Once the target has been set, an actual state analysis including the identification of weak points is carried out during warehouse planning. On this basis, first in the rough planning, then in the detailed planning, a target concept is created, which illuminates different variants of implementation and which later serves as a basis for decision-making.

Warehouse planning – actual state analysis

In the actual state analysis, all data that will later have an influence on the warehouse are recorded and analyzed. It is not a matter of collecting all conceivable data, but rather of creating a database of data that is as accurate as possible for further planning. Since this data forms the basis for the later concept, it should be checked exactly by means of a plausibility check after the data has been collected. This data already allows conclusions to be drawn about fundamental weak points and potential for improvement in existing plant components and processes. They should, therefore, be viewed and analyzed critically. Taking into account the planned development of the company, the data obtained can now be extrapolated to the target value. This data can also already serve as a basis for initial optimization.

Warehouse planning – target concept

The planning data from the actual state analysis is now used for rough-cut planning. A selection of possible systems is made based on the data from the analysis. These systems are evaluated and solution scenarios in different variants are worked out on this basis. The local and spatial conditions are also taken into account at this point. Financial aspects should be excluded in the first step of the concept phase to get an objective impression of the possibilities. In the second step, the scenarios are checked for technical feasibility and their economic viability and impracticable ones are sorted out.

The remaining approaches are now being further elaborated in detailed planning. At the end of this process, the decision is made for the final variant, whose technical specifications are reflected in a specification sheet that is as detailed as possible.

More information on warehouse planning can be found under Process-oriented warehouse planning.

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