Many warehouses are automated and high tech today. In fact, they are far more efficient than just a few years ago. But even the best technology is of little use if your operation is not designed for the right kind of product flow. How things flow in your facility can make a huge difference in efficiency and safety. Most warehouse systems today are set up for either a through flow of products or a U-flow strategy. So which is the best one for you? Let’s examine both options to see.
U Flow
U-flow or U shaped warehouse systems are the most commonly used setups. The same end of the facility can take care of both shipping and receiving. Products can flow from receiving to storage, to shipping. In a typical u-flow system, here is how materials can move.
1. Goods enter the dock where they are unloaded and placed into a staging area.
2. Goods can be taken directly to static storage and then to dynamic storage.
3. Materials can also be moved directly to a dynamic storage area.
4. Next, orders are picked from dynamic storage or static storage and taken to the shipping or staging section.
5. Orders are loaded on the truck at the dock.
With U-flow warehouse systems, goods can flow from receiving to storage and then to shipping in a smooth and orderly fashion. This provides the following benefits:
* Only one dock is needed as both shipping and receiving can share the same areas. In fact, this makes it more convenient as some inbound trailers can be unloaded, reassigned and then used for shipping purposes.
* Shorter travel distances for loading vehicles. This not only saves time but also fuel for propane powered vehicles and electric charging for battery powered vehicles.
* Increased security – everyone in the building can enter and leave from the same area. For companies with security personnel, this makes their job easier and fewer people are needed.
Through Flow Systems
A through flow system is quite different than U-flow. For example, shipping is located on one end of the facility while receiving is on the other. Goods travel from one end of the building to another and shipping and receiving are separate. Even though there are obvious disadvantages there can be benefits with through flow warehouse systems:
* Goods which move fast can be stored in the center of the building for better efficiency.
* When shipping and receiving vehicles are different, there is no need to share a common dock.
* Long and relatively narrow facilities will benefit from a through flow system.
