A building used for storing goods is known as a warehouse. It is also known as a godown. Warehouses are used by manufacturers, businesses for export and import, wholesale dealers, etc. Warehouses are spread across large areas and mostly located in the outskirts of a city.
Facilities available in a warehouse
As warehouses deal with a large amount of goods, they have loading docks inside that facilitate loading and unloading of goods from trucks. Cranes and forklifts are also there in a warehouse that help in moving and loading goods.
Goods stored in a warehouse
Goods stored in a warehouse include raw materials, packing materials, spare parts, components, and finished goods. These are from various segments, such as agriculture, manufacturing, food, etc.
Warehouse: Layout
A warehouse has the following layout.
- Loading and unloading space: Goods are loaded and offloaded in trucks in this area.
- Reception space: Goods unloaded are reviewed and sorted out here. The process to store them starts here.
- Storage space: Goods are stored here. They are divided into two parts — one that will move fast and the other that will be in a warehouse for a long time.
- Picking space: Goods are prepared for shipping in this area.
- Dispatching space: Goods to be dispatched are prepared here by packing them.
- Shipping space: Goods to be dispatched are brought here and shipped from this area.
Types of warehouse
- Storage centres: Goods are stored in this area.
- Distribution centres: These include the fulfilment centres and truck terminals for loading and offloading the goods.
- Retail warehouse: As the name suggests, these have finished goods that are moving fast.
- Cold storage warehouse: These store goods that require a particular temperature to remain fresh. These include food products, agricultural produce, etc.
Benefits of a warehouse
- Safe storage
- Easy access to products
- Employment generation
- Redevelopment of the area
Disadvantages of a warehouse
It may require high investments in the beginning.
FAQs
Is warehouse and godown the same?
A warehouse is a more organised place than a godown.
What is the main part of a warehouse?
Storage area is the main part of a warehouse.
What are the various types of a warehouse?
Storage centre, distribution centre, retail warehouse and cold storage warehouses are the various types.
What are the two types of goods stored in a warehouse?
The two types of goods stored in a warehouse are fast moving and static.
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