Abstract

One of the main components of the logistics industry is general warehousing, which also represents one of the foundations of international trade. In its capacity as a facilitator of products being sent from a supplier to a consumer on a worldwide scale, warehousing forms an integral part of the global supply chain. This paper seeks to examine the various operational components associated with general warehousing, as well as the impact of these components on the success of global businesses; therefore, through the analysis of a case study on an integrated logistics firm specializing in freight forwarding (import/export) and supply chain operations based out of Chennai, India, this paper will demonstrate how successful global businesses have operated and can operate by utilizing the successful use of warehousing and logistical systems. The method of research employed in this paper consists of both descriptive and quantitative analyses and relies on both primary data (via direct observations) and secondary data (from previously published literature). The major operational activities/building blocks of warehouses identified through this research were as follows: receiving, inspecting, storing, inventory management, order processing, and shipping. Results indicate that operational inefficiencies are the result of limitations imposed by space constraints, reliance on manualization of operations, and insufficient interdepartmental cooperation in terms of the analysis of performance measures. The researcher recommends that warehousing firms invest in the acquisition of warehouse management systems (WMS), the implementation of lean methodology (e.g., 5S) as an approach to maximizing available resources, and the use of best practice techniques to improve warehouse operational performance and effectiveness.