DLA Distribution hosts training on layout planning best practices

Defense Logistics Agency experts recently took part in a series of trainings focused on storage efficiency initiatives that can impact and continuously improve Distribution Center storage and production operations across the network, March 18-20 at DLA Distribution Headquarters in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.

During the three-day training session, experts from DLA Headquarters, DLA Distribution Headquarters, DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, DLA Distribution Tobyhanna Pennsylvania, and DLA Distribution Norfolk, Virginia, learned more about the systematic layout planning and systematic handling analysis programs.

Hosted by the DLA Distribution Storage Program Management Office, the goal of the trainings was to help DLA achieve and execute storage compliance and space utilization programs that optimize and capitalize on Distribution's capacity and capabilities.

"Arrangement of activity areas and allocation of space for storage and non-storage requirements is vital to efficient operations and optimal use of available capacity within a DLA Distribution Center," said Joseph Murphy, storage specialist, DLA Distribution Storage Program Management Office. "Systematic Layout Planning is widely considered the world's most practical and organized method for rearranging existing or laying out new facilities. Systematic Handling Analysis is considered the most organized approach for the analysis and evaluation of material handling methods and used by thousands of planners throughout the world."

The concepts discussed during the training could be applied to distribution centers across the DLA enterprise to better support customers, according to attendee Amy Walker.

"The training emphasized the need for up front planning and a thorough understanding of both existing and future storage space needs," said Walker, supply systems analyst, DLA Logistics Operations. "It provided several useful tools that DLA can use to gather data, document relationships, measure the effectiveness of current layouts and handling equipment, and design new or updated plans. Space continues to be a premium commodity, so we need to continuously ensure our operations are laid out in the most efficient and effective manner possible."

The trainings were led by Lee Hales, Richard Muther and Associates. Future training opportunities for Systematic Layout Planning, Systematic Handling Analysis, and How to Lay Out a Warehouse or Distribution Center, will be available to self-register for through the Learning Management System.

"This training is an excellent opportunity to see how to universally analyze the current state of a distribution center warehouse, optimize the layout, and select the correct equipment based on customer requirements, contingencies, and future plans," said Michael Stahl, industrial engineer, installation management Susquehanna. "I would recommend this to anyone involved in storage planning or engineering within a distribution center, especially those that are early in their career."