STORAGE TECHNIQUES

Service aisles are those that permit access to stacks for inventory, inspection, or protective processing. These type of aisle requirements are normally very limited. It is not needed for warehouses that store bulk items in rows with the same number of containers in each pallet. Similar items stored in rows facilitate inventory as well as issue and make service aisles unnecessary. 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 associ- ated with warehouse operations. General administra- tive 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 indiv- idual. Space should also be provided for filing cabinets, tables, or electronic equipment such as computers. Figure 2-4.—Popularity storage method. 2-6