers almost all the main areas of the enterprise. This becomes especially clear if we consider this issue at the micro level. That is why the warehouse logistics process is an activity that is much wider in its functionality than the technological process. In doing so, it includes:

Initial supply of necessary supplies;
- control over the supply of goods;
- unloading and further acceptance of stocks;
- intra-warehouse movement and transshipment of goods;
- necessary warehousing and further storage of received stocks;
- commissioning (bundling) of orders received from customers, as well as further shipment of goods, their transportation and forwarding;
- collection and delivery of empty containers;
- control over the delivery of orders;
- system maintenance information service warehouse;
- provision of services in the form of customers.

Any logistics process, including in a warehouse, should be considered in the interdependence and interconnection of its constituent elements. With this approach, it becomes possible to coordinate the activities of all services. As for the warehouse, here the management of logistics processes should become the basis for planning the movement of goods, as well as exercising control over their movement.

Conventionally, the entire process of creating inventories can be divided into three components:

1. Purchasing service coordination operations.
2. Operations necessary for the processing of goods and their documentation.
3. Operations coordinating the work of the sales department.

If we consider the first part of this logistics process, then it takes place in the course of supply activities. The main ways of its implementation - control over the supply of stocks. The main task of supplying material assets is to provide the warehouse with materials or goods, taking into account the possibilities of their processing in a given period of time and to fully satisfy the orders received from consumers. In this regard, when determining the need for purchase volumes, it is necessary to focus on the work of the sales service and the capacity of storage facilities.

Carrying out accounting and control over the receipt and dispatch of orders will allow the most rhythmic processing of cargo flows. In addition, it will ensure maximum use of the warehouse capacity, reduce the shelf life of materials and increase the turnover of goods.

Unloading and subsequent acceptance of goods

Without these operations, everything is impossible logistics processes at the enterprise. In their implementation, one should be guided by those delivery conditions that are available in the concluded contract. Under the vehicle indicated in the document (container, truck or trailer), the corresponding places of unloading, as well as all the necessary equipment, are prepared.

Modern warehouses, as a rule, have road or rail ramps, as well as container yards. It is on them that unloading work is carried out. For maximum efficiency of this process, it is important to properly equip such places, as well as the correct selection of the appropriate equipment. This will allow unloading in the shortest possible time and with the most minimal losses. This will also reduce the downtime of the vehicle and, consequently, reduce the distribution costs.

Operations carried out at this stage of the logistics process include:

Unloading materials from vehicles;
- monitoring the compliance of the physical volume of the order with its documentary description;
- registration of the received cargo by means of the information system available at the enterprise;
- definition of a cargo storage unit.

Internal movement

The planning of logistics processes should provide for the distribution of received inventory items in different areas of the warehouse. For example, from the unloading ramp, the cargo can be delivered to the place of its acceptance. Then it is moved to where it will remain in storage or will be subject to picking. After that, the material or goods can be fed back to the loading ramp. Such operations are performed using lifting and transport mechanisms or machines.

Intra-warehouse movement of goods takes place with a minimum length in time and space. In this case, through "direct-flow" routes are used. Such a logistics scheme will eliminate the repeated return of cargo to any of the warehouse areas, as well as increase the efficiency of all operations. When planning such transportation, it should be taken into account that the number of transshipments from one type of mechanism to another should be as small as possible.

Warehousing

This process should also be taken into account when planning the logistics process. Warehousing is the stacking and placement of the received cargo for the purpose of its further storage. At the same time, such actions should be as rational as possible. To do this, it is important to use the entire volume of the storage area as efficiently as possible. And this is possible with the optimal choice of storage equipment, which should take into account the specifics of the cargo and maximize the area and height of the premises. At the same time, one should not forget about the working aisles that need to be arranged for the normal movement of lifting and transport mechanisms and machines.

Storage

In order to streamline the cargo in the warehouse, a system of address placement is used. Moreover, it can be fixed or free. In the first case, the cargo is placed in places strictly designated for it. In the second - in any zones available for this.

After the cargo is stored for storage, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate conditions for this, as well as constantly monitor the availability of stocks using the information system available at the enterprise.

Order picking and shipping

The processes of the supply chain lead the work of the warehouse to the preparation of the goods available on it in accordance with the applications of consumers and its further dispatch. All these activities include:

Receipt of a selection list (customer's order);
- viewing and selection of goods in accordance with the received application;
- order picking;
- packing goods into containers;
- registration of documents to accompany the prepared order;
- control of registration and completion of the application;
- preparation of a batch of orders with the execution of consignment notes;
- Placement of goods in a vehicle.

All orders are commissioned at the warehouse in the picking area. At the same time, the preparation and subsequent registration necessary documentation produced by the information system. What in this case helps to simplify the order picking process as much as possible? Used address storage system for materials. When it is applied, the picking list immediately indicates the place where the stored goods are located, which reduces the time of order formation and allows you to track its release from the warehouse.

If the shipment is packaged using an information system, this greatly facilitates the process of combining all cargoes into the most economical batch, which makes it possible to effectively use the existing vehicle. At the same time, it is important to develop an optimal logistics route for the delivery of orders.

