Top 7 Books On Warehouse Management

Warehouses form part of the backbone of the global shipping industry. They act as a site for the temporary storage of goods during transit, consolidation, while waiting for customs clearance, etc.

There are different types of warehouses for the numerous goods being shipped across the world. Some of them are refrigerated to keep goods chilled, others are ventilated and well-lit to allow live animals to be temporarily herded, while others are automated to create an efficient and ergonomic transit condition.

Managing warehouses is a tough challenge, keeping in mind the stakes, value of goods in hand, and the importance of these supply chain units. They serve multiple functions, meaning that warehouse in-charges need to constantly be on their toes. The best place to begin learning in any field is from standard books. And the same applies to warehouse management.

In this article, we will look at some of the top books in this field, which will provide you with a solid foundation on the subject.

Why Is Warehouse Management Even Required?

One point is clear from the previous section- warehouses are important for the global supply chain and operations market. Without these storage depots, it would be nearly impossible to move so many goods efficiently.

They prevent bottlenecks and ensure all goods are allowed to transit in an orderly manner. But why read up on books for this? Surely, the logic is very simple- the first good into the warehouse is the first one out.

In reality, the field of warehousing is more complex. It requires a basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, economics, optimization theory, and a lot of planning. In short, not everyone can claim to be an expert warehousing manager. This is why it is important to read the relevant literature.

Frozen goods need to be maintained at the appropriate cold-chain temperature, and these books provide you with the same information readily. Why experiment on a container of expensive frozen goods to learn that the hard way round, when tried and tested methods are provided in these guides?

Warehouse management ensures you follow best practices to keep goods safe and secure. There are numerous rules and regulations to be followed. At the same time, you need to ensure that operating costs are minimized and profits increased.

These topics are covered in-depth in these 7 must-read books on warehouse management.

Combined with important concepts, they include practical examples and extensive notes to ensure you are well-informed on the industry-standard practices in this field.

The Important Concepts To Look Out For In Books Related To This Field

Now that we know why warehouse management is important, what should one look for in a book before purchasing it? Just like any good thriller or tale of fiction, a good guide to the subject has several points and details that provide the reader with useful takeaways and acts as a lifetime asset.

First and foremost, the book must be easy to read. While the topic might be difficult to digest for a beginner, a good book makes it interesting, while at the same time, ensuring that the beginner is up to speed on the relevant topics.

Next, it should cover all the major topics on the field including but not limited to logistical theories, management of goods and inventory, the use of technology to improve the process flow, the steps to be followed at a warehouse, general layout, and good practices. Once the reader has an idea of these concepts, it is easier for them to apply them in real life.

This brings us to the next point- a good book explains the theory well, but an excellent book shows you how to practically apply it. Any book that takes up a hands-on approach to the subject is bound to be more useful. In warehousing related books, always look for real-life and practical examples that will show you how to implement the various theorems and concepts in reality.

Now that you’re caught up on how to judge if the book is good for you, let us head over to the heart of the matter- the top 7 must-read books on warehouse management that should be owned by anyone involved in the field- beginners and experienced professionals alike.

The Top 7 Books On Warehouse Management

1. Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse (3e)
By Gwynne Richards

Our first book has been a standard guide on warehouse management since its first edition. Author Gwynne Richards has compiled a comprehensive study of warehouses, their structure, functioning, and management theories that provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the subject. With information packed into this 500+ page book, you can look to it for a solid foundation. It is ranked #15 on the renowned Distribution & Warehouse Management Best Sellers and has won praise from members of WERC and CILT.

Some of the salient features covered in this book are an introduction to warehouses, the various employees who make an impact, and it then goes on to the sequence of events that follow receiving a parcel for putting away. From strategies and outsourcing to equipment and safety, it includes innovative studies and standard research that provides insight into the practical aspects of warehousing. It also goes into great detail on the Warehouse Management System (WMS). Lastly, it looks at the layout, resourcing, costing, and performance studies to cover the basics of setting up and running a successful warehouse.

Sale

Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse

Richards, Gwynne (Author)
English (Publication Language)
528 Pages - 11/28/2017 (Publication Date) - Kogan Page (Publisher)

With several excellent reviews from renowned members of the international logistics community, this guide assures a clear insight into this field, coupled with tips and tricks to be used in practice. One plus point is that the book also pays due attention to the distribution facilities and theories to be followed after the warehouse step. This ensures that the reader is aware of the other steps that revolve around warehousing.

