REDESIGNING RICE REFINERY WAREHOUSE LAYOUTS THROUGH THE SHARED STORAGE APPROACH

Abstract

The rapid development of the industrial world and advancements in technology have fostered significant growth in the manufacturing industry. However, this progress has also led to various challenges, such as warehouse layout issues for finished products. Warehouses serve as critical storage spaces for raw materials, goods in process, and the final products for distribution. The effectiveness of the storage system in the manufacturing industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring product quality and quantity [1] [2] [3]. Unfortunately, poor warehouse layouts have resulted in damaged finished products [4] [5], necessitating the establishment of efficient storage systems.

This study focuses on PT. Kilang Padi Mutiara Refinery, a prominent rice-producing company in Samudra District, Kab. North Aceh. The company operates three production lines for rice, groats, and bran and possesses a single finished product storage warehouse measuring 28 x 21 m2 with a door of 1.95 m2 [8] [9]. Despite its significance, the current warehouse layout at PT. Kilang Padi Mutiara is disorganized and based on inadequate inventory management, leading to mismatches between stored products' type and size. This mismanagement results in limited space within the warehouse and a cluttered environment, causing product build-up and damage to packaging [10] [11].

Another issue that arises due to the current layout is the prolonged material handling distance and time. The chaotic product arrangement necessitates extra efforts for operators to retrieve desired products, especially when obstacles obstruct material handling routes. Consequently, operators must first clear the pathway before accessing the intended products, leading to increased material handling mileage [12] [13].

In response to these challenges, this research proposes the implementation of the shared storage method using the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle to optimize the finished product warehouse layout at PT. Kilang Padi Mutiara. By prioritizing goods that are sent out frequently and placing them closer to the main entrance and exit, the proposed layout aims to improve organization and efficiency in the warehouse [16] [17] [18]. The evaluation of the current layout and the subsequent redesign using the shared storage method will significantly reduce material handling mileage, which is evident from the calculation results indicating a decrease from 719.56 m to 593.33 m [14] [15].

In conclusion, this study endeavors to address the challenges associated with the finished product warehouse layout at PT. Kilang Padi Mutiara refinery. Through the application of the shared storage method and the FIFO principle, the proposed layout seeks to enhance organization, accessibility, and overall efficiency in the warehouse [4] [19] [20] [21]. It is hoped that this research will contribute valuable insights to the optimization of warehouse layouts in the manufacturing industry, thereby improving the storage and handling of finished products.