Actividad de aprendizaje 9

Evidencia 2: Workshop: Understanding the distribution center layout

Tener claridad respecto a los procesos internos de la gestión logística es tan importante como
entender la importancia de la adecuada gestión de la infraestructura física de las bodegas y
centros de distribución, ya que, como algunos afirman, es el corazón o núcleo de las
operaciones logísticas, en tanto allí se almacenan los productos que posteriormente serán
distribuidos al comercio tanto minorista, como mayorista.

Por lo anterior, es importante que el aprendiz de gestión logística esté en la capacidad de

entender textos en inglés que den cuenta de los estándares de calidad para la infraestructura
de un centro de distribución. Esto le permitirá al aprendiz tener herramientas para gestionar
procesos físicos – de infraestructura - de la cadena de abastecimiento.

Así, con el fin de ayudarle a adquirir estas herramientas, la presente evidencia de aprendizaje
consiste en realizar un taller sobre el diseño de un centro de distribución denominado
Workshop: Understanding the distribbution center layout. En este taller usted deberá hacer
uso del conocimiento técnico adquirido hasta el momento en el área de inglés y compartirá su
opinión respecto a las recomendaciones de diseño de un centro de distribución que aparecen
enunciadas en el taller.

Para la elaboración de la presente evidencia, tenga en cuenta lo siguiente:

Primer momento: comprensión y producción escrita

1. Estudie en su totalidad el material de formación Using prepositions to describe

Distribution Centers junto con el material complementario disponible para esta
actividad.
2. Desarolle completamente el taller disponible para la presente actividad de aprendizaje
Workshop: Understanding the distribution center layout. Para la elaboración de este
taller puede usar la herramienta ofimática de su preferencia.
3. Envíe el archivo al instructor en formato .doc o .pdf a través de la plataforma virtual de
aprendizaje.

No olvide tener en cuenta el material complementario ““Expressions for Discussion and

Debate” además de los diferentes aspectos de pronunciación de inglés estudiados en
actividades de aprendizaje anteriores y en el video provisto en el taller mencionado.
 TALLER
Workshop: Understanding the distribution center layout

Your warehouse or distribution center layout greatly affects the performance of your business.
In fact, without a properly configured warehouse layout, you could face capacity issues and
even a decrease in productivity.
Complete the following activities in order to understand the importance of the layout when
designing a Distribution Center or warehouse.

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 _______________ and may have additional
specialized areas. The three main areas are the ________________ dock, also called loading
dock, the _________________ 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 ________________, 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. Supply chain B A. That is where the commodity or product

is stored in the cellar until the supplier
requires.
2. Inventory B. It is a network of facilities and
distribution means whose function is to
obtain materials, processing of these
materials into intermediate and finished
products and distribution of these
finished products to consumers.
3. Wholesaler C. It is the area that supports and guides in
case of loss or damage to the product.
4. Storage D. This is the place where the goods are
stored prior to use, distribution or sale.
5. Loss and damage claim E. Someone who is dedicated to buy and
support sell wholesale products.
6. Network F. Transportation or shipping, storage and
related logistics, which are provided by
companies employed to undertake tasks
that were previously performed by the
customer services.
7. Shipping G. It is the list of goods, products and other
valuables things that belong to a
company
8. Warehouse H. An interconnected group or system.

Note: In case you have any questions with vocabulary, remember to check the following
dictionaries:
- http://www.businessdictionary.com/
- http://www.linguee.com/
You can also check the Learning Material (Material de formación en el archivo:
Material_Using_prepositions_to_describe_Distribution_Centers.pdf)
 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.
1. Make sure you have enough pallets to store all your goods _____on_______ them.
in / on / at

2. There should be enough space for your equipment or machinery to move

________________ the warehouse. by / near / through

3. The machinery or equipment station must be _______________ the shipping and

receiving area in order to load and unload freight trucks. far / below / close

4. The offices must be located__________________ the warehouse racking for you to

supervise the activity within the warehouse. in front of / under / above
 b. Write sentences to describe the next distribution center. Do not forget to use
prepositions to describe their location. Check the example:

Where is the…? Answer

Where is the Loading area? The loading area is next to the freezer.
Where is the Value added services area?

Where is the Inventory control area?

Where is the Quality auditing area?

Where is the Order packing area?

Where is the Put-to-store area?

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
3. Critical thinking – Making decisions

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

Check the example:

Your opinion:
I disagree. I think Distribution
Centers must have a specific
design that helps the regular non-
changing flow of goods.

PROS:
The layout in your warehouse must -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 PROS:
possible CONS:

Having an aisle map will help you Your opinion:

validate that the correct item is in
the assigned location.
PROS:
CONS:
Provide for the level of automation Your opinion
that can be cost-justified based on PROS
your particular operation and cost CONS
structure.
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.