CIM Warehouse Operations & Storage Systems 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a flow-through (gravity flow) rack in FIFO inventory management?
- It allows forklifts to store pallets from both sides simultaneously
- It uses inclined rollers so stock loaded from the rear automatically flows to the front pick face (Correct answer)
- It stores items vertically to maximize ceiling height
- It prevents unauthorized access to high-value items
Correct answer: It uses inclined rollers so stock loaded from the rear automatically flows to the front pick face
Gravity flow racks use inclined roller lanes so pallets or cartons loaded at the rear automatically slide to the front, ensuring FIFO rotation.
Question 2: In warehouse slotting, what does 'family grouping' mean?
- Storing all items from the same supplier together
- Grouping items that are frequently ordered together in the same pick zone (Correct answer)
- Sorting items alphabetically by product name
- Assigning all perishable items to refrigerated zones
Correct answer: Grouping items that are frequently ordered together in the same pick zone
Family grouping slots items commonly ordered together in proximity so pickers can retrieve multiple co-ordered SKUs in a single short trip.
Question 3: What is the main function of a stretch wrapper (pallet wrapper) in a warehouse's shipping area?
- To repackage returned goods for resale
- To secure pallet loads with stretch film for stable transport (Correct answer)
- To label pallets with RFID tags automatically
- To weigh pallets and print shipping labels
Correct answer: To secure pallet loads with stretch film for stable transport
A stretch wrapper applies layers of stretch film around a pallet load to unitize the goods, prevent shifting, and protect against damage during transit.
Question 4: Which OSHA standard sets requirements for powered industrial truck (forklift) operation in warehouses?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 (Correct answer)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212
Correct answer: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 covers the design, maintenance, and safe operation of powered industrial trucks including forklifts in general industry.
Question 5: A warehouse implements 'zone skipping' in its fulfillment process. What does this achieve?
- Eliminates the need for zone picking entirely
- Bypasses intermediate distribution centers to ship directly from origin to final destination (Correct answer)
- Allows pickers to skip low-velocity zones
- Reduces the number of shipping zones a carrier charges for
Correct answer: Bypasses intermediate distribution centers to ship directly from origin to final destination
Zone skipping bypasses regional distribution centers by consolidating shipments and injecting them closer to the final destination, reducing carrier zone charges and transit time.
Question 6: What is 'slot velocity analysis' used for in warehouse management?
- Measuring how fast forklifts travel through aisles
- Analyzing pick frequency to optimize item placement within the warehouse (Correct answer)
- Calculating the speed of conveyor belts
- Tracking how quickly orders are processed at shipping stations
Correct answer: Analyzing pick frequency to optimize item placement within the warehouse
Slot velocity analysis reviews how often each SKU is picked to assign high-frequency items to optimal locations that minimize picker travel time.
Question 7: Which storage system is best suited for storing a large number of small, individually picked items in a very small footprint?
- Drive-in pallet racking
- Vertical lift module (VLM) (Correct answer)
- Cantilever racking
- Block stacking
Correct answer: Vertical lift module (VLM)
A vertical lift module (VLM) uses automated shuttles to store and retrieve trays of small items in a tall enclosed unit, maximizing density in a minimal floor area.
CIM Warehouse Operations & Storage Systems 4
What is the purpose of a flow-through (gravity flow) rack in FIFO inventory management?