Warehouse

Warehouse

A warehouse is a large building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored before their export or distribution for sale. They are commonly used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs, etc. Warehouses are usually large plain buildings in industrial parks on the outskirts of cities, towns, or villages.

History

Ancient Roman warehouse in Ostia Antica

The concept of the warehouse has been around for centuries, with early examples found in ancient civilizations such as Rome, where they were used to store grain and other commodities. The Roman Empire utilized warehouses, known as horrea, to store surplus food and goods.

During the Middle Ages, warehouses became more specialized, with the development of trade and commerce. The Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe, used warehouses extensively.

Atlantic Dock, Brooklyn, circa 1872-1887

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in the design and function of warehouses. The introduction of railways and steamships facilitated the movement of goods, leading to the construction of larger and more efficient warehouses.

Modern Warehousing

Modern warehouse in New Jersey

Today, warehouses are an integral part of the supply chain, serving as hubs for the storage and distribution of goods. Modern warehouses are equipped with advanced technology, including pallet racks, forklifts, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

Pallet racks in a modern warehouse

Warehouses are designed to maximize storage space and efficiency. They often feature high ceilings, wide aisles, and specialized storage systems to accommodate different types of goods. The use of pallets and pallet racks allows for the efficient stacking and retrieval of goods.

Types of Warehouses

There are several types of warehouses, each serving a specific purpose:

• Public Warehouses: These are operated as an independent business offering storage space and services to multiple clients.
• Private Warehouses: Owned and operated by a company to store its own products.
• Bonded Warehouses: Used to store imported goods before customs duties are paid.
• Smart Warehouses: Utilize advanced technology such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and robotics to automate processes.

Functions of Warehouses

Warehouses perform several key functions in the supply chain:

• Storage: The primary function of a warehouse is to store goods until they are needed.
• Consolidation: Combining smaller shipments into a larger one to reduce transportation costs.
• Break Bulk: Dividing larger shipments into smaller ones for distribution.
• Cross-Docking: Transferring goods directly from inbound to outbound transportation with minimal storage time.

Related Pages

• Logistics
• Supply chain management
• Distribution center
• Inventory management

Historic warehouse in Horgen, Switzerland

Gallery

• 
  Adams & Bazemore Cotton Warehouse, circa 1877
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  India House, a historic warehouse in New York City
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  Gloucester Docks, a historic warehouse complex