What is a warehouse: types, features, classification

Warehouse is a storage facility for goods or products. It can be with shelves, shelves or divided into sectors. Depending on the type of products, if necessary, the room is equipped for heating or cooling. Work in warehouses is performed by porters, partial or full automation is possible.

The warehouses are differentiated according to their purpose:

• For long-term storage of products.
• For temporary storage of cargo. Such transshipment warehouses are used for deliveries by several types of transport. Often such warehouses are placed in ports, airports, near major highways.
• For distribution of goods. Large companies have large warehouses where products are sorted and then sent to branches or a chain of stores.
• For the storage of seasonal goods, products, crops.

Classification of warehouses

Warehouses come in these classes:

• A+ - one-storey building made of sandwich panels, equipped with the necessary communications. Ceiling height from 13 m, concrete floor, a few gates dock type.
• A - the characteristics are similar to A+, but the height of the ceilings may be lower - from 10 m and there are fewer dock doors.
• B - one or more floors, minimum ceiling height - 8 m.
• C - warehouses reconstructed from production facilities. Ceilings from 4 m, concrete floor.
• D - any type of room is used without any requirements for the characteristics.

Technical characteristics

Warehouses are differentiated by the device:

• Open - products are stored outside, no roof.
• With a canopy - the storage area is protected by a roof or awning.
• Closed - a complete building with walls, roofs and windows. Ventilation system is arranged. This is the most common type of warehouses.

Warehouses differ in the height of the ceilings. Low warehouses are warehouses with height not more than 6 meters, high - from 10 meters. High warehouses are usually equipped with shelving.

Types of warehouses according to the conditions in the room

The main indicator is the temperature in the warehouse. Depending on this, warehouses can be:

• Unheated - the temperature changes naturally depending on the weather and time of year.
• Heated - the temperature in the room is maintained by special equipment.
• Refrigerated - such warehouses are equipped with installations that create a low temperature for storing products in chilled or frozen form.
• Multi-temperature - the warehouse is divided into compartments, which are maintained at different temperatures depending on the needs.

The storage room is chosen in accordance with the requirements of the products for storage. In addition to temperature parameters is important quality of ventilation, the ability to maintain the necessary level of humidity.

Types of warehouses by level of mechanization

Classification of warehouses by degree of automation:

• Non-mechanized - products are placed in the warehouse or moved through it by forklifts without the use of equipment. Carts may be used.
• Mechanized - uses loading and unloading facilities, also involves manual labor.
• Automated - human involvement is minimal, most of the work is done using special equipment.
• Automatic - all processes are controlled by IT-systems and automated equipment.

When choosing a warehouse, you should take into account peculiarities of the product and requirements to conditions of its keeping. The necessary area and height of ceilings, dimensions of gates are calculated to make loading and unloading convenient.