STORAGE TECHNIQUES

Proper storage techniques used to store, identify, and retrieve materials will facilitate the efficiency of the operation. These storage techniques are the popularity and similarity methods.

The popularity storage technique involves the activity pattern of the material. This is used by storing the items with high activity level (fast movers) closest to the storage and retrieval functions. The purpose for using this technique is to minimize travel time by locating the items as close as possible to the processing locations. 'Ibis method of storage is considered the best since it allows quick access to high demand items. See figure 2-4 for an illustration of the popularity storage method.

The similarity storage technique uses the physical characteristics of the material to classify the items. The two most common methods used in classifying the items are by the type of packaging and stackability of material. The basic principle of similarity storage is that like items should be stored together. 'his technique is commonly used for storing rubber tires, bales of rags, electronic equipment, paints, and soon.

SUPPORT AREAS

The support areas are the nonstorage parts of the warehouse that are used to support various operations. These areas include office spaces, shipping and receiving, battery charging spaces, preservation, packing, and crating.

Office Spaces

The office areas include spaces for the supervisor, secretary, foreman, and clerks that are directly associated with warehouse operations. General administrative offices are not classified as warehouse "support areas." The office area should accommodate one or two people and provide one desk and two chairs per individual. Space should also be provided for filing cabinets, tables, or electronic equipment such as computers.

Figure 2-4.-Popularity storage method.

Shipping and Receiving Areas

These areas consist of the staging and load accumulation space used to support the shipping and receiving functions. These support areas may include a small office or desk for use by the shipping and receiving foremen. In general, they do not contain large amounts of Office space.

Truck Dock Areas

Certain areas aree used for loading and unloading highway trailers. They are located immediately in front of the truck dock doors that are used for securing the operating area.

Battery Charging and Handling Areas

These areas consist of the spaces allocated to the charging and handling of vehicle batteries used in the material-handling equipment. When electric vehicles mused, this support area can also include maintenance areas and other work areas associated with the maintenance and upkeep of the material-handling vehicles.

Preservation, Packaging, Packing, and Crating Areas

'These support areas consist of any area dedicated to the protection or packaging of any material being stored or handled in the facility. These areas are generally associated with the receiving function of presentation and the shipping funnction of packing, packaging, and crating areas.