School of Engineering & Architecture IE241L – OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES 1 - 5 (COMPILATION) Student Name Acuna, Luis Philip D. Benosa, Gyeneth D. Guita, Angela Mae C. Course: Year and Section: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering 3BSIE - 1 Date Performed Date Submitted July 15, 2025 August 13, 2025 Engr. Charisse C. Bautista, LPT IE241L Lab Instructor Table of Contents Title Page i Introduction 1 Activity #1 Title 3 Objective 3 Instructions 3 Demand Skew 5 Acitivty #2 Title 13 Objective 13 Instructions 13 Master Production Schedule 15 Monthly Production Schedule 15 Weekly Production Schedule 17 Daily Production Schedule 22 Clean-in-Place 24 Changeover 24 Maintenance 24 Capacity 24 Challenges Faced During Scheduling 25 Recommendations 25 Activity #3 Title 27 Objective 27 Instructions 27 Student Task 27 Labor Requirements 28 Activity #4 Title 30 ii Objective 30 Instructions 30 Student Task 30 Bill of Materials 31 Material Requirements Plan 32 Weekly Explosion 37 Vendor Schedule 42 Activity #5 Title 47 Objective 47 Instructions 47 Product (VeraNa Sanitary Pads) 49 Product Handling and Storage Needs 51 Raw Material Storage Planning 51 Finished Goods Storage Planning 54 Designing the Rack System 56 Warehouse Layout Plan 58 Capacity and Space Utilization Analysis 60 Documentation and Report 61 Executive Summary of Design Concept 61 Calculation and Drawings of Storage Requirements 62 Justification for Design Decisions 66 Challenges Encountered and Recommendations 67 iii List of Tables Table No. Page 1 Production Volume of Regular VeraNa Pads 5 2 Production Volume of Overnight VeraNa Pads 5 3 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2026) 7 4 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2027) 7 5 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2028) 8 6 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2029) 8 7 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2030) 9 8 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2026) 9 9 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2027) 10 10 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2028) 10 11 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2029) 11 12 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2030) 11 13 2026 Monthly Production Schedule 16 14 2027 Monthly Production Schedule 17 15 2026 Weekly Production Schedule 18 16 2027 Weekly Production Schedule 20 17 2026 Daily Production Schedule 22 18 2026 Labor Cost Analysis and Production Volume 28 19 2026 Labor Hours and Work Force Plan 29 20 2027 Labor Cost Analysis and Production Volume 29 21 2027 Labor Hours and Work Force Plan 29 22 Bill of Materials 31 23 2026 Monthly Material Requirement Plan 32 iv 24 2027 Monthly Material Requirement Plan 35 25 2026 MRP Weekly Explosion 37 26 2027 MRP Weekly Explosion 40 27 2026 Vendor Schedule 42 28 2027 Vendor Schedule 45 29 Bill of Materials 52 v List of Figures Figure No. Page 1 Skew Demand Forecast Trend of Regular VeraNa Pads (2026) 12 2 Skew Demand Forecast Trend of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2026) 12 3 Legend for 2026 Daily Production Schedule 22 4 VeraNa Pad Composition 49 5 Size of Regular and Overnight VeraNa Pads 50 6 VeraNa Pads Packing (Regular and Overnight) 51 7 Organic Cotton Top Sheet and PLA Bioplastic Bottom Sheet Rolls 53 8 ISO Standard Pallet 55 9 Selective Floor Stacking System Illustrations 57 10 VeraNa Warehouse Layout 60 11 Top and Bottom Sheet Rolls Computation and Visualizations 63 12 Individual Packaging Computation and Visualization 64 13 Raw Materials Shelf Computation and Visualization 65 14 Banana Trunks Metal Shelf Computation and Visualization 66 vi INTRODUCTION The VeraNa Manufacturing Company is a sustainable consumer goods enterprise specializing in the production of biodegradable sanitary pads designed to provide comfort, reliability, and eco-friendly disposal. The company integrates innovative raw materials such as banana pseudo-stem fibers, organic cotton, and PLA bioplastics into its product design, ensuring that every product not only meets high-quality standards but also supports environmental stewardship. Located in Calamba, Philippines, VeraNa serves both domestic and international markets, with its supply chain strategically coordinated to source essential components from various suppliers, including overseas vendors from China. Hence, to ensure quality output and efficient operations, intensive and systematic planning is required, from forecasting demand to managing raw materials, labor, and facility layout, so that production goals are consistently met without compromising sustainability and efficiency. The primary objective of this paper is to present and document the comprehensive production planning and control activities developed for VeraNa Manufacturing Company. These activities were completed as part of an operations management study and reflect practical, industry-relevant applications. The work begins with the Monthly Master Production Schedule (MPS), which translates sales forecasts into concrete monthly output goals. This is then broken down into the Weekly Production Schedule (WPS) and Daily Production Schedule (DPS), providing progressively detailed planning to ensure smooth and continuous operations. Together, these schedules form the Master Production Plan, which serves as the foundation for all other planning activities. To support the execution of this plan, a Bill of Materials (BOM) was prepared to clearly identify all components and raw materials required to produce the finished goods. This BOM serves as the starting point for the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) process, which calculates the quantities, ordering timelines, and lot sizes needed for each material. Closely tied to MRP, labor requirements were computed to ensure that workforce allocation aligns with production targets, minimizing idle time and preventing capacity bottlenecks. 1 Recognizing the importance of facility efficiency, the study also includes the design of a warehouse layout aimed at optimizing storage space, streamlining material flow, and reducing handling time. This ensures that materials move seamlessly from receiving to production, and from production to finished goods storage, without unnecessary delays or costs. Each section in this compilation connects to the next, demonstrating how accurate forecasting feeds into scheduling, how scheduling informs materials and labor planning, and how both are supported by effective facility design. By following this structured process, VeraNa Manufacturing can maintain reliable delivery schedules, control costs, and uphold its commitment to providing sustainable products to the market. 