Transportation and forwarding

Such actions can be carried out both by the warehouse and directly by the customer. Usage last version will be able to justify itself only if the acquired lot is equal in capacity to the vehicle. However, the most common delivery option is when it is centrally carried out by the warehouse. In this case, logistics chains are developed taking into account the optimal routes and unitization of goods. This allows you to minimize transportation costs and deliver the goods in smaller and more frequent batches.

Collection and delivery of containers

Such operations play a large role in expenditure items. Containers or carriers in the form of containers, pallets, etc., as a rule, are reusable.

That is why they must be returned to the sender. This process can be as effective as possible only when it is reliably known optimal amount containers and the schedule of transportation between the warehouse and consumers is carried out.

Information service

The connecting core of the work of all services involved in the warehousing is the management of information flows. Moreover, this system can be independent or composite. The first option takes place in mechanized warehouses. In automated services Information system is part of general program existing in the enterprise. The second option allows you to manage all material flows as efficiently as possible.

The information service system includes:

Processing of all incoming documentation;
- issuing proposals for orders to suppliers;
- management of the processes of receiving and sending cargo;
- control over the availability of stocks available in the warehouse;
- receiving orders from consumers;
- documentation of shipment;
- dispatching assistance, which includes the optimal selection of shipment lots, as well as delivery routes;
- processing customer invoices;
- exchange of information received with the management of the enterprise, as well as with operating personnel;
- obtaining and processing of statistical information.

Conclusion

A rationally conducted logistics warehouse process is the key to the profitability of this service. That is why, when organizing such promotion of stocks, as a rule, they achieve:

Rational allocation of working areas for an effective process of cargo handling;
- increasing the capacity of the warehouse through the rational use of space;
- reducing the fleet of used lifting and transport mechanisms by acquiring universal equipment;
- decrease operating costs while minimizing intra-warehouse routes;
- reduction of transport costs through the implementation of centralized deliveries;
- maximum use of all the possibilities available to the information system.

Warehouse Logistics- the theoretical and practical part of the system for organizing the movement of goods, which deals with the storage and placement of material resources in warehouses.

Tasks warehouse logistics

1. Analyze the use of storage complexes.
2. Determine the required number.
3. Choose the best place for placing goods.
4. Develop the entire logistics process for a specific warehouse.
5. Apply the best savings practices.

The warehouse is an important element in organizing the optimal movement of goods and stocks and is the basis in enterprises wholesale and retail trade. Industrial companies also cannot do without specially equipped and organized areas to save consumables and manufactured valuables.

Due to the huge field of application, there are different types storages. Their main purpose: the implementation of warehouse logistics - the collection, saving and accounting of the material assets of the enterprise, the organization of continuous provision of customers with products.

Classification of warehouses according to different criteria:

1. Technical side of storage: fully automated or mechanized warehouses, as well as partially equipped with machines.
2. Place in the overall chain of logistics: bases of production and trade enterprises, storage facilities for intermediaries, forwarding and transport companies.
3. Products for which it is organized: production residues and waste, components, raw materials or tools, expendable materials, containers, finished products.
4. Type and shape of storage facilities: open warehouses, areas with sheds, insulated, closed, one-story and even high-rise buildings.
5. Form of ownership: internal supply bases manufacturing enterprises, sorting, distribution, long-term or seasonal storage goods.
6. Functional part: storerooms for sales, supply or production.

Storages of all these types provide different business needs and perform their functions. Wholesale bases receive finished products, form their assortment from it and offer it to retail trade companies. And output wholesale stores collect and export large orders immediately to recipients. Stocks of finished products are placed, accounted for and sorted before being sent further along the chain, warehouses of this type mark products, load them. Storage facilities for initial components and raw materials accept material values, sort them and take them out to consumer firms. Warehouses belonging to companies with wholesale and intermediary functions select the necessary goods, ensure their stocks and delivery to customers.

Warehouse services and logistics

Accounting and movement of goods is exactly what the warehouse does.

Of course, the practice of logistics is also necessary outside of storage facilities, it provides the following types of services:

• repacking of containers and trucks;
• cross-docking (or direct acceptance and shipment of valuables without long-term placement);
• direct overload.

And in warehouse logistics, there are three options for the movement of material values: input, internal, output. In other words: unloading the incoming goods and checking them; stock movements in the warehouse; loading products.

Basic functions of the warehouse

1. Reorganize the range of production in the consumer.
2. Balance the time difference between consumption and output of a good.
3. Disassemble and assemble product kits.
4. Optimize the cost of transporting cargo lots by redistributing them among vehicles.
5. Carry out transport and warehouse logistics and forwarding services, prepare products for sale, check equipment and devices.

Warehouse operations: receiving and unloading goods, placing them in storage, regrouping batches within the warehouse, forming and completing orders, shipping products; selection of what a particular client needs, preparation of bills of lading. Information support for warehouse logistics - the formation and processing of related documentation.

There are two main ways to move valuables from where they are stored: picking a part or a whole package. Tools have been developed for this process. different levels mechanization. For example, if the warehouse is high-rise, then the selector moves along the cells with products in the elevator and forms a batch of necessary goods. This works on static repositories. Dynamic warehouses use rack lifts that move automatically to the desired location.

The organization of warehouse logistics requires absolute function consistency:

• cargo distribution,
• their processing,
• providing products.

