Storage and Distribution Logistics Course

Lesson 1 • Distribution Network Structures

Surveys direct, hub-and-spoke, and multi-echelon distribution models. Students can match network design to business requirements.

Lesson 2 • Warehousing Roles and Functions

Examines why warehouses exist and what functions they perform within a distribution network. Connects storage decisions to broader supply chain objectives.

Lesson 3 • Key Performance Metrics Overview

Introduces throughput, fill rate, and cost-per-unit metrics used to evaluate logistics performance. Establishes measurement language applied in every subsequent chapter.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Logistics Systems

Defines logistics and its role in moving goods from origin to destination. Provides the conceptual framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Warehouse Zoning Principles

Defines functional zones—receiving, storage, picking, staging, and shipping—and their spatial relationships. Zoning decisions directly affect flow efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Capacity Utilization and Space Metrics

Calculates cubic utilization, floor space efficiency, and pallet position counts. Connects layout decisions to measurable capacity outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Aisle Configuration and Traffic Flow

Designs aisle widths and traffic patterns to support equipment and pedestrian movement safely. Balances storage density against accessibility.

Lesson 4 • Slotting and Product Location Strategy

Applies velocity-based slotting to assign products to optimal storage locations. Reduces picker travel and improves throughput.

Lesson 1 • Replenishment Models and Reorder Points

Implements fixed-quantity and fixed-interval replenishment models with calculated reorder points. Prevents stockouts while limiting excess inventory.

Lesson 2 • Inventory Reduction Strategies

Applies postponement, vendor-managed inventory, and SKU rationalization to reduce stock levels. Connects inventory strategy to warehouse space and cash flow.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Accuracy and Cycle Counting

Establishes cycle counting programs to maintain perpetual inventory accuracy. Accurate records are prerequisite to reliable order fulfillment.

Lesson 4 • Demand Forecasting Methods

Applies moving average, exponential smoothing, and trend-adjusted forecasting to predict demand. Accurate forecasts drive replenishment and storage planning.

Lesson 1 • Receiving Inspection and Verification

Establishes quantity, quality, and documentation checks at the point of receipt. Accurate receiving prevents downstream inventory errors.

Lesson 2 • Cross-Docking and Flow-Through Operations

Implements cross-docking to transfer inbound freight directly to outbound without storage. Reduces handling steps and accelerates delivery cycles.

Lesson 3 • Labeling and Identification at Receipt

Applies barcode, RFID, and license plate labeling to inbound goods. Proper identification enables accurate putaway and inventory tracking.

Lesson 4 • Dock Scheduling and Appointment Systems

Designs dock door assignment and appointment scheduling to prevent congestion. Efficient dock management reduces dwell time and labor cost.

Lesson 1 • Pick Path Optimization

Applies routing algorithms to minimize picker travel distance within the warehouse. Shorter paths directly reduce labor cost per order.

Lesson 2 • Order Accuracy and Quality Control

Implements verification checkpoints, audit sampling, and error root-cause analysis. Sustained accuracy reduces returns and customer complaints.

Lesson 3 • Picking Technology and Tools

Evaluates paper-based, RF scanner, voice-directed, and pick-to-light systems for accuracy and speed. Technology choice must match order volume and SKU complexity.

Lesson 4 • Picking Methods and Strategies

Compares discrete, batch, zone, and wave picking methods against order profiles. Method selection drives labor productivity and accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Load Planning and Consolidation

Optimizes trailer and container utilization through load sequencing and freight consolidation. Higher load factors reduce cost per unit shipped.

Lesson 2 • Transportation Modes and Trade-offs

Compares road, rail, air, and ocean freight on cost, speed, and capacity dimensions. Mode selection is the primary lever for transportation cost management.

Lesson 3 • Route Planning and Delivery Scheduling

Designs delivery routes using time-window constraints and vehicle capacity limits. Efficient routing reduces mileage and improves on-time performance.

Lesson 4 • Freight Documentation and Compliance

Prepares bills of lading, packing lists, and customs declarations required for domestic and international shipments. Accurate documentation prevents delays and penalties.

Lesson 1 • WMS Integration with ERP and TMS

Configures data exchange between WMS, ERP, and transportation management systems. Integration eliminates manual re-entry and synchronizes inventory records.

Lesson 2 • System Upgrades and Change Management

Manages WMS version upgrades, user retraining, and go-live cutover planning. Structured change management minimizes operational disruption during transitions.

Lesson 3 • WMS Architecture and Core Functions

Explains WMS modules for receiving, inventory, picking, and shipping and their data flows. Understanding architecture enables effective system configuration.

Lesson 4 • Barcode and RFID Data Capture

Implements barcode scanning and RFID readers to capture real-time inventory movements. Accurate data capture is the foundation of WMS reliability.

Lesson 1 • Strategic Logistics Planning and Network Optimization

Aligns logistics network design with long-term business growth, cost targets, and service commitments. Strategic planning synthesizes all prior course competencies.

Lesson 2 • Logistics KPI Framework and Benchmarking

Constructs a balanced KPI scorecard covering cost, service, quality, and sustainability. Benchmarking against industry standards identifies improvement priorities.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory Compliance in Storage and Distribution

Applies workplace safety, food hygiene, hazardous material, and customs compliance requirements. Non-compliance creates financial and reputational risk.

Lesson 4 • Risk Management and Business Continuity

Identifies supply chain risks and builds contingency plans to maintain operations during disruptions. Resilience planning protects service levels under adverse conditions.