110053 - STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Valeria Bernardo

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2026

Teaching course: 1

• Catalan

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. Logistics as a backbone of the supply chain

• Logistics as the "cement" of the chain: the integrating role between procurement, production, distribution and customer.
• Scope of study of this subject: operational and physical storage and distribution decisions, differentiated from the strategic perspective of the supply chain.
• El trade-offs cost-service: balance between service level and logistics cost as a decision axis in storage and distribution.
• other trade-offs specific to storage and distribution: centralization vs. decentralization, stock level vs. cost of immobilization, speed of delivery vs. cost of transportation.
• Logistics decision map: strategic, tactical and operational level, and where storage and distribution are located.

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.
• 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.
• Stock type.
• 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.
• OPL Type: 1PL, 2PL, 3PL, 4PL, 5PL.
• How to make the choice?
• Advantages and risks of transferring transportation and distribution to an OPL.

Topic 6. Capillary distribution

• Characteristics and growth. E-commerce as a key factor.
• Capillary 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 transport routes: from manual planning to computer software.
• Legislation, 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 assessment of the subject will be carried out through continuous assessment, with the following weighting:

• 50%: Final exam, consisting of a theoretical part and a practical part. A minimum grade of 5 must be obtained in each of the two parts (theoretical and practical) so that the exam can be averaged with the rest of the grades in the subject. If a 5 is not achieved in either part, the student will have to take a retake.
• 40%: Practical seminars, carried out in groups, distributed throughout the term with a periodicity of approximately fortnightly, according to the subject calendar. The number of seminars and the individual weighting of each will be communicated to the students at the beginning of the term through the detailed calendar. The capacity for analysis, the communication of results and the development of digital competence will be assessed.
• 10 %: Activities related to digital competence and practical sessions for active application of the contents and achievement of common and specific competences.

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 grade

Recovery

Students who have failed the subject in the ordinary exam (overall grade < 5) may apply for retake, in accordance with article 5.1 of the evaluation regulations of the TecnoCampus University Center.

The retake consists of an exam with a theoretical part and a practical part. To pass the retake, you must obtain a minimum grade of 5 in each of the two parts (theoretical and practical). If a 5 is not achieved in either part, the subject will be considered failed.

The grades from the seminars and digital competence activities obtained during the term are maintained for retake and will be averaged with the grade from the retake exam, provided that it has been passed.

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.