The main purpose of the supply is to supply the warehouse with the necessary goods at the level of possibilities for their processing. Accounting for the replenishment of stocks of the warehouse and their timely dispatch leads to a rhythmic cargo flow and the maximum use of available resources, which ensures the turnover of the base.

Internal warehouse logistics and transportation - the movement of products between different storage areas. For this, lifting and transport mechanisms and machines are used.

Basic principle of warehousing– optimal use of the storage area.

Forwarding and transport functions can be performed by both the base and the customer of the products.

It is important to strive for the most rational layout of the premises, which will reduce the cost of processing goods. It is necessary to properly equip the space when installing equipment (use universal equipment to reduce the number of machines). The principles of warehouse logistics require optimal placement of goods and manage their accounting and movement rationally. The development of a competent system for the distribution of goods in the warehouse should aim to maximize the use of all its resources and volumes.

ABS analysis of warehouse logistics

ABC analysis in the supply system can be used to determine approaches to planning the need for material and technical resources, selecting suppliers, and managing inventory. A case study on the application of this analysis with examples of calculations can be found in the article electronic journal « CEO».

Indicators of warehouse logistics of the company

Material flows in warehouses are organized by means of technological operations, which are based on several indicators:

The speed of the turnover process. Reflects how often during the reporting period the stock of products dries up and replenishes. Depending on the functions and tasks of a particular storage facility and delivery conditions, a standard indicator for an enterprise is determined. The increase in turnover is provided by automation or an increase in the productivity of the base personnel.

The safety of consumer properties of goods is also significant for warehouse logistics. To determine this parameter, comparative indicators of the reduction of natural losses and commodity losses are used. The safety of products in warehouses is significantly affected by technological processes, the material and technical base of the enterprise and the quality of cargo packaging.

Cost-effectiveness of the technological process at the warehouse level. To analyze this indicator, the cost intensity of processing the average volume of goods is determined. This parameter can be optimized only if the entire system of goods movement is improved, since it determines the efficiency of the process in a certain link in the chain through the amount of total costs for the movement of material assets.

In order to fulfill the above requirements for product flows within the storage facilities, it is necessary to observe the following principles of warehouse logistics: parallelism, proportionality, rhythm of the process, continuity, flow and direct flow.

1. Parallelism is the ability to simultaneously carry out various warehouse operations at any stage of the logistics process. Parallel operation of the warehouse reduces the cycle of procedures, increases the workload of employees, provides specialization of tasks and increases the efficiency of actions, leads to the improvement of production skills and automation of their application. To comply with the rule of parallelism of operations, large bases with a large flow of value use cooperation and separation of manipulations, coordinating this with the placement of equipment in the territory.
2. Process proportionality asserts the principle of proportionality of all related procedures in terms of speed, throughput or productivity. If proportionality is violated, bottlenecks, failures, delays and even stops will occur in the technology. Here it is important to analyze the amount of work at each site and plan labor costs per unit of time.
3. The rhythm of the warehouse process is the repetition and relative uniformity in the performance of all operations at the same time intervals. The flow of goods in this case can be increasing or decreasing. How rhythm ensures the constancy of energy consumption in the production process during the work shift and all day long and helps to determine and normalize the work regime and time for rest of the base personnel. Due to the uniformity of the load, it is possible to calculate the normal and excessive degree of operation of the machines. Failure to comply with this rule may be the result of not only a warehouse error, but also the results of external failures, for example, untimely and chaotic delivery of goods. Therefore, it is important to find conditions with suppliers under which the flow of products will also be rhythmic and constant.
4. Continuity in warehouse logistics means the reduction or elimination of any interruption in operations. In order to comply with this principle and maximize the use of warehouse resources, it is important to organize a shift work schedule for units and teams.
5. Threading is the main rule in the formation of the micrologistics system of the warehouse. It consists in such an organization of the process in which all parts of the cycle are sequentially interconnected, and each operation is simultaneously a preparation for the next procedure. This requires placing work sectors in such a way that they correspond to the sequence of manipulations, and the movement of goods between them takes a minimum amount of time and effort. Each zone should be associated with one specific operation or with a group of actions of the same type, which allow not only to complete this fragment of the process, but also to prepare the next stage.
6. Direct flow requires warehouse ergonomics and the most direct route for the movement of goods inside the warehouse in both horizontal and vertical planes. Alignment of technical routes increases the speed of work and reduces labor costs, while maintaining process power.

The use of in-line methods of warehouse logistics is based on conveyor systems, the use of which does not allow cyclicality and opposite directions in the movement of goods.

To use these methods, a certain organization of the storage space and the availability of appropriate machinery and equipment are required (for example, slotted conveyor systems may be required to optimally streamline the flow of material values).

How to optimize warehouse logistics costs

Many business leaders, using the optimization methods described in the article of the electronic magazine "General Director", were surprised to find that they no longer need loans, and therefore the need to pay interest on loans.

What does the warehouse logistics department do?

As a rule, this service consists of different departments, each responsible for its own set of functions that are unique to it.

Purchasing Group

1. Acquires finished goods abroad and handles customs clearance.
2. Manages supplies and stocks of consumables, components and raw materials. Controls their bases.
3. Provides warehouse equipment for the entire enterprise, is responsible for office equipment, packaging and clothing, etc.
4. Purchases goods for further resale, manages their stocks, controls orders from third-party manufacturers.

