vcc.ca
OPMT 1230: Warehousing and Distribution Centres
Effective date
May 2025
Department
Global Supply Chain Management
School
Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
Description
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for a comprehensive exploration of Warehousing and Distribution Centers. Students will learn the essential aspects of logistics and operational management, including warehouse fundamentals, types, layout principles, material handling equipment, safety protocols, and space utilization strategies. Key processes such as order picking, packing, cross-docking, transshipment, and shipment consolidation to ensure streamlined distribution center operations will be covered. Students will explore Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), focusing on their features and implementation for seamless logistics. Safety measures, process optimization, and proficient management to enhance operational efficacy in distribution center logistics will also be emphasized.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain warehouse fundamentals, types, and layout principles for efficient operations
- Apply effective inventory management and order fulfillment strategies.
- Evaluate the efficiency of material handling equipment, safety protocols, and space optimization
- Apply strategies for order picking, packing, cross-docking, transshipment, and shipment consolidation
- Use Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) software to promote and maintain efficient operations
- Analyze and optimize warehouse and distribution center processes
- Identify safety measures for material handling and warehousing operations
- Demonstrate proficiency in managing distribution center logistics to maximize operational efficiency.
- Apply green warehouse practices and implement sustainable packaging and materials handling practices
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, Group work, case studies.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Midterm Exam |
20 |
|
|
Final Exam |
30 |
|
|
Assignments |
20 |
Individual and group assignments |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
Two or more quizzes |
|
Participation |
10 |
|
Course topics
- Warehousing Basics: Introduction to warehousing concepts and functions, Types of warehouses (e.g., public, private, automated), and Warehouse design and layout. Inventory Management in Warehouses Material Handling: Equipment and technologies for material handling (e.g., forklifts, conveyor systems, automation), Safety protocols and best practices, and Warehouse space optimization. Distribution Center Operations: Order fulfillment, picking and packing strategies, Cross-docking and transshipment, and Shipment consolidation and routing, and Distribution Network Design and Optimization. Warehouse Management Systems: Introduction to WMS software, WMS features and benefits, Implementation and integration of WMS. Environmental sustainability in warehousing: Green warehouse practice, reverse logistics, energy-efficient warehouse design, and sustainable packaging.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.