Warehouse Organisation & Design

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 organise 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.

What are the latest trends in warehouse management?

The latest trends in warehouse management in recent years are led by automation and process digitisation. The emergence of new technologies has simplified information flows and made logistics operations more agile.

Electric trucks and their impact on logistics

Electric trucks are vehicles equipped with electric motors, a system that emits fewer greenhouse gases. Used to deliver orders to customers, electric trucks could help to achieve a greener supply chain by causing less pollution.

Inventory control specialist: job description

The inventory control specialist is the warehouse employee charged with monitoring stock inflows and outflows in the facility. The implementation of warehouse management software across logistics has made this job profile more technology-oriented.

Cycle stock and what it means for inventory management

Cycle stock (or active inventory) is the portion of inventory a vendor uses to satisfy regular sales orders. To ensure efficient inventory control, it’s essential to calculate the cycle stock for each product in your facility on a regular basis.

Outbound logistics: keys to efficient distribution

Outbound logistics is the process of processing, dispatching, and transporting goods from the warehouse to end customers or to another company centre. Digitising outbound logistics with warehouse management software boosts the throughput of the rest of the supply chain operations.

Order consolidation for streamlined shipping

Order consolidation is the phase prior to order distribution and delivery to customers. This process includes the product packing and labeling processes as well as the creation of the necessary documents for the delivery agency.

Consolidation and deconsolidation cross-docking: what are they?

In logistics, consolidation and deconsolidation cross-docking make inventory control and goods dispatch more complex. The solution for implementing consolidation and deconsolidation cross-docking more efficiently lies in replacing manual warehouse management with digital logistics.

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 digitisation are two go-to solutions for overcoming space issues in a logistics facility.

Warehouse WiFi: another pillar of logistics

Warehouse WiFi: it’s crucial to be equipped with a powerful, robust system to adapt to new technologies and maintain a coordinated, efficient logistics facility. A weak wireless connection in certain parts of the warehouse could cause the sensors to disconnect, putting safety at risk.

Value-stream mapping (VSM): how to identify inefficiencies in the warehouse

Applying a value-stream mapping analysis to a manufacturing process enables the implementation of Lean logistics techniques in the production lines. VSM is a flow diagram representing the different tasks a product goes through in the manufacturing process.

Fast-moving consumer goods: all about FMCG logistics

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) have a high turnover rate, requiring agile logistics processes. The FMCG industry includes all kinds of products that are produced and consumed on a mass scale: from food and beverages to cosmetics, among others.

Cycle service level: variable supply chain to prioritize customer satisfaction

Cycle service level indicates the probability of meeting demand without running out of stock. This concept is directly related to stock management, which is essential for preparing orders and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Procurement in logistics: the key to efficient service

Procurement in logistics comprises purchasing the materials necessary for manufacturing or selling a product. Effective procurement management is essential to ensure that the company has the raw materials required at all times.

Benefits of gamification tools in logistics

Gamification tools in logistics comprise game-based learning techniques aimed at promoting strategic objectives. Applied to logistics, gamification consists of developing, implementing, and supporting more entertaining operations that increase operator throughput.

MOQ (minimum order quantity): striking a balance

The minimum order quantity or MOQ refers to the very least number of units of a product a supplier is willing to sell. Suppliers use the minimum order quantity to offset production and ensure a profit margin for each order purchased by customers.

Cleanrooms: how to eliminate contaminants

Businesses in the food, cosmetics and chemical industries use cleanrooms to manufacture their products. In the warehouse, automatic conveyors securely connect cleanrooms to the other areas in the installation.

Spare parts warehouse: how should you organise it?

Spare parts warehouse: organising one optimally means being able to prepare a large volume of orders simultaneously and managing an immense inventory. In our article, we’ll show you the key strategies and systems for managing an installation for spare parts.

ABC analysis: advantages for warehouse inventory classification

The ABC analysis for inventory classification enables you to organise the distribution of goods in your warehouse. It’s calculated according to the importance for the company of each SKU in terms of its value and turnover. Find out how to get the most out of the ABC analysis at your installation.

In-warehouse goods receipts: phases and best practices

Goods receipt is one of the most important in-warehouse operations, as it is what kicks off the flow of materials. What phases does the process involve? What strategies can I apply to improve it? Keep reading to find out more!

What is cross-docking? Types and how it works

Knowing what cross-docking is in terms of warehouse operations and its usefulness allows you to evaluate its suitability for your business. Discover how it works and the most widespread types of cross-docking in our article on the topic.

Inbound logistics: what’s it all about?

Inbound logistics refers to the procurement and receipt of resources or products a company needs to conduct its business. Digitizing inbound logistics with warehouse management software boosts the throughput of the rest of the supply chain operations.

Freight consolidation: shipment grouping to facilitate transportation

Freight consolidation is an operation that consists of combining several small shipments to create a larger transportation unit. Depending on the company’s production or distribution strategy, these consolidated shipments can come from one or more suppliers.