Production Logistics Group

1. As part of warehouse logistics, it controls and determines the readiness of orders for manufactured products.
2. Plans and generates requests for components, consumables and raw materials necessary for production.
3. Coordinates unfinished production processes in the company.

Inventory and Assortment Management Group

1. Organizes the monitoring and management of the product line.
2. Examines the stocks of finished products in the warehouses of the company.

Finished Goods Supply Control Group

1. Accepts and documents all applications (online and offline).
2. Manages the delivery of ordered goods to partners and consumers.
3. How does the warehouse logistics department oversee the activities of finished goods warehouses and distribution centers.
4. Analyzes the level of interaction and quality of customer service by the warehouse.

warehouse logistics manager

Logistics itself is not only practical principles, but also a serious business that includes in its processes a large number of enterprises of various profiles: from manufacturing and transport to information, etc. And in any of these firms, the work of an employee this direction is in demand and extremely responsible, as a logistics manager is a professional who is responsible for coordinating the movement of goods to warehouses and points of sale. A good specialist always plans more than one option for the optimal delivery of goods and can reduce time and costs in doing so.

The position of a logistician is in demand in companies that are engaged in cargo transportation.

Also, such specialists are needed by any manufacturing companies - agricultural firms, industry and everything else, since the released goods need to be delivered to the final consumer or wholesale buyer.

The main function of the warehouse logistics manager is to manage the procurement and sales processes, as well as set up production cycle in the most efficient way.

The appointment or dismissal of such a specialist is carried out by order of the head of the company, director.

It is better that the person hired for the position of warehouse logistics manager has a diploma of higher education in the field of production management.

This specialist manages the relevant departments of the company and their employees.

During the absence of the head of the unit due to illness, business trip or vacation, in accordance with the procedure established at the enterprise, another employee is appointed in his place, who will perform all the same functions, bear responsibility and have all the rights associated with this position in the company.

Responsibilities of a Warehouse Logistics Manager

1. Organize the analysis and preparation of plans and forecasts for your department in the company.
2. Design logistics systems, coordinate their development and implementation at the enterprise.
3. Prepare a budget and monitor its compliance, calculate the cost of moving and storing material assets.
4. Develop procurement plans and manage the selection of contractors.
5. Analyze how realistic and reliable the terms of supply contracts are.
6. Guarantee the placement of ordered goods with contractors in due time.
7. The warehouse logistics manager should be involved in the preparation and processing of payments under contracts.
8. Communicate with contractors and prepare progress reports.
9. Analyze deliveries and order progress.
10. Participate in the management of production processes and the preparation of production plans.
11. Ensure timely and high-quality shipment of finished goods.
12. Develop and implement measures to reduce material and time costs for production and the technological cycle.
13. The warehouse logistics manager should be involved in the certification and registration processes for released goods.
14. Analyze production plans and reports on their implementation.
15. To plan the necessary volumes of warehouse stocks for the continuous operation of the production lines of the enterprise.
16. Regulate the calculation of costs for the formation and storage of stocks, the cost of purchasing material assets, the use of product storage areas. Coordinate insurance and line maintenance.
17. The warehouse logistics manager must be able to design and use warehouse management systems.
18. Develop ways to account for and evaluate reserves, model control schemes over them.
19. Coordinate inventory processes in warehouses and monitor their current status.
20. Calculate the sizes, types and optimal location of the bases that will be required to accommodate the company's resources and finished goods.
21. Select types of equipment and machines for warehouses, calculate the best number of them.
22. Also, the warehouse logistics manager is designed to optimize the ways of moving material resources and goods within the enterprise and determine the financial costs of storage.
23. prescribe guidelines accounting for goods, organizing distribution routes and calculating the efficiency of using them.
24. The warehouse logistics manager must deal with the insurance of the material and technical resources of the business (equipment, raw materials, goods, cargo), guarantee the responsibility of workers involved in transportation, and take measures to ensure the quality of products during storage and transportation.

Organization of warehouse logistics at the enterprise: 5 steps

Step 1. Determine the number of warehouses

The scale of production and the volumes in which finished products are produced directly affect the number of warehouses and storage facilities. If there are too many such zones, then this will lead to unreasonable costs for their maintenance unnecessarily, since empty structures, not fulfilling their tasks, will be idle. At the same time, insufficient storage will greatly increase the cost of transporting and moving goods and also reduce the profit of the enterprise.

Step 2. Decide which warehouse to use: own or rented

This point is one of the key ones in the organization of warehouse logistics in the company. It is possible to make a decision in this matter only after a detailed analysis of all factors: from the size of the lease of the premises to the amount needed to prepare the space for use.

Sometimes it turns out to be more expedient and justified to build your own warehouse. These are the cases when the profitability of transportation more than covers the costs of transport and building.

Step 3. Determine the location of the warehouse

The territory on which the products will be stored should be selected taking into account the requirement to minimize transportation costs. Various methods are used to calculate the ideal base location.

Step 4. Choose effective system warehousing

At this stage, the ways of placing the received goods and the means of most effective management them within the repository. Apply distribution logistics.

Step 5. We analyze warehouse logistics

At this point, specialists study all the preparatory stages, all the factors affecting warehouse logistics, and decide which system will be optimal. If there were no significant errors in the previous steps, then the result of the analysis will make it possible to best control all stocks of products.

