Textile Warehouse

Description of a textile storage

Textiles of various types can be stored in a textile warehouse. The spectrum ranges from clothing to fabrics to curtains. Due to the fact that the fashion and textile industry is subject to constant change, the demands on warehouse management and merchandise management are high.

First and foremost, textile warehouses play a central role in the textile industry. In many places, they serve as intermediate storage for textile goods. Not only are finished textiles stored here to protect them from theft and external influences until they are delivered to the point of sale (POS), for example, but also raw materials such as yard goods. If it is a warehouse of an international fashion brand, textiles are deposited in the textile warehouse in order to arrange individual shipments to the retail trade if required.

In such a warehouse, garments can be packed flat in cardboard boxes or deposited hanging on bars. Textile storage racks are also used to store the goods neatly and in a system that makes sense for order picking. Depending on the manufacturer, textile shelves are characterised by flexibly designed elements that can be adjusted in height, depth and width. A combination of shelves, clothes rails and storage trays is required to cope with the variety of goods.

Multi-storey systems are advantageous for particularly extensive warehouses. This allows optimum use of storage space and a clear layout. Warehouse workers can access the stock via stairs. Multi-storey systems are sometimes custom-made by companies. Depending on the size of the textile warehouse, conveyor systems are added to automatically transport textile goods between the various storage stations, such as incoming goods and dispatch. Among others, order pickers work in the textile warehouse and are responsible for the storage, retrieval and transfer of articles. Incoming goods are checked, partially processed, stored and prepared for dispatch. In addition, returns are processed and sorted. The goal of a textile warehouse must be the quick accessibility of stock and maximum economic efficiency.

For the efficient management of a textile warehouse, increased requirements have to be met in the area of stock monitoring. Due to the sometimes significant quantities, a well thought-out warehouse concept as well as a connected merchandise management system are required. Fire protection regulations and other safety guidelines must also be observed.

Areas of application for textile warehouses

On the one hand, textile warehouses are used by wholesalers and foreign traders to temporarily store textiles for the POS. On the other hand, they are indispensable for the mail order business (online shops). From there, ordered articles are sent directly to the customer by post.

Textile warehouses can be bought and rented, but their management can also be outsourced. In this case, customers must place greater emphasis on continuous control of stock levels as well as regular transmission of inventory quantities. Depending on the requirements, textile logistics specialists take over the complete picking of inventories. Consignments are arranged according to customer requirements, such as the First In First Out (FIFO) principle.

Advantages of a textile warehouse

• space for order picking
• optimised efficiency
• protection from external influences
  
  

Disadvantages of a textile warehouse

• high capital commitment
• increased fire protection and safety requirements
• costly inventory monitoring and warehouse equipment (conveyors, etc.)