Logistics management for a competitive edge

Logistics management can give businesses a competitive advantage by enabling them to provide good service. Logistics management allows companies to organize their processes properly in a way that facilitates storage and order picking tasks.

Middle mile delivery: second-to-last link in the supply chain

Middle mile logistics consists of moving goods from the warehouse to another facility. Companies with warehouses in different regions optimize the distribution of goods to provide customers with better service.

Forklifts: the most appropriate for your warehouse

The type of forklift used in a warehouse will depend in the layout, the storage systems installed and the loads to be handled. This equipment must adapt to the racks to maximise productivity and prevent errors that affect logistics operations.

2021 supply chain crisis: global shortages and how to overcome them

The supply chain crisis is a new reality in 2021 that could prevent logistics operations from running smoothly. In this post, we analyze the current state of the supply chain, the main causes of the disruption, and how to mitigate this crisis with Logistics 4.0 solutions.

What does a supply chain manager do?

What does a supply chain manager do? This professional is responsible for coordinating operations relating to the supply chain. In this post, we analyze the overall responsibilities of a supply chain manager, the specific training they require, and how digitization has facilitated their tasks.

Finished goods warehouse: definition and examples

A finished goods warehouse is a space for storing items that have left production and are ready to be distributed. Optimizing the design of these facilities and using automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) helps to speed up storage, order picking, and dispatch.

Warehouse storage techniques for efficient use of space

Warehouse storage techniques are strategies used to efficiently organise products in a logistics facility. Companies generally store goods on racks that help them to perform storage and order picking tasks quickly and without error.

Urban warehouses speed up the last mile

Urban warehouses are warehousing, order picking, and distribution centres located in or close to cities. In this post, we analyse the emergence of urban warehouses, explaining their role in the supply chain and their organisation.

Warehouse picker: what does an order picker do?

A warehouse picker is an operator charged with pulling the products that make up an order and consolidating it. This job profile calls for a responsible professional, capable of managing multiple tasks without losing efficiency or productivity.

Cannibalisation in reverse logistics: definition and benefits

Cannibalisation in reverse logistics refers to the management of products in disuse or at the end of their useful life. The aim is to recover salvageable parts to use them in the repair, restoration, or manufacture of other items.

Sustainable logistics for e-commerce: eco-friendly solutions

Sustainable logistics consists of optimizing warehouse operations and transportation routes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s one of the biggest challenges facing e-commerce nowadays.

Bonded warehouse: your ally for import/export management

A bonded warehouse is a facility in which goods from outside the country are stored. It’s a space designed to temporarily house merchandise to be administered by the customs authorities.

Supply chain sustainability to minimize environmental impact

A sustainable supply chain is one that promotes good practices to lessen its environmental impact. More and more, society and consumers expect businesses to be respectful of the planet and its inhabitants.

Just-in-case logistics: the alternative to JIT

Just-in-case logistics: the JIC production and inventory strategy facilitates management in the event of supply chain disruptions. JIC is a push production system, where manufacturing costs are lower thanks to large-scale production.

What is elastic logistics?

Elastic logistics is the ability to increase or reduce the resources in a warehouse to adapt to changes in demand. It makes it possible to adjust the production lines or dispatch process to current product demand without incurring more warehouse operating costs.

Takt time: what it is and how it's calculated

Takt time denotes the time that should be used to manufacture a product in order to meet customer demand. To calculate it, divide the time available for producing a good by the number of units ordered by the customer.

Distribution centre: shortening delivery times, eradicating errors

A distribution centre is a logistics facility focused on goods receipt, storage, and dispatch processes. In this post, we examine the importance of distribution centres, their function in the supply chain, and how they differ from traditional warehouses.

Transit warehouse: solution for transporting goods further

A transit warehouse is a space set up exclusively to quickly receive and dispatch goods. These types of warehouses use simple and light handling equipment to speed up the logistics operations carried out in them.

Supply chain management: the key to efficiency

Supply chain management: carrying this out effectively is essential for ensuring full traceability of a product throughout all the phases it undergoes. This is achieved through coordination between all the stakeholders involved in the creation, storage, and delivery of the item to the end customer.

Additive manufacturing: 3D printing digitizes production

Additive manufacturing is a production process in which objects are created by adding layers of material, similar to 3D printing. As opposed to traditional processes, a digital model is used, without the need for molds.

Poka-yoke explained in 5 examples

Poka-yoke is a work method that facilitates the detection and elimination of errors in production and logistics processes. Through poka-yoke, companies can continuously improve their processes and avoid mistakes that could tarnish the firm’s image.

Continuous improvement: applications in logistics

Continuous improvement techniques are a set of strategies designed to optimize a company’s processes. In this post, we’ll tell you all about continuous improvement and how it can benefit logistics.

EOQ formula: the key to optimal stock management

How often should you place an order with a supplier? The EOQ formula is a mathematic calculation for optimising inventory management in the warehouse. By taking the demand, the price of the materials, and the cost of storage, this formula can calculate when to acquire a product and in what quantity.

