Varelagern

Varelagern, or varelager, refers to a storage facility within a supply chain where goods are received, stored, and prepared for distribution or production. It acts as a buffer between suppliers and customers, enabling inventory planning, order fulfillment, and production scheduling. The term is widely used in Norwegian logistics, retail, and manufacturing.

Core functions include receiving goods, put-away, storage, inventory control, picking, packing, and shipping. Effective management aims to maintain accurate stock levels, minimize handling, and meet service levels. Methods such as FIFO or LIFO may apply, depending on product characteristics and regulations.

Warehouses vary in type and design: private or public facilities, bonded storage, and automated or semi-automated installations. Storage systems range from pallet racking to shelving and bulk storage, supported by equipment such as forklifts, conveyors, and automated vehicles. Temperature-controlled warehousing handles special goods.

Management relies on information systems like warehouse management systems (WMS) and ERP to track inventory and movements in real time. Key performance indicators include on-hand accuracy, order picking accuracy, lead time, and inventory turnover. The growth of e-commerce drives shorter lead times and distributed fulfillment networks.

Regulatory considerations cover safety, labor, and environmental rules, as well as customs and trade compliance in international logistics. Ongoing improvements come from digitalization, barcodes, RFID, and data analytics to optimize layouts, routing, and overall efficiency.