2 ACTIVITY #1 Title: Production Volume Planning for 2026 – 2030 Using Projected Demand, Production Volume and Sales Skew Objective: To enable students to apply forecasting and capacity planning concepts by translating their projected volume of year 2026-2030 (from their Feasibility Study) into monthly and weekly production volumes, considering real-world production factors such as operating hours, shifts, number of working days, and product seasonality. Instructions: 1. Base your work on your previous Feasibility Study output. 2. Use your group’s projected annual demand & production volume for 2026 to 2030 as the basis for this activity. 3. Use the parameters and factors you already established in your feasibility study, such as: a. Seasonality factors affecting monthly & weekly volume. b. Historical or assumed sales skew percentage (per month and per week). Steps Step 1: Monthly Production Volume Planning Distribute your annual Volume for 2026 to 2030 into monthly production volumes using your identified sales skew per month. Consider product seasonality (peak vs. low months) in your distribution. Step 2: Weekly Production Volume Planning using sales skew Using your monthly production volumes, further break down the production requirement per week. Apply a weekly sales skew if applicable (Example: certain weeks in a month may have higher expected demand due to trends like payday weeks, holidays, etc.). 3 Step 3: Capacity Check Based on your available production schedule (hours/day × number of shifts × number of operating days/week), check if the required weekly production is achievable. If there’s a shortfall or overcapacity, suggest solutions (like overtime, extra shifts, or production leveling). Step 4: Excel Template Design Design a custom Excel template. Add sections for Graphs (Line or Bar chart showing production volume trends monthly and weekly) Step 5: Short Narrative Report Include a 2-3 pages explanation addressing: ✓ How you applied your feasibility study data (parameters used). ✓ How sales skew and seasonality influenced your monthly and weekly production plans. 4 Demand Skew The projected production volumes were determined based on forecasted market demand and product distribution trends, resulting in a five-year outlook with increasing production targets. For regular pads, the annual production volumes are projected as follows: 77,946 packs in 2026, increasing to 117,038 in 2027, 139,176 in 2028, and peaking at 208,457 packs in both 2029 and 2030. Similarly, for overnight pads, the projected volumes start at 71,681 packs in 2026, then rise to 105,562 in 2027, 123,224 in 2028, and reach 185,005 packs by 2029 and 2030. These figures serve as the raw production volumes and do not yet account for production efficiency adjustments. Tables 1 and 2 below show the production volumes of regular and overnight sized sanitary pads from 2026 to 2030. Table 1 Production Volume of Regular VeraNa Pads Production Volume (Regular) Year Production Volume (Packs) 2026 77,946 2027 117,038 2028 139,176 2029 208,457 2030 208,457 Table 2 Production Volume of Overnight VeraNa Pads Production Volume (Overnight) Year Production Volume (Packs) 5 2026 71,681 2027 105,562 2028 123,224 2029 185,005 2030 185,005 To derive a more detailed monthly distribution, we implemented a skewing strategy to proportion the annual volume into monthly and weekly demand forecasts. This monthly skew was established based on historical consumption trends and market behavior, with significant consideration given to research suggesting that menstrual product demand typically peaks during the third quarter of the year—particularly July to September—due to environmental and healthrelated factors such as increased menstrual irregularities and heavier flow during warmer months (Pivarnik et al., 2020; Harlow & Ephross, 2021). As such, July to September were assigned the highest monthly percentage allocations at 11%, followed by October to December at 9%, January at 7%, and the remaining months at 6–7% of total annual demand. Each monthly demand was further broken down into weekly targets to match the biweekly production cycle. For regular pads, production is allocated during the first and second weeks of each month, with 60% of the monthly forecast scheduled for the first week and 40% for the second. On the other hand, overnight pad production occurs in the third and fourth weeks, also split 60%40% across the two weeks. This consistent biweekly changeover is scheduled with a one-hour downtime between variants to clean and reset equipment. This approach allows the facility to maintain operational efficiency while ensuring that inventory is replenished for both product types every month. The biweekly changeover system also allows the company to consolidate inventory more effectively and prevents overlapping production between variants, which could complicate scheduling and storage which was shown in Tables 3 to 7. 6 Table 3 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2026) Table 4 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2027) 7 Table 5 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2028) Table 6 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2029) 8 Table 7 Skew Demand Forecast of Regular VeraNa Pads (2030) Moreover, Tables 8 to 12 show the skew demand forecast of overnight VeraNa pads from 2026 to 2030. Table 8 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2026) 9 Table 9 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2027) Table 10 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2028) 10 Table 11 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2029) Table 12 Skew Demand Forecast of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2030) The illustration of the monthly demand skew for both product types is shown below, which depict the percentage distribution and forecasted volume for the Regular and Overnight VeraNa pad variants, respectively. Since the percentage for each month remains constant all throughout the years, the trend exhibits the same graph for both regular and overnight pads from 2026 to 2030. The skewness poses production challenges, particularly in July–September when demand exceeds plant capacity. To manage this, production and inventory were front-loaded in the first half of the year. This pattern was consistent across both variants, requiring aligned scheduling and storage strategies which was shown below in Figures 1 and 2. 