warehouse

Warehouse is a facility used for the storage, handling, and movement of goods across the supply chain. It serves as a node where inbound materials are received, stored, and prepared for outbound delivery. Warehouses support inventory management, order fulfillment, and distribution, enabling manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to operate efficiently and scale operations.

Storage and layout vary by product and process. Common systems include pallet racking for bulk storage, shelving for small parts, and bulk storage in open areas. Higher ceilings, dock doors, staging areas, and dedicated receiving and shipping zones influence throughput. Specialized arrangements such as cold storage for perishable goods, hazardous materials storage, and cross-docking are used in appropriate contexts.

Operations typically include inbound receiving, put-away, inventory control, order picking, packing, and outbound shipping. Technologies such as warehouse management systems (WMS) and warehouse control systems (WCS) coordinate activities, while barcodes, RFID, and voice or light picking improve accuracy. Automation options include conveyors, automated storage and retrieval systems, and robotics.

Warehouses may be private facilities owned by individual companies or public facilities rented by multiple organizations. Fulfillment centers, distribution centers, and cold- or ambient-storage facilities reflect different service models. Safety and compliance cover forklift operations, fire suppression, and material handling procedures in line with standards from authorities such as OSHA and local regulations.

Performance is monitored using metrics such as inventory accuracy, order accuracy, on-time shipments, dock-to-stock cycle time, and space utilization. Trends include high-density automation, e-commerce fulfillment, cross-docking, and energy-efficient design to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.