Laohaldus

Laohaldus, literally warehouse management, is the discipline of organizing and controlling the storage and movement of goods within a warehouse or distribution center. It encompasses receiving, put-away, storage, order picking, packing, shipping, and returns, with the aim of ensuring accurate inventory, timely order fulfillment, and efficient use of space and labor. While broader inventory management covers stock across multiple sites, laohaldus focuses on the physical handling and control within a storage facility.

Core processes include inbound logistics (receiving, inspection, put-away), storage optimization (layout, slotting, and temperature or handling requirements), inventory control (cycle counting, stock reconciliation, and accuracy improvements), order picking and packing, and outbound logistics (shipments, loading, and dispatch). Returns processing and cross-docking can also be part of laohaldus, depending on the operation.

Technologies and methods commonly used are barcoding or RFID for item identification, warehouse management systems (WMS) for real-time control, and integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Automation such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), sortation, and robotics are increasingly applying to larger facilities. Key performance indicators include inventory accuracy, order pick rate, on-time shipments, throughput, and space utilization.

Laohaldus is a central element of supply chain efficiency, influencing lead times, costs, and service levels. Challenges include demand variability, seasonal peaks, handling damages, labor costs, safety compliance, and the need to balance fast fulfillment with optimal storage use.