many organizations to optimize their resource and pr<strong>of</strong>its. Needlessto say the demand for value addition activity is also continuouslyincreasing for achieving the customer satisfaction. The warehouse isnow looked as pr<strong>of</strong>it centre even by the organization managing theirown warehouses.The Supply Chain at various stages is adopting different tools andtechniques to suit their functions and requirement to optimize theiroverall efficiency. Manufacturing adopts to Milk Run, Kan Ban, Two binsystem, JIT, Postponement decisions, Lean concepts, etc. The marketingteam adopts to strategies like Hub & spoke, Channel distribution, directmarketing, promotional sales, etc. The after sales aims at least downtime <strong>of</strong> their product and high customer satisfaction by various SLAsand AMCs.All the above system is now becoming more and more dependent ona good, efficient and dependable warehouse system. The warehouseis now becoming a high transaction centric, there by demandingperformance, efficiency, value addition, cost saving etc.Sectors like retail, pharma, food, electronics, FMCG, bulk commoditiesare now adding new dimensions to the functions <strong>of</strong> the warehouse. Thepresent users <strong>of</strong> warehouse are from different verticals with varieties.With gradual improvement in the logistics infrastructure like dedicatedfreight corridors, logistic parks, coastal shipping, the exim cargo willalso witness huge activity. The GDP growth being projected at 7%, thegrowth <strong>of</strong> the logistic sector is expected to be in the range <strong>of</strong> 20%.With huge investment happening, buoyant manufacturing activity andmass distribution taking place, the movement <strong>of</strong> materials will be evenat a higher pace. All this will lead in to the increase in the warehouserequirement with good service levels. The warehouse function is set tobe an key factor in Supply Chain design.6
<strong>Warehouse</strong> <strong>Certification</strong>What is <strong>Warehouse</strong> <strong>Certification</strong>?<strong>Warehouse</strong> <strong>Certification</strong> is a process which assesses the variousparameters and functions that are essential to run and manage anefficient warehouse. This certification process recognizes the effortsand the practices followed in a warehouse, which is based on the level<strong>of</strong> complexity, sustainability, scalability required to run a warehouse.<strong>CII</strong> - <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Logistics</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers <strong>Warehouse</strong> <strong>Certification</strong> process for thebenefits <strong>of</strong> business in India to:1 To enable the warehouse service provider to assess their operation/Process2 To enhance business and end user serviceTechnology plays a major role in modern day functioning <strong>of</strong> awarehouse. As processes are certified, organizations are likely touncover redundancy in the form <strong>of</strong> reports and tasks.<strong>Warehouse</strong> <strong>Certification</strong>