Warehouse Operations Flashcards

What does the term 'slotting' refer to in warehouse operations?

Answer: Assigning specific storage locations to products based on movement and size

Slotting is the strategic assignment of products to specific storage locations to maximize picking efficiency and minimize travel time.

Which warehouse layout principle places fast-moving items closest to the shipping area?

Answer: ABC analysis / velocity-based slotting

ABC analysis categorizes items by movement frequency, and velocity-based slotting places fast-moving (A) items near shipping to reduce travel time.

What is cross-docking in a warehouse environment?

Answer: Moving inbound products directly to outbound shipping with minimal or no storage

Cross-docking transfers products from inbound trucks directly to outbound trucks, bypassing storage and reducing handling time.

What is the primary purpose of a warehouse management system (WMS)?

Answer: To track and control warehouse operations including inventory locations, movements, and tasks

A WMS provides real-time tracking of inventory locations and movements, and directs warehouse tasks to improve accuracy and efficiency.

In warehouse operations, what does 'put-away' refer to?

Answer: Moving received products from the receiving area to their designated storage location

Put-away is the process of transporting products from the receiving dock to their assigned storage locations within the warehouse.

What is the term for the warehouse space between rows of storage racks that workers use to travel and pick orders?

Answer: Aisle

Aisles are the designated travel paths between rack rows that allow workers and equipment to access stored products.

Which picking method assigns a worker to pick all items for a single order before starting the next order?

Answer: Discrete (single-order) picking

Discrete picking completes one full order at a time before moving to the next, making it simple and accurate for low-volume operations.