[ES] Types of warehouses: classification and characteristics

What would the world of logistics be without the warehouse? This place is essential, as it is where products are organised and grouped before distribution or use. However, not all warehouses are the same and each one is designed to meet a specific need. Discover here the most common types of warehouses according to their characteristics and functions.

Types of warehouses according to their location

• Central or plant warehouses. These are warehouses located as close as possible to the manufacturing centre. They manage large goods and from there they distribute the products to the regional warehouses.
• Regional warehouses. These are usually located close to the point of consumption. They distribute the goods of wholesale or retail customers in a given geographical area quickly.
• Transit warehouses. Intermediate point between the central and regional warehouses. They do not accumulate stock and store goods temporarily.

Types of warehouses according to the nature of the premises.

• Covered or indoor warehouses. Fully enclosed spaces that protect the contents from external climatic conditions such as changes in temperature or humidity.
• Uncovered or outdoor warehouses. Open spaces within a signposted enclosure and intended for products that do not require special protection.

Types of warehouses according to their logistical functionality

• Provisioning or production warehouses. They store raw materials and goods needed for production in an industry. They ensure that material is always available for the production process and that production is not interrupted. They are usually close to the factory they serve.
• Distribution or supply warehouses. They are located in a strategic location to be close to the end customer and offer the best possible service by guaranteeing stock and reducing lead times.
• Warehouses for picking. They are specialised in the preparation of orders, focused on the selection and packaging of products to be sent to customers in an agile way, without errors and reducing costs. They are essential in e-commerce and retail.
• Temporary, seasonal or bonded warehouses. They cover peaks of high demand at specific times of the year, housing the stock of seasonal or seasonal consumer products.
• Consolidation warehouses. They bring together different consignments in order to unify them into batches. Orders are stored according to references, distribution routes or end customers. They improve logistical efficiency and reduce transport costs.

Types of warehouses according to their degree of mechanisation

• Conventional warehouses. They use a minimum level of industrial automation and depend on manual labour for the storage and handling of goods. The racks are simple and do not usually exceed 10 metres so that they can be reached by forklift trucks.
• Warehouses automated or intelligent. These are based on computerised warehouse management system (WMS) solutions and take advantage of artificial intelligence. They are high-rise structures with advanced technology and a high level of mechanisation, as robotics manage inventories and logistics operations. They reduce manpower and are highly efficient.
• Semi-automated warehouses. They combine the methods mentioned above. They usually belong to companies that aim to improve their productivity without making an excessive investment in automation.

Types of warehouses according to the material they contain

• Raw material warehouses. These are close to the production hall and contain the materials that will be transformed.
• Warehouses for intermediate or semi-finished products. These store products that are still in the manufacturing phase and are not yet finished.
• Warehouses for finished products. They manage products that are ready to be marketed or distributed.
• Spare parts and accessories warehouses. These include parts for repairs, breakdowns or replacements of damaged elements.
• Refrigerated warehouses. Designed for products that require specific and controlled thermal conditions.
• Warehouses for chemical and medical products. They follow very strict regulations to prevent any risk and their personnel require specific training in their handling.
• Archive warehouses. They collect all important documentation, such as licences, inventories or sales records.
• Container and packaging warehouses. This is where all materials, containers and packaging are organised to prepare and protect products during storage or transport.

Keeping all these categories in mind is essential for warehouse layout and for maintaining proper inventory management. This allows you to optimise your supply chain in the most efficient way. If you currently need help in organising your warehouse, we at RAJA® are at your service; we can even give you the guidelines for what the warehouse of the future will look like.