1.

Getting familiar with Distribution Centers

a. Read the following description of a Distribution Center and complete it with

the words from the box.

STORAGE RECEIVING AREAS CENTERS

All distribution centers have three

main AREAS and may have
additional specialized areas. The
three main areas are the
RECEIVING dock, also called
loading dock, the STORAGE area or
cargo deck, and the shipping dock.
In small organizations it is possible
for the receiving and shipping
functions to occur side by side, but
in large CENTERS, separating these
areas simplifies the process.
b. Read and match. Read the definition for each of the areas that a distribution
center may include and match the definition with the name of such area.

1. LOADING DOCK 2 A. This area controls and ships large. This

2. BULK DEPARTMENT
department usually includes forklift truck
drivers to load containers and wagons,
and man-up or combi forklift trucks to
unload full pallets from warehouse
racking.
5 B. This department controls orders which
are leaving the country of the
distribution center. This department is
almost identical in function to a bulk
department; however, workers in this
department build pallets conforming to

3. QUALITY ASSURANCE
DEPARTMENT
4. TRANSPORTATION
AREA
5. EXPORT DEAPARTMENT
6. STAGING LOCATION
7. STOCKING
DEPARTMENT
8. PALLET RACKING
Note: In case you have any questions with vocabulary, remember to check the
following dictionaries:
- http://www.businessdictionary.com/
- http://www.linguee.com/
different standards and sizes.
7 C. This area is in charge of replenishing
and storing goods in the store's
backroom or warehouse.
6 D. An area reserved for inventory that is
ready for final assembly or transport.
8 E. There are many types of this racking.
However, all types allow for
the storage of palletized materials in
horizontal rows with multiple levels.
1 F. This is an area of the warehouse where
goods vehicles (usually road or rail) are
loaded and unloaded. This area usually
includes pallet wrapping workers,
conveyor belt unloaders, forklift drivers,
and administrative staff
4 G. Arranges and coordinates shipments in
and out of the distribution center.
3 H. This department performs periodic
checks of random samples of stock to
check quality, including from the
warehouse racking, goods in, and
returned stock. 
 2. Describing a Distribution Center

Following, you’ll see the very basic design of any Distribution Center. Check the image and
answer the questions:

Fuente: SENA
A) According to the image, complete the following paragraph by selecting the
best preposition for each case.
While creating a layout for your warehouse or distribution center can
be considered a big task, it doesn't have to be complicated. The
following tips can help you navigate the process of laying out your
warehouse and make the most out of your space.
 1. Make sure you have enough pallets to store all your goods
in/on/at them.
2. Organize your pallets evenly in/on/at specific racks in such
way that it is easy for the machinery –forklifts- to access
them.
3. There should be enough space for your equipment or
machinery to move by/near/through the warehouse.
4. The machinery or equipment station must be far/below/close
the shipping and receiving area in order to load and unload
freight trucks.
5. The offices must be located in front of/under/above the
warehouse racking for you to supervise the activity within the
warehouse.

Let’s check another example of a distribution center. Pay attention to the different
areas within this distribution center and answer the questions below:
 Fuente: SENA

B) Write sentences to describe the previous distribution center. Do not forget to

use prepositions to describe their location. Check the example:

Where is the…? Answer

- Loading area
- Value added services area
- Inventory control area
- Quality auditing area
- Order packing area
- Refrigerated specialty The refrigerated specialty products area is
products area
- Put-to-store area
The loading area is located next to the
freezer.
The Value-added services area is in
front of the line loading
The inventory control area is next to line
loading
Quality auditing area is within inventory
control area
The order packing area is opposite the put-
to-store
among the value-added services and high
value products area
The put-to-store area is next to reverse
logistics

3. Critical thinking – Making decisions

A) Pros and Cons. Read the following statements about Distribution Center
Design and decide in you agree or disagree with the statement. Do some
research on the topic and provide pros and cons for each statement.

Check the example:

The layout in your warehouse must Your opinion:

 I disagree. I think Distribution
Centers must have a specific
design that helps the regular non-
changing flow of goods.
PROS:
-With flexible Distribution
be flexible Centers you can ensure your
facilities are ready for anything that
comes in the future.
CONS:
-Flexible Distribution Centers tends
to be more disorganized. It is hard
to keep control of the changes.
Save space: cram as many pallet Your opinion:
racks into your warehouse as I agree as long as it does not
possible interfere with the normal
development of machinery and
personnel.
PROS:
More use should be made of the
distribution center.

CONS: Damage to good

management within CEDI

Having an aisle map will help you Your opinion: It is logistically perfect
validate that the correct item is in since it allows to locate, verify and
the assigned location. load the desired item efficiently
PROS: Corridor maps not only
make it easy to locate the item, but
also propose ideas for a new
organization
CONS: Good staff work can be
hampered as it will be attached to a

Provide for the level of automation
that can be cost-justified based on
your particular operation and cost
structure.
map and no testing will be done
Your opinion: The responsible
person should study the areas that
need this process in a more
relevant and important way.
PROS Improves flow and reduces
steps to perform a task.
CONS Care must be taken to find
the practical way, as it can lead to
large capital expenditures.

4. Sharing your opinion

It is time to share your opinions about distribution centers design. Study the
complementary material “Expressions for Discussion and Debate” and get ready
for your Blackboard Collaborate session.

Study the following video to have a successful participation in your debate session.
Pay attention to pronunciation and the different expressions to participate in a
discussion How to discuss a topic in a group:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY2yjEEoB3U

Pasos para enviar la evidencia:

 Clic en el título de la evidencia.

 Clic en Examinar mi equipo y buscar el archivo previamente guardado.
 Dejar un comentario al instructor (opcional).
 Clic en Enviar.

Nota: Recuerde que la elaboración de esta evidencia es de carácter individual y

para su desarrollo exitoso, usted debe revisar el material de formación “Using
prepositions to describe Distribution Centers” y los materiales complementarios
pertenecientes a esta actividad de aprendizaje.

Criterios de evaluación
 Explica claramente las ventajas y desventajas de una posible decisión
 en lo técnico.

 Toma parte activa en debates informales dentro de contextos de trabajo

habituales.

 Plantea, explica y contesta hipótesis técnicas.

Nota: Recuerde que la elaboración de esta evidencia es de carácter individual y

para su desarrollo exitoso, usted debe revisar el material de formación “Using
prepositions to describe Distribution Centers” y los materiales complementarios
pertenecientes a esta actividad de aprendizaje.

Criterios de evaluación
 Explica claramente las ventajas y desventajas de una posible decisión
en lo técnico.

 Toma parte activa en debates informales dentro de contextos de trabajo

habituales.

 Plantea, explica y contesta hipótesis técnicas.