2 u shaped flow per requirements u shaped flow

2. U-Shaped Flow per Requirements – U-shaped flow arrangements include
layouts that provide more space and flow lines for those products and orders
that have more functions than others. The facility arrangement provides the
most space for the more complicated and involved lines and less for the
simple lines like those used in cross-docking.
3. Facility Layout for Special Conditions – The flow lines are provided for
product and process requirements as well as the special conditions that may
be necessary for select products and processes. As discussed above, products
that need refrigeration must have the proper processing lines and storage
equipment to assure that outcomes meet standards and specifications. In
some cases, a special warehouse may be used or a warehouse configuration
within the warehouses to accommodate risky or dangerous products and
situations such as storage toxic substances.
4. Warehouse Segmented by Process Mechanisms – Warehouses may be
segmented into various sections in which designated work may be
affected. The graphic shows and U-shaped arrangement in which the high-
volume, full-pallet, full-container, and/or full-carton inventory is processed via
an automated system, medium volume is handled via mechanization, and
small volume and less-than-full carton flows and activities are handled
manually. Such an arrangement attempts by design to optimize the use of the
assets and to provide the flexibility to process low-quantity situations.
5. Dedicated Warehouse, Single Category – The flow lines are specifically
designed and configured to provide the best outcomes for a warehouse that
is dedicated to well-defined and repetitive functions and activities. It is
usually used in situations that require value-added activities. The
arrangement may be viewed as like a mass assembly line, with fixed
workstations and activities, and does not change very much over time unless
there is a redesign of the processes.
6. 3D Storage Warehouse Flow – The graphic depicts how the storage flows
might be orchestrated in a multi-level facility. It is simple, slow-moving items
that are placed at the top or in the more remote locations of the warehouse,
and the items that are in continuous flow are in easily accessible locations.

Warehouse should use process layouts to the extent possible. A process layout
provides a way to articulate the flow of the activities into less complicated, easily
understandable steps so that everyone knows what has to be done. Determining
exactly what the layout should be is difficult to articulate using a general approach
that would fit even a small number of the possible situations.
Capacity Planning and Considerations
Capacity planning is a huge step for a new venture and an ongoing management
consideration for large firms that are growing and expanding. The key concerns for
the latter involve how many warehouses, where they should be located, what the
optimal sizes are, and how they should be segmented (by customers, products,
storage requirements, flows). Capacity planning is a strategic endeavor that should
have input from all the affected leaders and managers.