6 Warehousing and Fulfillment Free Online FlashCards

What role does a warehouse play in the supply chain?

A warehouse receives, holds, and moves goods, connecting suppliers, production, and customers so inventory is available where and when it is needed.

What services can warehouses provide beyond storage?

Warehouses can consolidate shipments, break bulk deliveries into smaller orders, cross-dock goods from receiving directly to shipping, and provide services such as labeling or kitting.

What is the typical sequence of warehouse fulfillment?

Receive → inspect and record → put away → store → replenish picking locations → pick → pack and verify → ship.

What does a warehouse management system (WMS) do?

A warehouse management system (WMS) can direct warehouse tasks and track inventory by item and location.

What should warehouse layout design balance?

Layout should support safe movement, short travel, adequate staging space, and reliable inventory access. The best arrangement depends on the building, products, order patterns, and handling equipment.

How do fixed and dynamic storage locations differ?

Fixed locations assign each item a designated slot. Dynamic locations assign available slots as goods arrive, with locations recorded in the WMS.

What factors can guide warehouse slotting?

Slotting assigns items to storage locations based on factors such as demand, size, weight, compatibility, and picking frequency.

What practices help make warehouse storage safer?

Use stable stacking, inspect racks, post load limits, and keep aisles clear. Heavier loads should be stored on lower or middle shelves.

What is discrete picking?

Discrete picking retrieves goods for one order at a time. It is straightforward but can require repeated travel.

How does batch picking work?

Batch picking collects items for several orders in one trip; the items are sorted by order afterward.

What distinguishes zone picking?

In zone picking, workers pick within assigned areas. Orders then move between zones or are consolidated afterward.

Why use wave picking?

Wave picking releases orders in planned groups, often to coordinate picking with packing, carrier schedules, or replenishment.