2. The Definitive Guide to Warehousing: Managing the Storage and Handling of Materials and Products in the Supply Chain (3e)
By Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Scott Keller, Brian Keller

This excellent guide to warehousing has been authored and backed by one of the largest international organizations that oversee warehousing and supply chain management- the CSCMP. Published along with Professor Scott B. Keller with years of experience in logistics, and Brian Keller who has served as a private consultant to the US Armed Forces, it is an authoritative resource on anything to do with warehouses. The book looks to address topics such as the planning, implementation, metrics of measurements, and optimization of storage depots, while also ensuring the reader is caught up on the relevant theory.

It is considerably shorter than the other books that are also used in the same industry, but this allows absolute beginners to quickly pick up on the subject matter. The salient topics included in this book are basic warehousing management concepts, the major processes that go on from receiving to dispatching a parcel, the management strategies that are used worldwide, and best practices to follow. Interestingly, the book also delves into the selection of construction materials to ensure the warehouse is sturdy and also compliant with international standards. Special emphasis is laid on technology and automation used to improve warehouse efficiency.

Sale

Definitive Guide to Warehousing, The: Managing the Storage and Handling of Materials and Products in the Supply Chain (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals)

Hardcover Book
CSCMP (Author)
English (Publication Language)
288 Pages - 12/19/2013 (Publication Date) - Pearson FT Press (Publisher)

Warehouse negotiations, agreements, and contracts are also looked at early on in the book. The various roles and personnel who contribute to the process, and their tasks, are given in great detail. Finally, there is a section on maintaining the safety and security of a warehouse based on its location, type of goods, and needs.

3. World-Class Warehousing and Material Handling (2e)
By Edward Frazelle

From renowned logistician Ed Frazelle comes this comprehensive guide on warehousing. The author was the founding director of the Logistics Institute at Georgia Tech and is the current CEO of Logistics Resources International. With extensive knowledge of this field, the book is well written, informative, and provides the reader with a solid foundation on the topic. Filled with minute details over nearly 400 pages, this book has featured on the best-selling list of the categories including the Manufacturing Industry, Industrial Relations Business, and Industrial Leadership.

The book looks at the metrics, strategies, principles, tools, equipment, and methods used in conventional warehouses. The main features covered include the personnel, role of warehouses, aim to handle more transactions, costing and accounting, measures to increase profit margins, execution of a larger number of transactions, and the value-added services that clients often look for. It looks at the challenges of fulfilling international orders, the factors that come into play, and the various steps to be followed. Lastly, it looks at the problems and difficulties faced by warehouse personnel.

Time, Space & Cost Guide to Better Warehouse Design: A hands-on guide to help you improve the design and operations of your warehouse or distribution center

Napolitano, Maida (Author)
English (Publication Language)
148 Pages - 08/24/2017 (Publication Date) - Distribution Center Management (Publisher)

The book also stands out for covering diverse yet relevant topics such as the 7 principles of world-class warehousing, adapting warehouses to manage e-commerce inventory, the profiling of warehousing activity, performance measurement metrics, automation and computerization, stages of management, and the humanizing of warehouse operations (introducing human labor where required instead of automating all procedures). This provides the reader with a series of precise steps to follow to ensure success in managing storage sites and depots.

4. Time, Space & Cost Guide to Better Warehouse Design: A hands-on guide to help you improve the design and operations of your warehouse or distribution centre
By Maida Napolitano

Despite being one of the shortest books in circulation for the field of warehouse management, this guide provides a practical approach to planning and designing storage sites. Now in its second edition, it features changes and additions that have kept the resources abreast of the latest developments. There are several figures and real-life examples aimed at providing a concise but detailed view of the day-to-day operations in a warehouse. One of the most reworked sections is on warehouse time, cost, and space standards. Special focus is paid to how concentrating on these parameters can save time, improve output capabilities, devise new and innovative management strategies, expand your operations, and reduce the associated cost of labour.

Filled with over 100 figures and charts in each section, that provide detailed notes on various warehousing concepts, the book uses case studies to progress through the various stages of transit. The groundwork for this was completed by the Gross & Associates warehouse consultants who have amassed extensive experience in this industry. These studies include analyzing, evaluating, and designing optimal and practically feasible operations to implement in warehouses around the globe. It is also an excellent guide to the finer aspects of warehousing, such as the value-added services, the world-class facilities and equipment, a commitment to providing great service, and a practical mindset that yields returns.

