Q.Explain warehousing and its functions.

Warehousing was originally a static unit for keeping and storing goods scientifically and systematically to preserve their original quality, value and usefulness; today warehouses are cost-efficient logistical service providers delivering the right quantity, place, time, form and cost.

Functions

• Consolidation — combines goods from different plants into a single shipment to a customer.
• Break the bulk — divides bulk quantities into smaller lots for clients.
• Stock piling — seasonal storage, released as demand arises (useful for agricultural goods).
• Value-added services — in-transit mixing, packaging, labelling, repackaging and grading. …

What warehousing is

Storage has always been vital to economic development. The warehouse was originally a static unit for keeping and storing goods scientifically and systematically so as to preserve their original quality, value and usefulness. Typically it received merchandise by rail, truck or bullock cart, and items were moved manually and hand-piled on the floor. Warehouses are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs and others.

• Today, warehouses have ceased to be mere storage units and have become logistical service providers in a cost-efficient manner — making available the right quantity, at the right place, at the right time, in the right physical form, at the right cost.
• Modern warehouses are automated with conveyors, computer-operated cranes and forklifts, and use logistics-automation software for warehouse management.

Functions of warehousing

• Consolidation — the warehouse receives and consolidates goods from different production plants and dispatches them to a particular customer in a single shipment, saving transport cost and effort.
• Break the bulk — it divides bulk quantities received from plants into smaller quantities, transported to clients as required.
• Stock piling — seasonal storage of goods not immediately needed for sale or manufacture, released as demand arises; especially useful for agricultural products that are harvested at specific times but consumed throughout the year.
• Value-added services — such as in-transit mixing, packaging, labelling and repackaging at inspection, and grading and dividing goods into smaller lots. …