11 Figure 1 Skew Demand ForecastTrend of Regular VeraNa Pads (2026) Figure 2 Skew Demand ForecastTrend of Overnight VeraNa Pads (2026) 12 ACTIVITY #2 Title: Master Production Schedule with Weekly and Daily Breakdown for 2026 Considering Inventory Levels and Changeover Time Objective: To enable students to apply Master Production Scheduling (MPS) principles by creating a monthly, weekly, and daily production schedule for 2026, incorporating inventory planning, changeover time, and cleaning downtime (Clean-In-Place - CIP) based on their project feasibility study parameters. Instructions: Use your group’s Forecasted Monthly Production Volumes for 2026 (From Activity #1 Output) Step 1: Create a Master Production Schedule (MPS) for 2026 (Monthly Level) . Your MPS should show: ➢ Beginning Inventory for January = 0 units ➢ You may set your own target ending inventory for each month (ex: 5-10% of next month’s demand or based on group strategy). Step 2: Weekly Production Scheduling Break down each monthly production requirement into weekly production targets using your weekly sales skew (%). Step 3: Daily Production Schedule For each week, break down the weekly production into daily production schedules, considering: ➢ Number of operating days per week (as per your feasibility study) ➢ Daily production capacity (hours, shifts, output per hour) ➢ Target units per day. Step 4: Consider Changeover and CIP (Clean in Place) Time 13 For each week or day, assume production of at least 2 product variants (or SKUs) to simulate product changeovers. Include the following planning assumptions: Step 5: Excel Template Design The final Excel file should have the following sheets/tabs: ➢ MPS (Monthly Summary) ➢ Weekly Production Schedule ➢ Daily Production Schedule (with changeover and cleaning time adjustments) ➢ Inventory Tracking Table (Beginning Inventory, Production, Ending Inventory for each month) ➢ Graphs/Charts (Optional but recommended – e.g., Monthly Production vs Demand, Inventory Level per Month) Step 6: 2-3 Pages Narrative Explanation Include a short report discussing: ➢ The assumptions made (inventory targets, number of operating days, changeover time, cleaning time). ➢ Challenges faced during scheduling (e.g., capacity limitations, downtime). ➢ Recommendations for improving production flexibility or reducing setup time. 14 Master Production Schedule This narrative supports the comprehensive production planning completed for the 2026 operational year, specifically addressing the development of a Master Production Schedule (MPS), Weekly Production Schedule (WPS), and Daily Production Schedule (DPS). The activity aimed to simulate realistic manufacturing operations by integrating key production planning elements such as forecasted demand, inventory control, changeover durations, and Clean-In-Place (CIP) downtimes. By converting forecasted monthly volumes into actionable weekly and daily production targets, this exercise reinforces the importance of aligning production capacity with demand variability while maintaining operational efficiency. The schedules also reflect assumptions based on the group’s feasibility study, including target ending inventory levels, shift capacities, and operating days, which helped refine production pacing and ensure a continuous flow without stockouts or excessive buildup. The master production plan for the years 2026 to 2030 was developed to ensure a responsive and balanced approach to meeting forecasted demand for both regular and overnight sanitary pads. The projected production volumes were determined based on forecasted market demand and product distribution trends, resulting in a five-year outlook with increasing production targets. For regular pads, the annual production volumes are projected as follows: 77,946 packs in 2026, increasing to 117,038 in 2027, 139,176 in 2028, and peaking at 208,457 packs in both 2029 and 2030. Similarly, for overnight pads, the projected volumes start at 71,681 packs in 2026, then rise to 105,562 in 2027, 123,224 in 2028, and reach 185,005 packs by 2029 and 2030. These figures serve as the raw production volumes and do not yet account for production efficiency adjustments. Monthly Production Schedule In terms of monthly production capacity, the “Quantity to Produce” field was established based on the plant’s operational capability rather than matching it directly to the fluctuating demand forecast. For 2026, this capacity was fixed at 6,708 packs monthly for regular pads and 6,168 for overnight pads. As a result, the ending inventory (calculated as the difference between quantity produced and monthly forecasted demand) is consistently positive during the first half of the year but becomes negative in the second half. This is a deliberate strategy. The ending inventory in the earlier months is not intended for immediate distribution but will instead be 15 retained in stock to compensate for the production shortfall that occurs during the higher-demand months (July to December), when actual demand exceeds the production capacity. This safety stock approach ensures that even though the capacity does not increase in the latter part of the year, the company will still have sufficient inventory to meet elevated demand without disrupting supply continuity. The beginning inventory for each month is derived from the previous month’s ending inventory, and this rollover continues throughout the year to monitor stock levels. Although negative inventory values appear in the second half, these are theoretical figures, indicating that actual sales are being supported by previously built-up stock. For better and uniform understanding in creating the monthly production schedule, assumptions were established: ● Production volume is fixed by capacity, not forecast ● Monthly demand is skewed based on historical consumption trends ● Inventory is intentionally overbuilt early in the year ● Ending inventory is a planned buffer and not sold ● Inventory flow is cyclic and cumulative Monthly production schedules of 2026 and 2027 are shown below in Tables 13 and 14. Table 13 2026 Monthly Production Schedule 16 Table 14 2027 Monthly Production Schedule Weekly Production Schedule The Weekly Production Schedule (WPS) serves as the intermediate planning layer between the monthly capacity plan and the highly detailed daily allocations. Using the fixed monthly production capacity from the MPS, the WPS distributes production volumes across the weeks of each month while considering operational constraints and demand skews. The schedule follows a biweekly production allocation per variant, meaning each variant (regular and overnight pads) is produced alternately in two-week blocks to minimize changeover losses. Within each two-week block, a 60%-40% weekly skew is applied—frontloading production in the first week to build buffer inventory while allowing the second week to run at a slightly lower output, accommodating possible maintenance or minor disruptions. Weekly