The course begins with a broad exploration of key warehousing operations, along with their functions, objectives and limitations respectively. Candidates consider the extent to which warehouse management contributes to successful business performance, along with the potential benefits of public warehouses and a brief overview of automated warehousing.

The five primary classifications of warehouses are presented and discussed in unit two, which also outlines criteria for consideration when choosing an appropriate warehouse type. Candidates are also introduced to the concept of the qualitative factor rating, along with the potential costs and challenges associated with private warehousing.

A more detailed exploration of the functions of warehouses follows in unit three, while discussing the growing popularity of cross-docking and its primary advantages. Learners examine the purpose of semi-permanent storage, the meaning of ‘information transfer’ in warehousing and the objectives of warehouse activity profiling.

Several key warehouse operations and systems are introduced in unit four, including the functions and mechanics of centralised and decentralised warehousing operations. An introduction to conveyor systems is also included, along with the various factors that must be considered when deciding on a storage system for a warehouse.

The fundamentals of effective inventory management are presented in unit five, which also discusses the wide-reaching consequences of ineffective inventory management. Candidates consider the costs of carrying stock, the importance of safety stock and the risks associated with failing to carry surplus stock as required.

Common approaches to warehouse inventory tracking are presented and discussed in unit six, which provides a detailed overview of the benefits of barcoding and the components of a viable barcoding system. Candidates also considers the potential advantages and disadvantages of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as an alternative to barcoding.

The course concludes with an examination of effective warehouse materials handling processes, detailing the primary functions of Materials Handling Systems (MHS). Candidates learn how to consider the appropriateness of powered and non-powered hand trucks for typical warehousing duties, along with the potential advantages and disadvantages of semi-automated handling systems.