How to Layout a Warehouse or Distribution Center

U-Shaped Flow Path

The U-Shape flow pattern is the most common warehouse flow path. There are many reasons. First, receiving and shipping dock doors, on the same side of the building, permit high operational flexibility, and dock door utilization. Second, receiving and shipping on a single side of the building, improves facility security. Third, the u-shape flow design accommodates dual storage and retrieval transactions, a form of interleaving, with limited dead heading. The design also minimizes truck apron and access space, and allows the building to be expanded on three sides.

Broken Case Picking

Case Picking

Pallet Storage and Retrieval

Order Assembly

Cross Docking

Inbound Staging

Outbound Staging

World Class Warehousing™

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