To finally get the desired effect, you must first determine:

• storage option;
• average unit of cargo;
• types of warehouse equipment;
• product packaging system;
• ways of processing and storing information.

The choice of optimal machinery and equipment depends on the characteristics of the cargo unit and the type of product storage.

Warehouse logistics outsourcing: advantages and disadvantages

Outsourcing as a transfer of functions to a third-party company is also used in the field of movement and warehousing of goods of an enterprise.

If it becomes too costly or difficult for a firm to manage the relevant processes on its own, it can delegate responsibility in this area to a third party to get rid of the burdensome task.

Outsourced warehouse logistics is a payment by a company for the services of another enterprise for the storage, transportation and management of its stocks. This can be beneficial for both companies.

When deciding to transfer these functions to an external contractor, you should carefully study all aspects of the issue and analyze the pros and cons of just this way of organizing warehouse logistics for your enterprise.

	Comparison criteria	Outsourcing	Independent organization of the warehouse
	Service cost	High (-)	Low (+)
	Service quality	High (+)	High - low (±)
	Company Development Perspective	Low (-)	High (+)
	Skill Acquisition Rate	High (+)	Low (-)
	Expansion of the geography of activities	Possibly (+)	Possibly (+)

Outsourced warehouse logistics: who to entrust

There are logistics networks-outsourcers. To start interacting with them, you first need to select a company. The number of these enterprises is constantly growing, because it is increasingly difficult for young businesses to give preference to one of them.

If you are planning to work with big company providing logistics services, then choose one where the network is united by the information flow.

Quality management of individual services within the company ensures that you receive services in the field of warehouse logistics at the proper level.

When choosing a contractor, the following indicators should also be taken into account:

• work speed;
• process efficiency;
• selection accuracy;
• experience and time in this market;
• quality of service.

To analyze the level of quality, speed and efficiency of tasks, it is enough to study the feedback from the company's customers. This information is posted on the forums on this topic.

One of the key arguments in favor of choosing a particular company is the complexity of its services. In addition to the functions of warehouse logistics, the contractor must assist in the transportation of products and in working with customs.

• Organization of storage in the warehouse of finished products: practical advice

Transport and warehouse logistics

The transport and storage system is a set of transport and storage machines for loading and unloading goods, for moving, distributing and storing, for accumulating tools, objects of labor and equipment.

The management of an automated transport and storage system includes two components.

The upper level manages all the mechanisms, provides support for the information network in working order, organizes communication between the automatic part of the transport and warehouse logistics and all other lower structures of this division of the enterprise.

Lower level - directly manages all machines automated system warehouse and transport.

Coordination of the work of executive mechanisms consists of:

• bringing together the algorithm of operations;
• synchronization of mechanisms operating in parallel to avoid emergencies, accidents and failures;
• formation of the procedure for servicing orders from different workplaces;
• delivery of cargo carriers to these positions, delivering semi-finished products, necessary parts and equipment corresponding to the production program.

Structure and functionality automated transport and storage system form sets of ways to organize actions within the technological chain. During operation, the flexible production and logistics structure collects data from the objects that it serves, and then exchanges this information in a dialogue mode.

Such customizable logistics systems in small and medium batch production are organized according to the sectional principle. Sections are divided according to their purpose into:

• non-machine;
• machine tools;
• auxiliary.

The sections to be serviced act as cells of a flexible warehouse logistics system in production.

To determine the composition of the technical equipment of the cell, refer to the technological and production factors(depending on whether it is a small-scale or medium-scale production). Consequently, complex cells are divided into production and technological.

The second type is formed on the basis of the desire to simplify multi-machine production support. Therefore, this profile includes devices of the same type or equipment with similar technological functionality.

Transport and warehouse logistics and production process for technological cells of complex or individual type use the scheme general view: "warehouse - machine - warehouse".

At the same time, the transport functions of the production sections can apply the model: " warehouse - machine - ...... - machine - warehouse".

In this cycle, semi-finished products or parts are moved between production areas and machines without resorting to transportation resources, usually they are transferred manually or using some kind of transport devices.

• Warehouse capacity: how to increase usable area by 60%

Optimization of warehouse logistics

1. Get rid of unnecessary equipment and materials. Technology is developing rapidly, so almost every industrial company has on its balance sheet obsolete devices or equipment that is not used. To free up space and save money, it is better to get rid of these machines. If possible, perhaps a well-organized sale will even allow you to get some money for this rubbish.

2. Sell off illiquid products. Overstocked, overcrowded warehouses not only do not generate income, but also pull funds from the company. In addition, there may also be stored non-sales products, which it is important to get rid of. Conduct an analysis of all goods, establish what you consider unsuitable for further sale, because general rule about how to define illiquid assets, does not exist. (This is a fundamental point in warehouse logistics: further inventory management should be built in such a way that such products do not appear at all). It is also recommended to find out why these goods accumulated at all and were not sold at the time.

3. Reduce personnel costs. The first step is to find out what work each employee of the warehouse logistics department and the warehouse itself does, and what the staff does during the shift. For this, photographs are often used during the period of operation of the unit. But do not seek to immediately dismiss all those caught idle and violating labor regime: first of all, according to the law, this procedure will be difficult, and secondly, in the process of optimization and changing orders, workers will still be useful to you. It is worth getting rid of only non-core personnel.

