110053 - STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Maria Dolors Celma Benaiges

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 1

• Catalan

The language of the subject, both oral and written, is Catalan.

Study of the supply, storage and distribution chain of any organization based on different proposals. Reflect on the different actors in the logistics chain, their participation and influence in the global process of goods movements.

TecnoCampus will make available to teachers and students the digital tools necessary to carry out the subject, as well as, where appropriate, guides and recommendations that facilitate adaptation to the non-face-to-face modality.

Topic 1. The supply chain
• Definition, phases and objectives.
• Reasons for its origin, growth and current complexity.
• Main players in the supply chain.
• How to achieve optimal chain management.
• The product and its life cycle.

Topic 2. Storage
• Storage master lines.
• The warehouse. Reasons for its existence.
• The products to be stored.
• Types of warehouses and their characteristics.
• Variables to consider in a storage project.
• The design of the warehouse. “Layout”.
• The pallet and its types.
• The shelves. Regulations and ITE.
• Types of shelves: conventional, compact, dynamic, etc.
• Coding of warehouses.
• Maintenance equipment.

Topic 3. Warehouse and stock management
• Main objectives of optimal warehouse management:

• Reception – Storage – Order preparation – Shipping.
  • Storage methods.
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
  • The ABC method.
  • Different inventory management systems: FIFO, LIFO, FEFO.
  • Automation and technology in order preparation: RFID, Voice Picking, Picking to Light, etc.
  • How to make shipments: own transport or subcontracted?
  • Inventory or stock management.
  • Type of stock.
  • Stock management optimization: stock breakdown, reorder point, Wilson model or EOQ.

Topic 4. Distribution
• Distribution logistics, characteristics and functions.
• Distribution channels: direct channel, short indirect channel, long indirect channel, double indirect channel.
• Distribution strategies: intensive, selective, exclusive.
• Different sales channels.
• Outsourcing in distribution: costs and benefits.

Topic 5. Logistics operators
• Definition and functions.
• Type of OPL: 1PL, 2PL, 3PL, 4PL, 5PL.
• How to make the choice?
• Advantages and risks of ceding transport and distribution to an OPL.

Topic 6. Capillary distribution
• Characteristics and growth. E-commerce as a key factor.
• Hair distribution models.
• Increase in the needs of DUM (Urban Distribution of Goods). Current problems and initiatives to solve them.
• Balance between activity and environmental sustainability.
• Scheduling of transport routes: from manual planning to computer software.
• Regulations, regulations and limitations in urban distribution.

Topic 7. Logistics costs. Rates and freight
• Costs: definition and types.
• Determination of operating costs: fixed and variable, direct and indirect.
• Calculation of freight rates in land transport: full load and groupage.
• Calculation of freight in air transport.
• Calculation of freight rates in maritime transport.
• Calculation of freight rates in rail transport.

Topic 8. Reverse logistics
• Definition.
• Reverse supply chain management.
• Influence on sustainable development and the company's profit and loss account.

The evaluation of the subject will be carried out through continuous evaluation, with the following weighting:

• 50%: Final exam. A minimum grade of 5 is required to make an average.
• 40%: Four practical seminars (10% each), according to the course calendar. The ability to analyze, communicate results and develop the project will be assessed. digital competence.
• 10%: Activities related to the digital competence i practical sessions for active application of the contents and achievement of the common and specific skills.

Digital competence will be evaluated in an integrated manner within the seminars, using specific criteria detailed below.

Rubric for assessing digital competence in seminars

• Total weighting: 10% of the final mark 

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

Ballou, RH (2004). Logistics Supply chain management. Pearson.

A reference classic. Covers everything from logistics planning to costs and operators. Ideal for Topics 1, 4, 5 and 7.

Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management (5th ed.). Pearson Education.

Highly recommended for understanding logistics strategy and modern supply chain management.

Frazelle, E. (2002). World-Class Warehousing and Material Handling. McGraw-Hill.

Very clear practical guide on warehouse design, layout, technologies, flows and optimization. Excellent for Topics 2 and 3.

Waters, D. (2019). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation. Pearson.

Conceptual and strategic in-depth study.