Gerald’s reflection on the trip to ALB

Hi, first I want to say that I regret not going to the trip to the Army Logistic Base(ALB). So i find out more from my friend. It’s a top class logistic operation. When reach there, there was a staff who explained the the important features of the ALB. ALB had a through-flow layout. The loading and unloading bay is at opposite side. It increase the movement speed within the place. The place is about 20metres high, fully utilizing their cubic capacity. Cost is very important to a warehouse, therefore being able to utilize the space actually helps to reduce cost.

They use the more advanced storage systems like pallet ASRS, vertical carousel system, mobile racking and Bin ASRS. With these systems, I believe the operations will be carried out smoothly. Being fully computerized, locations of the goods can be checked in the computer for easier order picking.

A staff showed how they do order picking for medical goods using the vertical carousel system and the system is about 10m high. The place where medical goods are kept are also air conditioned. This prevent any goods from turning bad and of course the staff working there will be more comfortable.

The trip was really an eye opener. We were able to experience real life operations which will definitely be useful for us when we join the industry in future and i regret not being able to make it. I really hope the school can have another similar trip to other big logistic companies!

Ended my post @ 3:16 AM