In a recent web discussion with a number of warehouse professionals, I asked their opinion on what were the critical principle of effective warehouse design.
This principle ranked at top of the list. The first step must involve defining the objectives and goals of the facility. What is it there for, what market does it service, is it part of a network, what types of goods will be stored, what is the anticipated life of the facility, will it be a greenfields site, or an existing facility?
To press the point, it is useful to write the objectives down so that all associated parties remain cognisant of the expected outcome – especially if timing, budget or resource issues during the project life tempt stakeholders to compromise operational or design goals.