Time, Space & Cost Guide to Better Warehouse Design: A hands-on guide to help you improve the design and operations of your warehouse or distribution center

Napolitano, Maida (Author)
English (Publication Language)
148 Pages - 08/24/2017 (Publication Date) - Distribution Center Management (Publisher)

This is a great guide for professionals with an existing foundation in the subject, looking to gain practical knowledge. For the absolute beginner, there is a brief introduction to get you up to speed, but it is advised to look at a more thorough study of the course before investing in this practical manual.

5. The Warehouse Management Handbook (2e)
By James A. Tompkins & Jerry D. Smith

As one of the most detailed and comprehensive guides to the field of warehouse management, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to expand their knowledge on the subject. Filled with relevant details of the various factors and aspects of inventory management, this 1000-page guide is packed with interesting information. What makes this book stand out is that all 39 chapters have been prepared by different industry experts who have decades of experience in the field. This ensures the reader is well informed and able to absorb new details easily.

Some of the topics covered in this book include the challenges of warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, logistical best practice, third-party warehousing, modes of good transportation, layout and personnel planning, and using economic analysis to optimize workflows. It also introduces the concept of simulations to predict and obtain the ideal warehouse distribution of assets and goods. This book stands out for looking at some topics that are pertinent in today’s rapidly changing world. The appropriate treatment of hazardous material, safety and security aspects of warehouses, and the various environmental concerns stemming from incorrect warehouse practices are also covered.

Sale

Excellence in Warehouse Management: How to Minimise Costs and Maximise Value

Emmett, Stuart (Author)
English (Publication Language)
316 Pages - 06/13/2005 (Publication Date) - John Wiley & Sons (Publisher)

The book also looks at some unique aspects of warehousing such as automated systems, types of equipment used in warehouses, storage systems, management systems (such as the WMS), RFID and other identification standards, the use of rail services to improve transport efficiency, using electronic data to save on time, and the complete process to set up and successfully run a warehouse.

6. Best Practice in Inventory Management (2e)
By Tony Wild

With decades of working in the field of inventory management, author Tony Wild brings up real-world scenarios from his personal experience in this 260-page guide to warehouse stock management. Aimed at highlighting the pitfalls and problems common to this field, it analyzes the best practices for this industry. It looks at why inventory management is required, the client-side of this business, cash flows, costing, and accounting. This book provides a more general look at the whole field and does not delve too deep into the minute concepts. For a beginner, this is an excellent starting point to learn the relevant topics.

Written clearly and lucidly, the reader is gradually introduced to the various terms, and then later on to the recommended practices to follow. What makes it particularly useful to the reader is that it also covers concepts required for competitive courses in the field of inventory control. This includes the DPIM, COM, DLM, and CPIM courses. Some covered areas include stock control, inventory structuring, item control, forecasting, and general logistics management.

Warehouse Management Handbook

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tompkins, Jim (Author)
English (Publication Language)
1042 Pages - 10/01/1998 (Publication Date) - Tompkins Press (Publisher)

The latest edition focuses on newer laws, regulations, and innovations in this field. Written with practical use in mind, this book is a common study choice for professionals looking to complete certifications and gain valuable experience at the same time. Some of the problems and cases discussed in this book come from actual scenarios that commonly arise during the inexperienced management of inventory. Rest assured, you will be well-informed and more confident about managing stocks once you are done with this guide!

7. Excellence in Warehouse Management: How to Minimize Costs and Maximize Value
By Stuart Emmett

This book provides an excellent foundation for beginners to get started in the field of warehouse management. Author Stuart Emmett has delivered a compelling tale of warehouses, their uses, and why they play such an important role in global shipping. He looks at it from a broad standpoint, paying special attention to ensure the reader is not left behind. The main approach of this book is to provide a foundation, on which more challenging topics can be built up. The book is written engagingly and is assured to be a good read for management beginners. The breakdown of complex terms is particularly helpful, and difficult ideas are presented lucidly for the reader to self-assess.

Best Practice in Inventory Management

Used Book in Good Condition
Wild, Tony (Author)
English (Publication Language)
278 Pages - 08/11/2002 (Publication Date) - Routledge (Publisher)

The salient concepts covered in this book are predominantly from the basics of warehousing and inventory management. This includes the need for management, stock analysis, product classification, stock control, operating principles, types of equipment, safety regulations, costing, outsourcing, and the proper management of human resources in this industry. For the more experienced professionals, it is advised to opt for other books in our list, since this one focuses more on the basic concepts.

Over to you..

Do you know any good warehouse management book that can be added to this list?

Let’s know in the comments below.

About Author

Ajay Menon is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, with an integrated major in Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture. Besides writing, he balances chess and works out tunes on his keyboard during his free time.