targets remain capacity-based and fixed, independent of sudden short-term demand fluctuations, ensuring operational stability. Inventory levels are monitored at the end of each week to maintain visibility on buffer stocks and detect early warning signs of shortages. Importantly, no production is scheduled during changeover periods, preserving operational efficiency and avoiding mid-week disruptions. To summarize the weekly production schedule assumptions: ● Biweekly production allocation per variant ● 60%-40% weekly skew within each 2-week block ● Weekly production targets are fixed and capacity-based ● Inventory is monitored weekly ● No production during changeover periods 17 Tables 15 and 16 show weekly production schedules of years 2026 and 2027. Table 15 2026 Weekly Production Schedule 18 19 Table 16 2027 Weekly Production Schedule 20 21 Daily Production Schedule To provide more precision and operational realism, a Daily Production Schedule (DPS) was developed. This DPS considers non-working days such as Sundays, public holidays, and planned maintenance days, and allocates the production volume only across valid working days. For instance, if January Week 1 has five working days (excluding one holiday), the weekly target of 2,728 packs for regular pads would be distributed evenly or proportionally across the four valid production days. This level of detail ensures that the production team can execute daily targets realistically, with manageable workloads and reduced risk of overloading machines or operators. For better and uniform understanding in creating the daily production schedule, assumptions were established: ● Only valid working days are considered ● Equal or proportional distribution of weekly targets ● Production is assumed to meet daily targets ● Inventory flows are continuous and tracked daily ● Biweekly variant switchovers are respected at the daily level Figure 3 shows the legend used to understand DPS and Table 17 below shows the 2026 daily production schedule of VeraNa Manufacturing. Figure 3 Legend for 2026 Daily Production Schedule Table 17 2026 Daily Production Schedule 22 23 Clean-In-Place (CIP) The clean-in-place transpires at the start of every shift lasting for 30 minutes each; therefore, the available time for production, which is 420 minutes, becomes 390 minutes for each shift. This is to ensure that all equipment is sanitized and free from any contaminants before production begins. Regular CIP helps maintain product quality, ensures compliance with hygiene standards, and prevents cross-contamination. Changeover The changeover for the year 2026 occurs at the end of the 2nd and 4th week of the month. Specifically, the changeover time lasts for 1 hour each, which essentially affects the available production time of both regular and overnight-sized VeraNa pads every month. This is reflected in the available production time per shift. From 390 minutes per shift, the production time per shift becomes 387.42 minutes to account for the changeover. Hence, the obtained production volume per shift already accounts for the changeover time. Maintenance Maintenance is conducted once a month and spans a full day. This scheduled downtime alternately affects the production of regular pads and overnight pads—each type losing six production days a year. To further explain, in January, the maintenance day falls on the production schedule for regular pads, while in February, it shifts to impact overnight pad production, continuing in this alternating pattern throughout the year. Capacity The capacity of the production per shift is based on the available time for production per shift over the cycle time per unit. After taking into consideration the changeover time annually, the available production time per shift is 387.42 minutes. It is then divided by the cycle time of each variant which is 0.1732 and 0.1885 minutes for regular and overnight pads respectively. The results are 279.6 regular pads per shift, in packs, as well as 256.91 overnight pads per shift, in packs. 24 Challenges faced during scheduling One of the primary challenges encountered during the scheduling process was managing the sharp increase in demand beginning in July, where the monthly forecast rose to 11% of the annual volume. This surge exceeded the calculated monthly production capacity of the plant, posing a risk of not meeting market requirements on time. To address this limitation, a proactive inventory buildup strategy was adopted in the first half of the year. By deliberately overproducing during the months with lower demand, the team was able to create sufficient inventory buffers to offset the capacity shortfall in the latter months. This approach ensured continuity of supply without overextending operational capacity or requiring additional shifts, although it introduced added complexity in terms of inventory tracking and storage space planning. Another challenge was coordinating the production of two variants—regular and overnight-sized VeraNa pads—within strict daily time constraints. Clean-In-Place (CIP) activities were conducted at the start of each shift, reducing daily productive time. Additionally, scheduled changeovers at the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks of each month further limited available minutes. These operational interruptions required careful integration into the shift schedules to ensure both variants met their production targets without compromising hygiene standards or overall efficiency. Recommendations To improve scheduling flexibility and production efficiency, several measures are recommended. First, the plant may benefit from expanding capacity—either by increasing the number of shifts during high-demand months or investing in faster production equipment—to avoid over-reliance on front-loading strategies that tie up storage space and increase inventory costs. Alternatively, implementing a demand-driven or pull-based replenishment system can help align production more closely with real-time sales trends, reducing excess stock buildup. Second, reducing changeover time between product variants would significantly increase productive hours. This could be achieved through Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) principles or equipment upgrades that allow quicker transitions. Training operators to perform parallel tasks during changeovers can also contribute to minimizing downtime. 25 Lastly, digitalizing the production planning process through manufacturing software or advanced Excel models can streamline scenario analysis and provide quicker responses to demand fluctuations, equipment breakdowns, or schedule changes. 