Strategic Design and Management of a Biotechnology Warehouse

Strategic Design and Management of a Biotechnology Warehouse

Objective: Create a detailed plan for a unified warehouse facility for Beckman Coulter, focusing on equipment procurement, budget allocation, and distinct operational functions for raw materials and finished products.

Background Information:

Beckman Coulter requires a state-of-the-art warehouse to manage its biotechnology products. The warehouse will integrate two main sections: the Raw Material Warehouse and the Finished Products Warehouse, with specific operational activities and a limited budget for technological enhancements.

Warehouse Specifications:

Raw Material Warehouse:

Functions: Storage, order consolidation (picking), and shipping to an external factory.

Products: Dangerous chemicals, blood, fragile items at -20°C, and various pallets.

Finished Products Warehouse:

Functions: Storage, processing customer orders for Europe (80% volume), and export orders.

50% of Finished Products Warehouse is dedicated to storage / 50% of Finished Products Warehouse is dedicated packing-ship-confirm

Storage Requirements: 80% at 2-8°C; 20% at 18-25°C.

Product Size: Similar to a coffee cup.

Budget and Equipment:

Available Budget: 100,000€ for warehouse improvements.

Existing Equipment: Basic warehouse handling tools.

Team Composition:

Shipping Warehouse Team: 12 members.

Raw Material Warehouse Team: 3 members.

Logistic Assistants: 5 members.

ASSIGNMENTS TAKS

Integrated Warehouse Layout:

Design a layout accommodating both warehouse sections, considering their specific functions.

Equipment Procurement Plan:

Recommend essential equipment (like pallet jacks) needed for efficient operation.

Justify each equipment choice based on its utility and cost-effectiveness.

Budget Allocation:

Propose how to invest the 100,000€ budget to enhance warehouse operations.

Identify key areas (e.g., automation, process improvement) where this investment could yield the most benefit.

Operational Processes:

Detail the specific operational processes for each warehouse section.

Focus on storage, picking, consolidation, and shipping activities.

Human Resource Management and Expansion:

Assess the need for additional staff based on the 10% increase in sales and operational requirements.