Supply chain resilience: how to achieve it

A resilient supply chain is one that can effectively overcome any disruptions that may occur. Its main objective is to ensure that storage, order prep, and delivery are carried out as per the conditions previously agreed upon with the customer.

Intralogistics: a competitive advantage

Intralogistics encompasses all movements of raw materials and finished products taking place within a company. The incorporation of new technology has made it possible to precisely organise these movements while reducing costs and time.

Palletisation: the importance of getting it right

Palletisation is the logistics process consisting of placing goods together on top of a pallet to consolidate the load, making it easier to transport. Although e-commerce has increased the use of boxes as a customary unit load in warehouses, pallets remain a vital part of logistics operations.

Types of logistics in the supply chain

Logistics encompasses all the stages from a product’s manufacture to its delivery to the end customer. We can differentiate between the various types of logistics according to the stage the product is in or the operation being carried out at a given time.

On-demand warehousing for more flexible logistics

On-demand warehousing is the evolution of 3PL: the outsourcing of logistics services for a short period of time. With increasingly global markets, flexibility and scalability are key concepts for understanding the rise of on-demand warehousing.

Overstock: how to avoid it

Overstock or excess inventory stems from errors in planning and coordination between the sales and/or purchasing departments and the warehouse. However, the issue of overstock can be resolved by means of intralogistics solutions that ensure productivity.

Unitization: ensuring load safety

Unitization is the act of grouping and preparing various items into different unit loads that facilitate their handling and transfer. Its objective is to ensure the integrity of the products during transportation, which is essential for the success of all supply chain operations.

Warehouse manager: profile of a key role

Warehouse manager is one of the most in-demand and highly valued profiles in the market, due to the importance of logistics in the corporate sector. Duties of warehouse managers include inventory and dispatch management as well as monitoring of warehouse tasks, including picking.

Logistics centres: the cornerstone of the supply chain

Logistics centres are much more than merely spaces for storing goods. Their role is essential to having an efficient supply chain. Depending on their design, location and various functions, they can be classified as particular types of facilities.

Multistory warehouses: the solution to scarce floor space?

Multistory warehouses are a type of storage installation gaining traction in the US in which each floor functions independently from the rest. What are their pros and cons? We’ll show you in our article, together with other solutions designed to leverage storage vertically.

Warehouse slotting: how to hit the jackpot

Warehouse slotting strategies determine the way products are organised in the installation. In our article, we’ll go over the most commonly used ones, as well as factors to consider for effective stock location management.

Picking area: how to design and equip the one for your warehouse

Picking area: when designing this zone for a warehouse, its location and setup depend on the installation’s operational characteristics. Find out about the most popular options for the picking and order prep area.

Warehouse layout: designing it from the ground up

Warehouse layout: what are the combined factors that go into designing it from scratch? In our article, we review the four main areas that affect warehouse layout design: flows, accessibility, available space, and stock throughput.

Chaotic warehousing: pros and cons

Although the name may be misleading, selecting warehouse locations in a chaotic style actually follows a very strict, organised order. Discover how it works and what advantages it has for warehouse organisation. Don’t miss out!

Best-in-class warehousing zones

Analysing each warehouse zone on an individual and thorough basis helps identify room for improvement in an installation. In this post, you will get some tips on how to optimise the main zones of a warehouse. Don't miss out!

Embracing cross-docking: 3 success stories

In theory, cross-docking has the capacity to speed up logistics operations. However, in actual fact: Which companies use cross-docking? In which situations? Mecalux presents 3 examples of how cross-docking is used successfully in the pharmaceutical, food and e-commerce sectors.

Advantages and disadvantages of cross-docking: when to apply it in your warehouse?

It is important to know what the advantages and disadvantages of cross-docking are to be able to evaluate whether it is the best strategy for your warehouse. What impact does cross-docking have on storage operations? Read our article and find out in which cases it is used and why.

8 warehouse organisation ideas to increase efficiency

How should a warehouse be organised? What are some core, ‘must know’ storage concepts? Mecalux professionals will help increase your productivity. Thanks to their advice, your operators will work in a completely safe setting and more effectively: a real time and money saver for your business.

Why choose us to draw up your logistics layout?

Do you need to put together your logistics warehouse layout? Find out why Mecalux is the business you should choose. Know-how, experience, a plethora of storage and warehousing management solutions, and an open-minded team are part of why we are successful.

Three steps to an optimised industrial facility design

How can you optimise your warehouse’s layout? Mecalux will help you draw up a layout for your industrial facility to ensure it is designed in the best way possible. Thanks to these tips, you will reap the benefits in productivity, more specifically in time savings, space, money and efficiency to make your warehouse more profitable.

When should you rethink your warehouse’s design?

When is the best time to change your warehouse’s or logistics platform’s design? Mecalux highlights everything you need to know before making this decision. Said investment requires a solid pre-analysis of your needs and objectives, which we will lay out for you in this article.