Warehouse Management: The Definitive Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse

by Gwynne Richards

Overview

How can you lead warehouse transformation while cutting cost and complexity?

As automation, AI and data—led processes redefine logistics, Warehouse Management by Gwynne Richards is the definitive guide for senior operations leaders looking to modernize warehouse strategy and deliver long—term value.

Fully updated for its fifth edition, this bestselling book equips warehouse managers, logistics directors and distribution leads to respond to complex challenges with confidence, from rising cost pressures and ESG goals to new technologies reshaping operations.

Whether you're redesigning processes, deploying robotics or aligning teams around lean strategy, you'll learn how to:

— Improve cost—efficiency and throughput across warehouse functions
— Select and implement automation, AI and robotics tools
— Build environmentally responsible and future—ready operations
— Apply proven frameworks to increase resilience and responsiveness

Includes real—world examples from leading organizations, plus online videos and slides for deeper learning.

Deliver measurable results with the trusted guide for modern warehouse strategy.

Themes: warehouse strategy, logistics operations, automation, AI in supply chain, sustainable warehousing, cost optimization

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781398618701
Publisher:	Kogan Page, Ltd.
Publication date:	02/25/2025
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	608
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 1.61(d)

About the Author

Gwynne Richards has over 35 years' experience in warehouse management and logistics. As well as running his own successful logistics consultancy, he provides a number of courses on warehouse and transport management for practitioners. He is also a visiting lecturer at the University of Warwick and the University of Hull. He is the co—author of The Logistics and Supply Chain Toolkit and The Logistics Outsourcing Handbook, both also published by Kogan Page. He is based in Norfolk, UK.

Table of Contents

** Chapter — 00: Introduction; ** Chapter — 01: The role of the warehouse; ** Chapter — 02: Role of the warehouse manager; ** Chapter — 03: Warehouse processes — Receiving and put—away; ** Chapter — 04: Warehouse processes — Pick preparation; ** Chapter — 05: Goods—to—person and person—to—goods picking; ** Chapter — 06: Order—picking methods; ** Chapter — 07: Warehouse processes from replenishment to despatch and beyond; ** Chapter — 08: Information systems in the warehouse; ** Chapter — 09: Warehouse layout; ** Chapter — 10: Storage and handling equipment; ** Chapter — 11: Resourcing a warehouse; ** Chapter — 12: Warehouse costs; ** Chapter — 13: Performance measurement and management; ** Chapter — 14: Health and safety; ** Chapter — 15: The warehouse and the environment; ** Chapter — 16: The warehouse of the future; ** Chapter — 17: Appendix 1 Global warehouse costs; ** Chapter — 18: Appendix 2 Warehouse audit checklists; ** Chapter — 19: Bibliography; ** Chapter — 20: Websites of companies that have contributed to this book and other useful websites; ** Chapter — 21: Glossary

Editorial Reviews

"Warehouse Management is an extremely thorough, all—encompassing guide to the structures, models, concepts and methodologies at play in today's modern warehouse environment. I especially love the case studies and real—world examples as they help bring the topic to life in a well applied, simple—to—understand manner. I'll be sharing my copy of this vital guide with those in my team wishing to deepen their understanding of our fascinating sector."

Dionne Redpath

"Packed with actionable insights, Warehouse Management is a must—read for both beginners and industry professionals. This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies for assessing, planning and streamlining warehouse operations. The sections on automation and digital advancements are particularly valuable, providing a roadmap for shaping the future of your sites. An invaluable resource, this book has been one I've referred to consistently over the years."

Artem Kotelnikov

"A must—have resource for students and professionals alike, this book is the go—to guide for mastering warehouse operations. Gwynne Richards draws upon his vast expertise to demystify critical concepts, pairing thorough explanations with real—world examples. This fifth edition delves even deeper into the transformative role of technology in warehousing, offering fresh insights and practical examples to help readers stay ahead in an evolving industry. Whether you're studying logistics or leading a warehouse team, this comprehensive and engaging book equips you to optimise efficiency and minimise costs in today's fast—paced supply chain environment."

Clare Bottle

"Insightful and packed with real—world examples. The author skilfully explains complex systems, from crane—based storage and mini—load AS/RS to advanced robotics, making the principles easy to grasp. Examples like Stöcklin's high—bay and Cimcorp's partnership with Mercadona help illustrate the game—changing benefits of automation. For anyone aiming to stay ahead in warehouse innovation, this is a must—read."

James Osborn FCILT

"This definitive guide to modern warehouse management is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand warehouse management from the basics to advanced concepts. It is ideal for students, consultants and anyone seeking to increase their professional knowledge of warehouse management via a good blend of practical examples, theory and application. It is a core text that is useful far beyond the classroom, making it a must—read publication that is packed with relevant and timely information."

Gary Bilsbarrow

"With a fast—growing team of developers, business analysts and software testers, we often need an easily accessible, reliable resource to provide clarity or background to a warehousing concept. Gwynne Richards' insights are always preferred to any search engine results. We especially like the end—to—end coverage of warehouse issues, real world examples and natural writing style of the book."

MinsterWMS Phoebus van Deventer

"The publication of the fourth edition of Warehouse Management is timely. We have learnt a huge amount about supply chain logistics generally, and warehouse operations specifically, during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic period. In this context, Gwynne Richards brings his unique and unrivalled knowledge of the subject to this new edition. It can be read equally profitably by supply chain practitioners and students alike."

Edward Sweeney

"This fourth edition of Warehouse Management is very welcome and provides great insight into all aspects of the subject. I know from my work with Gwynne Richards at The University of Warwick that his students appreciate the book as a source of reference during their studies. It is an invaluable addition to the bookshelves of students and experienced practitioners alike."

David James

"Warehouse Management, fourth edition, is an essential 'one-stop shop' for both experienced practitioners and those who want to fully understand the fundamentals of how to manage a business storage facility. This is a technical topic, yet the book is accessible, with industry terms clearly explained and examples of best practice provided. Warehouse Management is a must-read for everyone in the supply chain and logistics industries, business students and those who want to understand more about how to operate a warehouse."

Phil Wood