Store Location
The location of stores is a strategic decision which if once taken cannot be easily undone. It would be extremely costly to change the storage location at a later stage. It should be carefully decided and planned so as to ensure maximum efficiency. The optimal location of stores minimizes the total transportation, handling and other costs related to stores operation and at the same time provide the needed protection for stores items. The models of facilities planning can be applied to determine the optimal storage location in large size organizations. Store location depends upon the nature and value of the items to be stored and the frequency with which the items are received and issued to the different departments. Other important factors governing the location are the number and location of end users, variety and volume of goods to be handled, location of the central receiving station and accessibility to rail or road links.
In general, stores are located close to the point of use. Raw materials stores are usually located near the first operation (in case of line layout), in process stores near to subsequent operation, and finished goods stores near the shipping area. The tools and supplies stores are located centrally to the personnel and equipment served.
In big plants it may not be possible to locate the stores which are convenient to all the departments and at the same time near to the receiving section. Usually a central store is located near the receiving section and the issues are decentralized by setting-up sub stores conveniently located to serve user departments.
The location and building up of stores should be done with a futuristic outlook. The provision for the new departments and the increase in the volume to be stored should be kept.
Layout and Design of Stores
The efficient layout and design of stores is very important from the point of view of its functioning which is linked to the overall functioning of the plant. A good layout must bring the point of origin, store room and point of use in adjacent and proper reference of best material flow. The planning and design of stores should be carried out with the following objectives in mind:
- To achieve maximum ease of operation with ready accessibility of major materials
- To achieve minimum waste of space and flexibility of arrangement
- Minimization of material handling requirements
- Minimization of material deterioration and pilferage
To assist the planning to meet the objectives, following information should be generated from the records:
- Classification of store items by size, number, weight, frequency of handling (FSN-Fast moving, Slow moving, Non-moving), handling arrangements, perish ability
- Space requirement to store the item
- Units withdrawn at a time
- Maximum number of units to be stored at one time
- Storage facility best suiting the item
- List of available storage space for different kinds of storage facilities
- Size and shape of the space available for laying out the stores
- Prepare a flow diagram of the flow of materials through the stores.
- REL Chart for the storage of different classes of materials can be prepared.
While planning the layout and design of the stores, following factors should be considered:
- The space for receipt and inspection should be provided adjacent to the main stores.
- Use of third dimension must be made effectively.
- Different storage facilities should be situated in clearly defined lanes, so that items are quickly stored and located.
- Main lanes or aisles should usually be 1.5 to 3 meters wide, depending upon the type of material and the amount of traffic involved.
- Clear markings should be made at storage space to facilitate location and identification.
- The fast moving items should be stored near the dispensing window; the slow moving should be away from the window.
- The layout should permit the use of modern material handling equipment.
- Stores layout should encourage the FIFO, i.e. the old stock should be used earlier and the storekeeper should not be compelled to keep the new stock above the old one.
- Due space should be left for expansion purposes in each portion.
- A pleasing and hygienic environment must be provided within the store room. This may be done by proper selection of the colour of walls, provisions of exhaust removal, provision of cleaning etc.
- Adequate and clear lighting arrangements should be provided.
- Adequate safety provisions including firefighting equipment, alarms, accident control and prevention methods should be inbuilt in the store room design.
- Special facilities, such as cold room, heating equipment, air-conditioning etc., if required, should be carefully planned in advance.
