Guidelines for the Spatial Planning of Medium-Scale Warehouse and Office Buildings for Distribution Centers to Enhance Storage Space Utilization Efficiency : Case Study First Cargo Warehouse

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the factors affecting storage space utilization efficiency, analyze appropriate warehouse layout and functional zoning, and propose spatial planning guidelines for small-scale warehouse and office buildings in distribution centers to improve storage space utilization. The study employed First Cargo Co., Ltd., a warehouse and distribution center service provider in Bangkok, as the case study. This study adopted a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through document reviews, site surveys, field observations, and in-depth interviews with 10 key informants, consisting of one business owner, 3 warehouse managers, 3 warehouse operators, 2 engineers, and 1 architect. The collected data were analyzed based on the concepts of warehouse layout, workflow, space utilization, and functional zoning. The results indicated that the key factors affecting storage space utilization efficiency were: (1) warehouse layout, (2) functional zoning, (3) workflow, (4) vertical storage space utilization, and (5) the integration between warehouse and office areas. The case study revealed that the existing floor storage system resulted in wasted storage space and underutilization of vertical space. In addition, bottlenecks were identified in the receiving and dispatching area, as well as conflict points between forklift routes and pedestrian walkways, which negatively affected operational efficiency and workplace safety. The proposed guidelines include implementing a Selective Rack storage system to maximize vertical space utilization, reorganizing the warehouse according to Functional Zoning principles, adopting an L-shaped material flow layout, and clearly separating forklift and pedestrian traffic routes. These improvements are expected to enhance storage space utilization, reduce wasted space, minimize material handling distances, and improve the overall operational efficiency of distribution centers.