26 ACTIVITY #3 Title : Manpower Requirement Plan (2026 – 2027) Objective: To transform aggregate production volumes into a realistic head-count plan that respects Philippine labor standards (8-hour day) and the plant’s shift structure. Instructions: 1. Using the approved aggregate production plan of year 2026-2027, provide a monthly staffing plan toguide the HR recruitment and manpower plan in the production area. 2. Include the desired inventory level in manpower planning. 3. Use the Cycle time (CT) to produce one unit (seconds or minutes) in computing the labor hours per month. 4. Use also the Operating calendar: • Operating days per month (from feasibility study) • Up to 3 shifts per day • 8 working hours per shift (DOLE rule). Student Task 1. Convert Volume into Labor-Hours (Monthly Units × CT (in hours)). 2. Determine the Required Headcount per month, per day and per shift. 3. Determine the equivalent manpower cost per month. 4. Provide Charts – line graph: required headcount vs. months. 5. Two to Three pages narrative explaining peak periods and recommended actions (hiring, OT, cross-training). 27 Labor Requirements To support the stable monthly production of VeraNa sanitary pads, labor planning has been structured around consistent output and efficient shift management. In 2026, production operates at full capacity with 2 shifts per day, while in 2027, operations expand to 3 shifts per day to meet increased demand. Each shift spans 8 hours, with workers earning the provincial non-agricultural daily wage of P540, equivalent to P67.50 per hour. The production schedule allocates 24 working days per month, divided equally between 12 days for regular pads and 12 days for overnight variants. Given that production is maintained at maximum capacity throughout both years, labor requirements remain constant across the months for each year, ensuring workforce stability and predictable labor costs. This setup supports efficient production planning and facilitates streamlined payroll. To compute for the required work force in 2026, production volume and labor cost analysis is needed which are shown in Table 18 below Table 18 2026 Labor Cost Analysis and Production Volume Moreover, Table 19 reveals that in order to suffice the production demand, there should be 5 workers per shift (10 workers per day). 28 Table 19 2026 Labor Hours and Work Force Plan Similarly, Table 20 shows the production volume and labor cost analysis for 2027. Table 20 2027 Labor Cost Analysis and Production Volume Consistently, Table 21 reveals that in order to suffice the production demand, there should be 5 workers per shift (10 workers per day). Table 21 2027 Labor Hours and Work Force Plan 29 ACTIVITY # 4 Title: Material Requirement Plan & Vendor Scheduling (2026 – 2027) Objective: Translate production plans into a time-phased material requirement plan (MRP1) that respects BOM structure, supplier MOQs, and delivery calendars. Instructions 1. Ensure every raw and packaging material arrives when needed for the 2026–2027 schedule. 2. Establish a Bill of Materials (BOM) for the finished product. 3. Embed Supplier constraints such as MOQ, and standard lead time in the MRP1. Student Task 1. Build a BOM Table – item code, description, qty per FG, MOQ, lead-time. 2. Compute for the Monthly MRP – multiply FG volume × qty per FG; round up to MOQ 3. Weekly Explosion – spread each month to weeks (4-5 weeks). 4. Daily Vendor Schedule – offset by lead-time; list delivery dates & lots. 5. Narrative report in 2-3 pages covering MOQ rationale, lot sizing policy, and vendorcoordination issues. Include the assumptions & risk discussion such as over/under-stock risk. 30 Bill of Materials (BOM) The Bill of Materials (BOM) for VeraNa sanitary pads outlines all the essential raw and packaging materials required to produce a finished product. Each sanitary pad is composed of various components identified by their respective item codes. RM01 refers to the banana pseudostem, which forms the absorbent core of the pad. RM02 and RM03 are rolls of organic cotton and PLA bioplastic, respectively, used as the top and bottom sheets; both materials have a conversion rate of 1 roll per 5,000 pads. RM04 is the biodegradable individual packaging, while RM05 is the adhesive layer with release paper, with a productivity of 2,667 pads per roll. RM06, aloe vera extract, serves as an antimicrobial finishing layer and has a conversion rate of 1 liter per 3,333 pads. The wrap is sealed using PK01, an adhesive tape for individual wrap, which can accommodate 16,000 pads per roll. Each pad is packed into PK02, a square straight tuck-end box, with one box containing 8 pads. For shipping, BX01 represents the shipping carton box, which holds 36 individual boxes. Given the monthly production requirements of 12,876 pads in 2026 and 19,314 pads in 2027, these conversion ratios are essential for determining the required quantity of each raw material to meet the forecasted production levels. Table 22 below shows the bill of materials with item code, descriptions, required quantity, MOQ, and lead time needed for production of VeraNa pads. Table 22 Bill of Materials 31 Material Requirements Plan (MRP) The Material Requirements Plan (MRP) for VeraNa sanitary pads was developed to ensure timely availability of raw and packaging materials, balancing production demands with inventory levels and supplier constraints. The MRP operates on a monthly basis, considering three main components: the previous month's ending inventory (extra stocks), the incoming inventory for the current month, and the required ending inventory for safety and continuity. For each item, minimum order quantities (MOQ) were also integrated into the planning process to reflect supplier constraints. For instance, RM02 (organic cotton rolls) and RM03 (PLA bioplastic rolls) each require a minimum order of 30 rolls per transaction, even if the calculated need is lower. Similarly, RM05 (adhesive with release paper) and RM06 (aloe vera extract) have MOQs of 50 rolls and 50 liters, respectively, while PK02 (individual boxes) and BX01 (shipping cartons) must be procured in batches of at least 15,000 and 500 units. Despite needing only 358 shipping boxes per month, orders are adjusted to meet the MOQ, leading to stock buffers that carry over to the next month. This proactive inventory management ensures uninterrupted production, prevents material shortages, and aligns procurement with vendor conditions, all while maintaining cost efficiency through strategic ordering and inventory control. Tables 23 and 24 below show the material requirements plan of 2026 and 2027 which includes the last month’s extra stock, stock entering the warehouse, and stocks leaving the warehouse. Table 23 2026 Monthly Material Requirement Plan 32 33 34 Table 