Warehouse Organization & Design

Supply chain strategies for business success

Supply chain strategies are methods businesses implement to improve efficiency and reduce costs. They aim to ensure timely deliveries, minimize risks, and meet customer needs as efficiently as possible.

Inventory turnover: The key to warehouse efficiency

Inventory turnover is a metric that measures how many times a company has replenished its stock over a given period. This rate varies by business and industry, depending on the sector, product type, and the company’s sales strategies.

Cartonization and its benefits for logistics

Cartonization is the process of packing products in cartons to protect them during transportation and storage. Cartonization is common in the food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries, where merchandise requires packaging that keeps it safe and secure.

Electric vehicles in logistics and freight transportation

Electric vehicles are revolutionizing logistics, offering sustainable, efficient solutions for urban distribution and last-mile delivery. While they provide numerous benefits for logistics, they also present certain challenges that must be addressed to maximize efficiency.

Warehouse setup: definition, types, and examples

Warehouse setup is critical for maximizing efficiency and productivity in any company. A good warehouse design can help reduce storage costs, improve employee safety and ergonomics, and streamline the flow of goods.

FEFO: optimizing inventory management for perishable goods

FEFO (first expired, first out) is an inventory management strategy that helps reduce waste, maintain product quality, and comply with industry regulations. In this post, we show you how to apply the FEFO method in your warehouse to optimize the management of perishable goods.

Pareto law: optimizing logistics processes with the 80/20 rule

The Pareto law, aka the 80/20 rule, is a principle that establishes that 80% of results come from 20% of causes. In logistics, this principle can be applied to optimize processes like inventory management and putaway in the warehouse.

Logistics history: origin and development

Logistics has developed considerably throughout history, adapting to changing societal needs and technological advancements. The origin of logistics dates back to the first human civilizations, when supply and transportation needs were fundamental.

Warehouse areas: essential zones for efficient management

Warehouse areas are designated spaces for organizing and managing product storage, handling, and distribution. These areas — which include receiving, order picking, and shipping — help to optimize the flow of movements and ensure efficient logistics operations.

Double handling: example of waste in Lean logistics

Double handling is caused by inefficiency when carrying out operations such as product replenishment and order fulfillment. The accumulation of unnecessary movements is a clear symptom of waste in Lean and, therefore, ineffective warehousing.

Hoist: definition and function in warehousing

A hoist is a useful solution in a warehouse or production center for lifting and moving loads in defined areas. Hoists are employed in all types of logistics centers, production lines, and assembly facilities that handle bulky and heavy loads.

Logistics processes: key points for optimizing your supply chain

Efficient logistics processes ensure that a product is delivered error-free to the customer, in the shortest time, and at the lowest cost. Automating both your facility’s operations and management is your best option when it comes to achieving competitive logistics processes.

Freight deconsolidation: a key inbound operation

Freight deconsolidation is the process of breaking down goods that are grouped within a larger transportation unit. The deconsolidation process is carried out after the goods have been consolidated to reduce their distribution costs.

FIFO method in inventory management

The FIFO method is an inventory management strategy that allows the goods stored first to be dispatched first. Storage efficiency using the FIFO method is based on the right choice of warehouse layout and storage systems.

Packing slip: what it includes and what it is for

The packing slip is a commercial document that justifies the delivery of an order to its final consignee. The packing slip, issued by the company that sells the product, optimizes the management of information between the sender, carrier, and recipient of the order.

Hyperloop in logistics: will freight transportation be able to travel at 750 mph?

The hyperloop could solve logistics challenges such as pollution caused by freight haulage or shorter order delivery times. This technology would move cargo at a speed of over 750 mph, significantly streamlining the movement of products.

PLC automation: what is it and what is its role?

In automated warehouses, PLCs activate the movements of automatic handling equipment such as stacker cranes. Interlake Mecalux’s automated logistics centers can operate with a PLC or with Easy WCS warehouse control software to execute the movements of the machinery.

Warehouse space management and the ecommerce effect

Warehouse space management: lack of space is one of logistics managers’ main concerns — and even more so with the rise of ecommerce. High-density storage systems and digitization are two go-to solutions for overcoming space issues in a logistics facility.

Green methanol for a more sustainable industry

A commitment to green methanol is vital for promoting more environmentally friendly logistics. Replacing fossil-fuel based methanol with green methanol would make processes cleaner and more efficient.

How to organize a raw material warehouse

A raw material warehouse is a facility that stores components or materials that will subsequently be used on production lines to manufacture products. In addition to storing raw material, the warehouse is charged with ensuring the smooth supply of goods to the production lines.