Warehouse and distribution centre (DC) design is a fascinating and absorbing topic, but alas, is often misunderstood. Regrettably, few people fully understand the discipline of warehouse design and because of this, literally thousands of facilities are underperforming.
To assist designers, I will outline seven key principles applicable to a warehouse or DC design, compiled from a review of literature, discussions with industry specialists and materials handling companies, plus my own design experience gained over many years and projects.
One warning before I begin. The principles will not make you into a seasoned designer, but they will help you understand the salient aspects of the design task, and help you plan your facility for optimal performance.