24 2027 Monthly Material Requirement Plan 35 36 Weekly Explosion The Weekly Explosion breaks down the monthly Material Requirements Plan (MRP) into manageable weekly quantities to align production needs with a consistent and efficient supply flow. For VeraNa sanitary pads, the total monthly requirement for each raw and packaging material is evenly distributed across four production weeks, ensuring a smooth and continuous manufacturing process. This granular approach allows for better monitoring of material consumption, reduces the risk of mid-month shortages, and helps maintain optimal inventory levels on a week-to-week basis. By spreading the required quantities, such as rolls of organic cotton, PLA bioplastic, and adhesive, as well as units of packaging materials, over four weeks, the production can coordinate more precisely with warehouse and procurement operations, reinforcing schedule adherence and improving responsiveness to any unexpected disruptions. The weekly distribution also enhances forecasting accuracy and supports more agile adjustments in case of demand fluctuations or supplier delays. Tables 25 and 26 show the weekly explosion of years 2026 and 2027. Table 25 2026 MRP Weekly Explosion 37 38 39 Table 26 2027 MRP Weekly Explosion 40 41 Vendor Schedule The Vendor Schedule for VeraNa sanitary pads was formulated to synchronize the procurement of raw and packaging materials with the production calendar, considering supplier lead times and minimum order quantities (MOQs). Given that most suppliers are based in China, with a lead time of 15 days, materials must be ordered at least half a month in advance to meet production deadlines. The schedule ensures that materials arrive before production begins, while also accounting for stock carried over from the previous month and potential buffer inventory. Ordering decisions are made by comparing the monthly required quantity with available beginning inventory and determining if the remaining balance reaches or exceeds the MOQ. If not, the company strategically rounds up orders to the nearest MOQ level to avoid stockouts and align with supplier terms. For example, even if only 21 rolls of organic cotton (RM02) are needed, a purchase of 30 rolls is made to meet the MOQ. The vendor schedule also integrates forecasted monthly requirements, seasonal fluctuations, and expected increases in demand (e.g., the increase to 19,314 pads per month in 2027). This structured vendor timeline ensures a consistent flow of materials, minimizes express shipping costs, and supports a lean yet resilient supply chain capable of adapting to varying production loads and market conditions. Tables 27 and 28 show the vendor schedule for 2026 and 2027. Table 27 2026 Vendor Schedule 42 43 44 Table 28 2027 Vendor Schedule 45 46 ACTIVITY #5 Title: Designing an Efficient Warehouse Layout with Racking System and Pallet Configuration Objective: To apply concepts of facility layout, material handling, and storage systems by designing a warehouse that efficiently utilizes space, supports smooth operations, and maximizes capacity using appropriate racking and pallet configurations for a selected product. Project Instructions: 1. Select a Product or Product Line ● Choose a specific product (e.g., bottled beverages, packaged rice, automotive parts, canned goods, etc.) ● Define key physical characteristics: dimensions, weight, packaging type, and handling requirements. 2. Determine Product Handling and Storage Needs ● Define the type of pallet used (standard size: 1200 mm x 1000 mm unless otherwise needed). ● Decide on pallet stacking configuration (e.g., boxes per layer, number of layers per pallet). ● Calculate total number of pallets expected in inventory (based on daily/weekly throughput). 3. Design the Racking System ● Choose a suitable racking type: Selective, Drive-in, Pallet Flow, Cantilever, Push-back, etc. ● Justify your choice based on product characteristics and throughput. Determine: ➔ Number of rack levels (tiers) ➔ Number of pallet positions per bay ➔ Aisle width (for equipment like forklifts) ➔ Maximum rack height based on standard warehouse dimensions 47 4. Create a Warehouse Layout Plan Use graphing paper, CAD software, or any drawing tool. Show: ➔ Receiving and shipping areas ➔ Racking zones with pallet positions ➔ Material handling equipment path (e.g., forklifts) ➔ Emergency exits and safety zones ➔ Office/admin areas (optional) 5. Capacity and Space Utilization Analysis Calculate: ➔ Total warehouse area vs. storage area ➔ Space utilization efficiency (%) ➔ Pallet storage capacity ➔ Optional: Consider FIFO/LIFO implications based on your racking system. 6. Documentation and Report ➔ Executive summary of design concept ➔ Specs and storage requirements ➔ Calculations (pallet stacking, number of racks, total capacity, etc.) ➔ Layout drawing (manual or software-generated) ➔ Justifications for design decisions ➔ Challenges encountered and recommendations 7. Presentation 10 minute presentation explaining key aspects of your warehouse design. 48 Product (VeraNa Sanitary Pads) The specific product line to be used in designing the warehouse layout is the VeraNa Sanitary Pad line. This product line includes two variants: the Regular VeraNa sanitary pads and the Overnight VeraNa sanitary pads. Both variants are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring identical biodegradable material layering. Each pad is composed of an organic cotton top sheet, a polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic backsheet, and a processed banana fiber absorbent core which was shown in Figure 4 below. Figure 4 VeraNa Pad Composition Despite their similarities in composition, the two variants differ in size and weight. The Regular VeraNa pad measures 240 mm × 150 mm and weighs 8 grams, while the Overnight VeraNa pad measures 290 mm × 150 mm and weighs 10 grams as seen in Figure 5. 49 Figure 5 Size of Regular and Overnight VeraNa Pads This slight difference in size also results in a variation in packaging dimensions. Each pad is individually wrapped using biodegradable film, then grouped into a retail box containing 8 pads per box. The retail box dimensions for the regular variant are 75 mm × 32 mm × 80 mm, while the overnight variant measures 75 mm × 32 mm × 97 mm. For bulk storage and transportation, these retail boxes are packed into corrugated master cartons. The regular variant uses a carton with dimensions 460 mm × 105 mm × 170 mm, and the overnight variant uses 460 mm × 105 mm × 205 mm as seen in Figure 6. A single corrugated box can accommodate exactly 36 retail boxes of regular VeraNa pads based on dimension fitting. 