4. Eliminate excess inventory. Many enterprises sin by not calculating stocks, but maintaining the quantity of goods in storage, estimating by eye so that there is no shortage of products. An example from practice in the field of warehouse logistics: the company's sales were growing, and the management decided to increase the reserves. The company had no money for such large acquisitions, and the director applied to the bank for a loan. At the same time, specialists in the field of logistics were invited to the enterprise, who studied statistics, stocks, sales and found out that the products were stocked in warehouses for more than two months. That is, they were overflowing and without additional purchases.

5. Build a smart inventory management system. The main task of logistics in the company is the development of competent inventory management. The management can figure it out on their own or resort to the help of professionals in the field of organizing warehouse logistics. To develop a good system for an enterprise, you need to take the following steps:

• classify products in warehouses (using the ABC / XYZ method);
• calculate the best level and size of stocks without excess and shortage of goods;
• determine the procurement management policy in each case;
• develop ways to plan and control the replenishment of reserves.

But an economic breakthrough can provide optimization and control not only in the field of stocks of the enterprise itself, but also in the management of warehouse logistics for your customers and sellers.

6. Analyze whether the warehouse category meets the needs of the enterprise. For example, there are storage facilities of category A, but not every product needs to use these premises. Sometimes it's just a luxury. However, excessive savings on what level of warehouse you have can lead to significant losses:

1. The goods will be damaged, as it will be in inappropriate storage conditions.
2. Insufficiently qualified warehouse workers can also render products unusable.
3. In warehouses with poor accounting systems and lazy guards, theft of goods often occurs.
4. Errors in the order formation process can lead to fines and conflicts with customers.

Choose not only the premises, but also all equipment and machines only in accordance with your goals.

7. Place inventory correctly in the warehouse. Warehouse logistics requires a deep analysis of how products are stored. Please note: often illiquid goods take best places, and things that do not fall in demand are located anywhere. To speed up the functioning of the warehouse, increase the use of its capacities and optimize the collection of orders, it is necessary to redistribute the products to storage areas in accordance with their classification. Competent zoning guarantees the improvement of work processes.

8. Listen to the opinion of the staff. The Japanese practice of kaizen will also be useful in organizing the warehouse logistics of an enterprise. If the lowest levels of staff feel that their proposals have weight, you will have invaluable information on process optimization. Employees themselves will help you reduce the number of errors, improve service, speed up work and reduce costs.

9. Summarize optimization. When all the innovations are launched and the warehouse reforms are completed, be sure to document the entire process and write down each stage in the regulations: standardize the time and methods of receiving and sending goods, the number of employees in each zone, etc. Provide training for staff.

It has been established that the optimization of warehouse logistics leads to an increase in the profitability of the company (sometimes the growth is 30%), while reducing the cost of the final product on the market. An enterprise with a competent warehouse significantly saves on costs and increases its profits. Good system storage becomes a reliable link in the entire logistics chain of the company.

Warehouse logistics, from the point of view of the daily practice of trading companies, solves a global problem, the essence of which is the timely shipment of the right quantity and assortment of goods in the right quality in accordance with the needs of consignees at minimal cost.

To solve this task, firstly, we need, in fact, a warehouse. It can be built independently or purchased in the property. But for most companies, these are prohibitively high costs for the cost of non-core activities.

The warehouse can also be rented, which is profitable, but requires significant costs for the purchase of machinery, equipment, and automation. In this case, it is also required to organize all logistics processes inside the warehouse, which is associated with certain difficulties.

You can also use the services of safekeeping from a logistics operator (3PL). In this case trade company transfers its logistics to outsourcing, and supply chain management moves into the format of planning, setting tasks and monitoring the results of the 3PL operator's activities.

Not least important is the question of which warehouse to organize logistics. Warehouses are divided into 4 main classes: A, B, C, D. Without going into too much detail, it should be noted that the choice of class depends, first of all, on the specifics of the cargo being handled and on how critical the logistics component is in the price of the goods, then what is the profitability of the business and what is the budget for logistics.

The second condition for solving the global problem facing warehouse logistics is the need to have an optimal stock of goods of the desired assortment. The stock is calculated by analysts in accordance with the sales plan. Planned and actual figures may differ. If they diverge downwards, then the rented or own warehouse will be idle. In the first case, there are direct costs. In the second - alternative. If the actual sales exceeded the planned ones, and this was not taken into account when choosing warehouse space, then the results may turn out to be the most deplorable. The warehouse can “stand up”, while deliveries will be disrupted, losses from fines and unsold products can be critical. In this situation, working with a logo operator can be more flexible and profitable. Albeit with additional costs in the form of multipliers for exceeding the reserved storage area, additional payments for staff work over the schedule, but the task is more likely to be solved. The risks in the form of claims for supply disruptions in this situation will be on the logo operator. Reputational losses will also be reduced. By properly sizing the reserved storage area and detailing all relationships according to specifics, costs and risks can be minimized regardless of how actual sales behave. In any case, the more accurate the forecast, the better the result.

For the timely shipment of goods from the warehouse in the right quantity and quality, it is necessary to have qualified personnel, warehouse equipment, racking equipment, establish labor protection conditions, and introduce an effective warehouse handling technology. For example, an address storage system, a warehouse accounting system, etc. But if we talk about maximum quality, speed and accuracy, then here modern technologies have gone far enough. The only question is the readiness for capital investments.

