By Harshvardhan, the Subject Matter Expert at Edumarz
Solution: Today, warehouses have ceased to be mere storage service providers
and have really become logistical service providers in a cost-efficient manner. That is making available the right quantity, at the right place, at the right time, in the right physical form at the right cost. Modern warehouses are automated with automatic conveyors, computer-operated cranes and forklifts for moving goods and also usage of logistics automation software’s for warehouse management.
Storage has always been an important aspect of economic development. The warehouse was initially viewed as a static unit for keeping and storing goods in a scientific and systematic manner so as to maintain their original quality, value and usefulness. The typical warehouse received merchandise by rail, truck or bullock cart. The items were moved manually to storage within the warehouse and hand piled in stacks on the floor. They are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs etc., in India.
The functions of warehousing are discussed as follows:
- Consolidation: In this function, the warehouse receives and consolidates, materials/goods from different production plants and dispatches the same to a particular customer on a single transportation shipment.
- Break the bulk: The warehouse performs the function of dividing the bulk quantity of goods received from the production plants into smaller quantities. These smaller quantities are then transported according to the requirements of clients to their places of business.
- Stockpiling: warehousing is the seasonal storage of goods to select businesses. Goods or raw materials, which are not required immediately for sale or manufacturing, are stored in warehouses. They are made available to businesses depending on customers’ demands. Agricultural products which are harvested at specific times with subsequent consumption throughout the year also need to be stored and released in lots.
- Value-added services: Certain value added services are also provided by the warehouses, such as in transit mixing, packaging and labelling. Goods sometimes need to be opened and repackaged and labelled again at the time of inspection by prospective buyers. Grading according to quantity and dividing goods into smaller lots is another function.
- Price stabilisation: By adjusting the supply of goods with the demand situation, warehousing performs the function of stabilising prices. Thus, prices are controlled when supply is increasing and demand is slack and vice versa.
- Financing: Warehouse owners advance money to the owners on the security of goods and further supply goods on credit terms to customers.