{"id":16649,"date":"2025-12-15T08:32:28","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T07:32:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.armes.it\/?p=16649"},"modified":"2026-07-31T08:59:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T06:59:59","slug":"warehouse-management-what-it-is-and-how-to-do-it-effectively","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.armes.it\/en\/warehouse-management-what-it-is-and-how-to-do-it-effectively\/","title":{"rendered":"Warehouse management: what it is and how to do it effectively"},"content":{"rendered":"

A disorganized warehouse slows down every activity: finding products takes time, inventory levels don\u2019t match, unnecessary goods accumulate, and storage costs increase. The lack of traceability leads to errors, while confusing routes and overcrowded spaces compromise safety and efficiency. According to several industry studies, more than 50% of shipping delays stem from warehouse inaccuracies<\/strong>, while 34% of operational inefficiencies result from poor space organization.<\/p>\n

Warehouse management<\/strong> does not only concern incoming or outgoing goods, but involves a complex set of activities: space organization, shelving selection, safety, inventory management, documentation, maintenance, logistics flows, and staff training. To function effectively, it requires tools capable of monitoring movements and stock levels in real time, as well as a physical structure designed to support these processes.<\/p>\n

In this context, infrastructure truly makes the difference. Armes<\/strong>, with its industrial storage systems, modular shelving, and customized solutions, helps companies create safer, more organized, and scalable warehouses\u2014environments where all the best practices outlined in this article can be effectively implemented.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Warehouse management models<\/b><\/h2>\n

A warehouse is an organized space designed to store and handle goods safely and efficiently, supporting the entire logistics flow. Its management can take different forms, each with specific advantages:<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

In-house warehouse<\/b><\/h3>\n

It’s managed internally by the company<\/strong> and ensures maximum control. For example, a manufacturing<\/strong> business that needs to synchronize procurement, production, and shipping benefits from this choice, despite higher structural costs.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Third-party warehouse (3PL)<\/b><\/h3>\n

Outsourcing management to a third-party logistics provider allows for greater flexibility<\/strong> and reduced fixed costs. It is particularly useful for industries with strong seasonality<\/strong>, such as fashion<\/strong> or e-commerce<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Bonded warehouse<\/b><\/h3>\n

It allows goods that have not yet cleared customs to be stored while deferring the payment of duties<\/strong>. It is widely used in the import\/export<\/strong> of electronics or products from outside the EU.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Mobile warehouse<\/b><\/h3>\n

Modular or temporary structures used in construction, worksites, or events<\/strong>. They provide fast storage solutions close to the operational area.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

The key stages of warehouse management<\/b><\/h2>\n

Effective warehouse management is based on a structured process that starts with layout planning and extends to safety, encompassing documentation, stock management, and traceability.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

STAGE 1: Warehouse layout design<\/b><\/h3>\n

A well-designed layout improves speed, safety, and space utilization.
\nFor example, in an e-commerce warehouse, placing high-turnover items close to picking areas can reduce picking times by up to 25%<\/strong>. In the food sector, separating cold storage areas from ambient-temperature zones helps prevent waste and product deterioration.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

STAGE 2: Choosing the most suitable storage system<\/b><\/h3>\n

The storage system determines how efficiently space is utilized and the level of productivity achieved.
\nIn a company handling thousands of pallets, traditional pallet racking<\/a> provides quick access to SKUs; in a warehouse with fewer product codes but large volumes per item, shuttle systems<\/a> or gravity-based FIFO and LIFO systems<\/a> can maximize space utilization.
\nIn industries such as automotive or woodworking, cantilever racking<\/a> is essential for storing bars, pipes, and panels.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

STAGE 3: Warehouse documentation management<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another key aspect to consider is document management. It requires accuracy, traceability, and consistency<\/strong> between physical movements and what is recorded in information systems in order to reduce discrepancies between actual and theoretical stock levels and ensure that every movement is justified and verifiable.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Delivery note (DDT)<\/b><\/h4>\n

The transport document (DDT) accompanies the goods during every movement and includes origin, destination, quantity, and the reason<\/strong> for the transfer. It is mandatory to ensure traceability and consistency between what is shipped and what is received. Accurate management of DDTs helps prevent loading and unloading errors and facilitates accounting and tax checks.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Purchase and sales invoices<\/b><\/h4>\n

Invoices record the value of goods<\/strong> entering or leaving the warehouse. When properly aligned with physical movements, they help keep inventory, costs, and sales<\/strong> up to date. Any discrepancies between invoices and movements lead to inventory differences and slow down reconciliation processes.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Inventory<\/b><\/h4>\n

Inventory verifies how much stock is actually present in the warehouse compared to what is recorded. It helps maintain inventory accuracy, prevent stockouts or excess stock<\/strong>, and correct any errors. It can be carried out annually, cyclically, or continuously, depending on operational needs.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Bill of materials (BOM)<\/b><\/h4>\n

The bill of materials (BOM) lists the materials and components required to manufacture a product. It is essential for production planning and ensuring internal traceability<\/strong>, especially in industries where it is necessary to control quality, batches, or regulatory compliance.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Orders<\/b><\/h4>\n

Orders guide all warehouse activities: they specify what to pick, in what quantity, and with what priority<\/strong>. A structured\u2014preferably digital\u2014management approach helps reduce errors, organize picking operations, and speed up order fulfillment.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Practical tips<\/b><\/h4>\n