Class A warehouse has undeniable advantages in terms of convenience, speed and security of the implementation of logistics tasks. High ceilings and shelving allow you to get the most out of your storage space. The presence of wide aisles and a spacious expedition area makes it possible to cope with peak loads and work as intensively as possible without “congestion” in certain areas. A dry, heated room allows you to store a wide range of goods all year round. Fire alarm and a sprinkler fire extinguishing system reduce the risk of cargo loss due to fire. The presence of a mezzanine gives the advantage of having a separate area where piece or valuable goods can be stored. Office rooms- this is a significant plus, because. it is possible to establish the work of the relevant departments directly at the facility with all the amenities.

However, a spacious and convenient warehouse in solving the problems of warehouse logistics is far from everything. Modern warehouse logistics cannot be imagined without automation. Using a Warehouse Management System (WMS) along with manual terms gives the maximum effect in terms of quality and timing of selection, configuration. This technology allows using warehouse personnel and equipment at the lowest cost and most rationally, increasing quality indicators and minimizing costs. Automation is especially important at a large depth of warehouse handling of goods, when work with piece goods is required, stickers are made, sets, units are formed, serial numbers are taken into account, etc. WMS plays a crucial role in batch accounting, accounting for expiration dates and the implementation of strategies for the arrival and departure of goods (FIFO, LIFO, FEFO, FPFO, BBD). This is most relevant when dealing with perishable goods. Especially when it comes to the supply of food products on the network.

No less acute in a modern warehouse is the issue of security. It's not a secret for anyone that there is always a constant staff turnover in warehouses, and often unscrupulous employees work in warehouse logistics. The result of such "work" may be re-grading, shortage. In addition to the costs, which are then written off to the carrier or to the warehouse, there are reputational costs. Where the consignee controls quality indicators, this can lead to maluses, fines, or simply a deterioration in partnerships. To reduce such risks in warehouses, video surveillance is widely used around the perimeter of the warehouse and in all significant functional areas (acceptance, shipment, picking area, exit control area). The system of authorized access is organized. A self-defense service is being created. It carries out inspections of visitors and employees of the warehouse at the entrance and exit, takes measures to prevent possible theft, conducts internal investigations and cooperates with the internal affairs authorities.

As can be seen from the above, modern warehouse logistics is a complex multifaceted system that requires comprehensive control and significant costs to ensure its effective functioning. In addition to direct costs, there are always alternative ones. In this regard, when organizing a supply chain, it is necessary to evaluate all the risks and nuances before choosing which path to take. Regardless of the choice of the client, our company is always ready to offer rental of a modern Class A warehouse complex (with a checkpoint, security, cleaning, garbage collection, parking for cars and trucks) or a full range of high-tech warehouse services with all the benefits of integrated logistics outsourcing ( reliable, financially responsible partner, high level of capitalization and automation of logistics at reasonable prices, own security service, experienced warehouse staff, guaranteed solution transport tasks etc.). We look forward to mutually beneficial cooperation!

You will learn what warehouse logistics is, how to organize it correctly, and how to choose a warehouse services company for a novice businessman

Hello, dear readers of our business magazine! This is Eduard Stebmolsky, economist and regular contributor to the HiterBober.ru website.

In today's article, I will reveal the main issues related to the tasks and functions of warehouse logistics, I will tell you how to choose the most optimal warehousing system that will ensure careful control over the consumption of stocks of products in the warehouse.

Therefore, read the article to the very end!

1. Basics of warehouse logistics - definitions, tasks and functions

Warehousing logistics plays a very important role in the organization of the product delivery system.

Warehouse Logistics is a technology of inventory management.

This is a very complex mechanism in which warehouses play an important role. The latter are understood as technical facilities where the storage, accumulation and distribution of goods is carried out. Warehouse logistics is closely related to, which was discussed in one of the previous articles.

Among the main functions of the warehouse, it should be noted:

1. Completion of the assortment depending on the orders of consumers. In the warehouse, the production assortment is converted into consumer assortment. Thanks to this, we can talk about more efficient order fulfillment.
2. Warehousing and storage of goods. This is one of the main functions of the technical room, which allows minimizing the time difference between the release of products and their sale to the consumer. A company specializing in the provision of warehousing services must create optimal storage conditions depending on the operational characteristics of the cargo.
3. Unitization of consignments. This is the name of the association of small consignments into larger ones. This feature makes such services available to smaller companies. Unitization allows for simultaneous delivery to different customers.
4. Provision of logistics services. In addition to direct storage of cargo, customers can be provided Additional services- preparation of goods for sale, packaging of products, unpacking and filling containers, checking the operation of equipment. , I already wrote in one of our articles.

Case Study

A young and ambitious company producing craft bags and various packaging options decided to increase production volumes. In the absence of our own warehouse, it was quite problematic to store finished products at the place of their manufacture.

The most appropriate way out of the situation was to cooperate with a company providing warehouse services.

2. Warehouse logistics services in modern Russia - key problems and prospects

The modern logistics market of the Russian Federation has many problems that hinder the normal development of this industry.

Of the most significant, the following should be noted:

• lack of qualified personnel;
• weak logistics infrastructure;
• use of outdated technologies;
• misunderstanding by the management of the real problems of their own enterprise;
• lack of knowledge in warehouse management.

