ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the basic principles of systematic layout planning and systematic handling analysis. Materials handling is the internal transport, picking up, putting down, moving and storing of goods. People and tools are necessary to carry out activities included in materials handling: equipment and storage facilities, work schedules, procedures, and the physical layout of the buildings. Different kinds of equipment are used in warehouses and distribution centers during the reception of incoming goods, put away, order picking, and dispatch. The pallet rack is intended for the storage of palletized goods. Pallets provide an orderly image to a warehouse. This good accessibility enables the use of the First in, first out principle. Other advantages of this means of storage are: low investment and operation with all types of equipment. The chapter describes the different internal warehouse functions in process sequence, and which functions can be fulfilled by a warehouse management system and what management information such a system provides.
