The course begins by exploring the functions and objectives of warehouses and corresponding warehousing operations. Candidates consider the benefits and challenges of automated warehousing, the potential benefits of public warehouses and the various factors that need to be considered when choosing the size and nature of a warehouse.

Unit two discusses the various different types of warehouses, along with key points to consider when choosing the location of a warehouse. The benefits and drawbacks of private warehousing facilities are discussed, along with the five different classifications of warehouses and an introduction to the concept of the ‘qualitative factor rating’.

The primary functions of a warehouse are then presented and examined in the third unit, which introduces candidates to the concepts of information transfer and warehouse activity profiling. The pros and cons of cross-docking are also discussed, along with common scenarios in which semi-permanent storage represents a viable option.

Learners then examine the key differences between centralised and decentralised warehousing operations, along with the most important factors to consider when choosing an appropriate storage system. The different types of conveyor systems are also introduced, along with the growing prevalence of automated storage and retrieval systems in warehouse settings.

A crash-course introduction to effective inventory management follows in unit five, in which candidates consider the criticality of accurate and consistent inventory management. The consequences of poor inventory management are also discussed, along with the concept of safety stock and its role in warehousing operations.

Unit six presents a detailed breakdown of the warehouse inventory cycle, while also guiding candidates through the process of setting safety stock levels. The importance of maintaining inventory accuracy is considered once again, along with the four stages all products go through on their journey to purchase/consumption.

The objectives and limitations of inventory tracking are considered in unit seven, which also provides a detailed introduction to the functions and benefits of barcoding. The use of Radio Frequency Identification as an alternative to barcoding is also discussed, along with the various components required to set up and use a barcoding system.

Concluding the course, unit eight details the functions and objectives of Materials Handling Systems (MHS) in warehousing operations. The benefits and disadvantages of powered and non-powered hand trucks are discussed, along with the growing popularity of semi-automated handling systems and the importance of managed product handling procedures.