50 Figure 6 VeraNa Pads Packing (Regular and Overnight) Finally, to ensure efficient warehouse operations and safe movement of goods, both manual handling and the use of industrial manual forklifts will be employed. Manual handling will be used for lighter tasks such as organizing individual retail boxes or arranging corrugated boxes during packing. For bulk movement, particularly of palletized corrugated boxes during receiving, storage, and dispatch, manual pallet jacks and industrial manual forklifts will be utilized to improve operational efficiency and reduce physical strain on workers. Product Handling and Storage Needs The warehouse will accommodate both raw materials used in the production of VeraNa biodegradable sanitary pads and the finished goods intended for distribution. Storage planning is designed to ensure proper handling, safety, and efficient material flow for each category. Raw Material Storage Planning Raw materials for VeraNa pads primarily include banana pseudo stems, aloe vera extract, packaging materials, and other essential inputs. To further detail the raw material storage requirement, the Bill of Materials (BOM) for both regular and overnight pads are shown below. 51 Table 29 Bill of Materials Banana Pseudo-stems This material requires 62 trunks per month and will be stored on a dedicated shelf enclosed within ventilated plastic curtains to promote airflow, control humidity, and protect against pests. The shelf will be 4 meters long, 2 meters deep, and 2 meters high, with five layers each measuring 0.4 meters in height. For strength and moisture resistance, the shelving will be made from powdercoated steel, which is a material suitable for holding agricultural produce without warping or rusting. Handling will be done using trolleys, which are sufficient for moving the bulky but relatively lightweight trunks from the receiving area to storage. Organic Cotton Roll & PLA Bioplastic Roll Both materials require 21 rolls per month; however, with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 30 rolls per delivery, storage will be planned based on this higher volume. The rolls will be stored on pallets measuring 1.2 meters by 1 meter, with six rolls per layer and five layers per pallet as shown in Figure 7. This means that one pallet is required for each roll. To ensure durability, hygiene, and moisture resistance, plastic pallets will be used instead of wood or metal, as they are lighter, easier to clean, and less prone to harboring pests or rust. Handling from the receiving area to storage and production will be done using trolleys for efficiency. 52 Figure 7 Organic Cotton Top Sheet and PLA Bioplastic Bottom Sheet Rolls Biodegradable Individual Packaging This material requires 104,000 pieces monthly, but with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 20,000 pieces per delivery, storage capacity will be based on this volume. Each box contains 10,000 pieces, so 12 boxes are needed to meet the requirement. Given pallet dimensions, only two boxes can fit per pallet layer. With a three-tier stacking arrangement, each pallet can hold six boxes, meaning two pallets are required in total. To maintain hygiene and avoid deformation, plastic pallets will be used, as they are moisture-resistant, lightweight, and easy to sanitize. Material handling from receiving to storage will also be done using trolleys. Adhesives & Retail Boxes The adhesive with release paper and the adhesive tape for individual wraps will each require only one box for storage. Meanwhile, the square straight tuck end retail boxes require 15,000 pieces monthly. With each box containing 1,000 pieces, a total of 15 boxes will be stored. All these materials will be organized on a shared storage shelf measuring 2.5 meters by 2.5 meters, with five layers for efficient vertical space utilization. The shelf will be made of powder-coated steel to ensure durability, resistance to pests, and ease of cleaning. For material handling, lightweight trolley carts will be used for quick transport between receiving, storage, and the production line. 53 Aloe Vera Extract The production process requires 50 liters of aloe vera extract per month. This will be supplied in 2-liter jugs, totaling 25 jugs for storage. To preserve its antimicrobial and soothing properties, the extract will be stored inside a dedicated industrial refrigerator. The refrigerator will maintain the optimal temperature range for preventing spoilage while ensuring product quality. Material handling for this ingredient will involve manual transfer using small food-grade plastic bins or trays to safely carry jugs from cold storage to the production area. Carton Box For the carton boxes, the monthly requirement is 500 folded cartons. With the pallet dimensions of 1 m × 1.5 m, a single pallet can accommodate more than this quantity, so only 1 pallet is needed for storage. A plastic pallet is recommended for durability and moisture resistance. Finished Goods Storage Planning The ISO standard pallet to be used has dimensions of 1.2m × 1m × 0.15m, with a maximum allowable height of 1.2m including the pallet itself as shown in Figure 8. Each layer of the pallet can accommodate 22 corrugated carton boxes, whether for regular or overnight pads, totaling 792 packs per layer. The boxes are oriented on the pallet with the 460mm side aligned along the 1000mm side of the pallet, and the 105mm side aligned along the 1200mm side, allowing for a tighter fit of 22 boxes per layer. 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝐿𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑟 = 𝑛𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑥𝑒𝑠 𝑥 𝑛𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑏𝑜𝑥 54 Figure 8 ISO Standard Pallet For regular pads, the weekly production volume is 3,354 packs. To meet this, five pallet layers are used. Four of these layers are fully loaded with 22 boxes each, while the fifth layer contains only 6 boxes to fulfill the remaining demand. Each box has a height of 170mm, so the total height of the stacked boxes is 850mm, and with the pallet height of 150mm, the total height reaches 1000mm—well within the 1200mm height limit. 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = (ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑥 𝑥 𝑛𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑡 For overnight pads, the weekly production is 3,084 packs. This is covered by four layers: three full layers of 22 boxes and one partial layer of 20 boxes. Each overnight box has a height of 205mm, resulting in a total box stack height of 820mm. Adding the 150mm pallet height, the total reaches 970mm, which also complies with the 1200mm limit. 