Methodology Proposal for Storage Rationalization by Implementing Principles of Industry 4.0. in a Technology-Driven Warehouse

Summary The paper deals with storage rationalization and brings forward a proposal of a methodology for the rationalization of storage systems in warehouses of industrial companies. The methodology emphasizes the new concept of Warehouse 4.0, including Industry 4.0 warehouse applications in general. The first part of the paper starts with the theoretical background and a description of logistics, Logistics 4.0, warehouse systems, Warehouse 4.0 and modern approaches linked to Industry 4.0 that can be implemented in logistics. Then, the factors influencing the effectiveness of the warehouse are summarized – this is an original summary based on the available literature and other sources. After this, storage rationalization and the related costs are described. The main subject of the paper is explained in the second part of the paper, which concentrates on the proposal of a methodology for storage rationalization of warehouses in industrial companies. The individual steps in the storage rationalization are described. The purpose of the paper is to share information, firstly, about the summarised factors influencing the effectiveness of a warehouse and, secondly, about the methodology proposal itself. This information may inspire other research institutions to consider aspects of this subject matter, which could be otherwise