Visit a warehouse and categorize the type of storage used (dedicated vs. randomized vs. a combination of the two). Identify the technologies used to transport material to and from storage, to place material in and retrieve material from storage, and to store the material. Assess the age and condition of the technologies identified in the warehouse.

Identify the bar code symbols used, as well as the types of bar code readers used. How are the bar code labels printed and applied?

Describe the approach used to perform receiving and shipping. Identify the various pallet dimensions and designs found in the warehouse. Assess the quality of housekeeping in the warehouse. Determine the fraction of floor space devoted to the various functions performed in the warehouse. Compute the fraction of floor space devoted to aisles. If racked storage is used, determine the fraction of the rack openings that are empty. Also, estimate the fraction of cube space within a storage opening that is utilized

(i.e., how much is material, including pallets). Assess the use of cube space within the warehouse.