One of the main problems of development is that the management of warehouse logistics is placed on the shoulders of management, which is absolutely incompetent in resolving the tasks set.

I will show you with examples of the problem of warehouse logistics:

Example #1.

Some manufacturers do not provide each item with a unique code, which greatly complicates the identification process. necessary products and slow down the delivery process.

Example #2.

A small company gradually achieved an increase in production and expansion of the sales market. However, the head of the firm did not provide for the expansion of the staff.

As a result, one of the employees has to perform more tasks. The lack of structuring does not allow a particular department to be directly responsible for the implementation of a narrow range of tasks. The quality of service provision will tend to deteriorate.

Despite all the existing problems, under certain circumstances, the situation can change dramatically in the shortest possible time. Warehouse logistics training by qualified specialists will improve the quality of services and make them more in demand.

In Russia, there is a gradual increase in the degree of automation in warehouses, due to which the probability of error is minimized, and the speed of work is increased.

Logistics services in the Russian Federation are becoming more and more in demand, which is the main stimulus for the growth of logistics companies. With an increase in their number, the consumer of services will be given the opportunity to choose, so that he will be able to give preference to the most acceptable conditions for cooperation.

3. How to properly organize a warehouse logistics system - 5 practical steps

Optimizing warehouse logistics involves making a number of very important decisions. First you need to determine the required number of warehouses and choose the most suitable location for their location.

When organizing a warehouse logistics system, it is necessary to provide for the presence of your own or rented warehouse.

I have broken down the whole process into 5 simple steps.

Step 1. Determine the number of warehouses

It is very important to determine the optimal amount of required storage space depending on the volume of products produced. Provided that the total number of warehouses is insufficient, then we should expect an increase in the cost of transporting products.

However, an unreasonably large number of premises will also entail additional costs that are necessary for the maintenance and normal functioning of the warehouse network.

Step 2. Decide which warehouse to use: own or rented

The final decision on this item will be made after a detailed study of the constituent factors - the average rental value and the amount of money required to organize a warehouse.

The expediency of building your own warehouse arises only if the final profit from the transportation of goods will justify the transportation costs.

Step 3. Determine the location of the warehouse

Place of storage finished products should be chosen taking into account the minimization of the expenditure of funds necessary for the transportation of goods. Exist various methods determination of the optimal location of the warehouse.

Step 4. Choosing an effective storage system

Distribution logistics implies a preliminary determination of the method of placing goods in a warehouse. Also, be sure to pay attention to the choice of methods for effective cargo management.

Step 5. We analyze warehouse logistics

After a detailed analysis of all the constituent factors, the final decision is made to create an optimal warehouse logistics system. If no serious mistakes were made at the preparatory stage, then the final result will ensure control over consumable stocks of products.

Warehouse logistics courses will help the student to determine the most efficient warehousing system as easily as possible. They must necessarily take into account all external and internal flows of inventory items.

In order to achieve a positive final result, it is necessary to first determine:

• optimal cargo unit;
• type of storage;
• type of warehouse equipment;
• goods picking system;
• organization of the information processing system.

Selection necessary equipment carried out depending on the characteristics of the cargo units, as well as taking into account the type of storage used.

4. Outsourcing and warehouse logistics: advantages and disadvantages

Under certain circumstances, the warehouse logistics functions of a company can be outsourced, that is, transferred to another company that provides such services.

The transfer of part of the obligations to a third party can be carried out in a situation in which the resolution of all tasks for one firm becomes too costly or burdensome.

Logistics outsourcing involves the acquisition of services for managing the stocks of own products, their warehousing and transportation.

Before taking advantage of the outsourcing offer, it is necessary to objectively evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of this method of organizing warehouse logistics in your enterprise.

Below in the table I will describe you the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing and organizing a warehouse with your own hands:

№	Comparison criteria	Outsourcing	Independent organization of the warehouse
1	Service cost	High (-)	Low ( + )
2	Service quality	High (+)	High - low (±)
3	Company Development Perspective	Low (-)	High (+)
4	Skill Acquisition Rate	High (+)	Low (-)
5	Expansion of the geography of activities	Maybe ( + )	Possibly (+)

What it looks like in practice

Logistics outsourcing is most often used by small and medium-sized companies. Firms that have set themselves the task of growing from the regional to the federal level use outsourcing services, since they do not have the necessary amount of money to build their own warehouses.

5. How to choose a warehouse services company - advice from an expert

At one of my previous jobs, I dealt with issues related to warehouse logistics, including outsourcing this process. And now I can tell you how to do it right.

Cooperation with logistics networks begins with the selection of the most suitable company. The number of such organizations gradually tends to grow, so it becomes more and more difficult for novice businessmen to make the final choice.

If cooperation is expected with a large logistics company, then the entire network should be connected by a single information flow.

Competent coordination of activities individual divisions company is a guarantee of high quality services.

When choosing a contractor, you should also take into account such criteria as:

• efficiency;
• execution speed;
• order selection accuracy;
• period and experience in this market;
• quality of service delivery.

The quality, efficiency and speed of order fulfillment can be assessed on the basis of the studied feedback left by the clients of the companies. You can find such information on thematic forums.

If you need warehouse logistics services, please contact here.