Warehousing involves stages such as goods reception, storage, order picking, and the final phase – goods dispatch. What types of warehouses do we distinguish?
Types of Warehouses – Classification by Construction
When it comes to types of warehouses, the classification by construction includes three different types. These are:
- open warehouses – these warehouses are organized in open space, and they are the cheapest to operate,
- semi-open warehouses – these warehouses are equipped with walls but do not form a complete building; they are organized in large, open areas,
- closed warehouses – these warehouses have the most traditional form, such as a warehouse hall. These are buildings where goods are stored to protect them from adverse weather conditions.
Types of Warehouses – Classification by Function
Warehouses can serve many different functions. In logistics, the classification of warehouses by function includes:
- customs warehouses – these are warehouses where goods are stored until they are cleared by customs authorities at the state border,
- distribution warehouses – these are warehouses commonly used in e-commerce; they store goods that are then delivered to the end customer,
- production warehouses – these warehouses typically store raw materials and components intended for further processing; they are common for factories and manufacturing facilities,
- transshipment warehouses – these warehouses are used for transferring goods; the goods are not stored there for long periods,
- distribution centers – these warehouses are used to collect goods from various producers; they are often owned by large logistics companies serving multiple clients. This solution is cost-effective for many parties, as goods from different stores can be stored in a single space.
Besides the listed ones, another classification of warehouses is based on the method of goods placement (they can be stored in fixed locations, randomly, or based on their dispatch dates). Warehouses are also classified based on the method of loading goods (depending on traffic and the way goods enter and exit the warehouse).