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = (ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑥 𝑥 𝑛𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑡 In terms of weight, both pallet loads stay well under the 1000kg limit. The regular pallet contains 94 boxes in total, with each box weighing approximately 2.4kg (2.3kg of product + 100g box weight), resulting in a total pallet weight of approximately 226kg. For overnight pads, the pallet carries 86 boxes, each weighing about 3kg (2.88kg of product + 120g box weight), giving a total weight of around 258kg. Total weight = no. of boxes x (weight of 36 pads in a box + weight of box) 55 Overall, the pallet configurations for both regular and overnight pads respect the ISO pallet size, height, and weight constraints while efficiently meeting weekly production volumes. As such, only one pallet per week is required to meet VeraNa’s weekly production target, as each pallet already contains the necessary number of boxes to fulfill demand while maximizing pallet capacity. First-In-First-Out (FIFO) system is also used for selecting the pallet to be delivered first. This ensures that older inventory is used first and production remains continuous. Since deliveries occur at the end of each month, and production operates over four weeks, a total of four pallets per month is required, that is two for regular pads production and two for overnight pads production. Designing the Rack System For the VeraNa manufacturing warehouse, we will not be using a racking system. Instead, storage will be based solely on floor stacking of full pallets, each containing 110 boxes for the Regular variant and 88 boxes for the Overnight variant. Despite the absence of physical racks, we are adopting the selective system conceptually, as it is the simplest and most straightforward storage method. In a selective system, each pallet occupies a single, dedicated position and is fully accessible without needing to move other pallets. This setup aligns with our low-volume, twoSKU operation and ensures ease of inventory rotation, efficient handling, and clear segregation of product variants. It also allows for flexibility in pallet arrangement while maintaining the benefits of individual pallet access and organized storage. 56 Figure 9 Selective Floor Stacking System Illustration The chosen floor pallet storage layout using a selective system without racking is the most practical and strategic option for VeraNa Manufacturing at this stage. It offers easy access to every pallet, which supports First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory management, essential for ensuring product freshness and traceability. Since each pallet holds a single SKU and is individually accessible, it also allows flexibility in handling mixed product types, such as Regular and Overnight sanitary pads. As a startup company, avoiding the upfront costs of installing steel racking makes this approach cost-effective while still maintaining operational efficiency. This simple yet organized layout ensures smooth handling, quick access, and ease of stock rotation, making it a smart and scalable solution for VeraNa’s current warehousing needs. Here is a list of advantages for using floor pallet storage with a selective system (no racking) for VeraNa Manufacturing: ● Easy access to every pallet (supports FIFO system) ● Flexible for storing mixed SKUs (Regular and Overnight variants) ● Cost-effective setup, ideal for startup companies ● Simple and easy-to-manage layout ● No need for racking infrastructure or complex installation 57 ● Quick to set up, relocate, or expand as needed ● Reduces initial capital investment ● Minimizes maintenance costs ● Allows clear visibility and separation of product types ● Efficient for small-scale and low-SKU operations Determine: ● Number of rack levels (tiers) = 5 layers ● Number of pallet positions per bay = 4 pallets horizontally ● Aisle width (for equipment like forklifts) = 3.5 meters ● Maximum rack height based on standard warehouse dimensions = 1200 mm Based on the monthly production volume and pallet capacity, VeraNa Manufacturing will only need a total of 4 pallets to store its finished goods for both Regular and Overnight sanitary pads, assuming deliveries to distributors are conducted monthly. For the Regular variant, the monthly production is 6,708 packs, which is equivalent to 186 boxes (since 1 box contains 36 packs). Given that 1 pallet can hold 110 boxes of Regular pads (22 boxes per layer × 5 layers), only 2 pallets are required to store the entire monthly output of Regular pads. Similarly, the Overnight variant has a monthly production of 6,168 packs, or 172 boxes. Since 1 pallet for Overnight pads can hold 88 boxes (22 boxes per layer × 4 layers), 2 pallets are also sufficient for storing the entire batch. This efficient use of pallet capacity ensures that floor space is optimized without the need for additional storage infrastructure, making it highly practical and cost-effective for the company’s current scale of operations. Create a Warehouse Layout Plan The VeraNa warehouse is designed to ensure an efficient and organized flow of materials from receiving to shipping. At the front of the facility, there are two parking spaces that can each accommodate an L300 vehicle, positioned directly in front of the receiving bay. Upon arrival, raw materials are unloaded at the receiving bay and transferred to the designated unloading area. 58 From the unloading area, trolley pathways branch into two directions depending on the destination. One pathway leads to the storage areas, where raw materials are kept until needed, while the other leads directly to the production area for immediate use. The production area has a dedicated pathway to allow smooth delivery of raw materials without interfering with other warehouse operations. Once manufacturing is completed, products move to the packaging area, which is located adjacent to the production area for convenience. Packaged goods are then transferred to the finished goods pallet zone situated just outside the packaging area. From here, products follow a dedicated pathway to the loading area and shipping bay, where they are prepared for dispatch. The shipping section also has two parking spaces that can accommodate two L300 vehicles, facilitating efficient loading and transport. Support facilities within the warehouse include a Quality Assurance (QA) office located near the receiving and unloading area to inspect and verify the quality of incoming materials. Additionally, there is an employee office to accommodate administrative tasks and operational coordination. This overall layout allows for a logical, one-directional workflow that minimizes congestion and handling time while maintaining quality control at every stage. Figure 10 exhibits the warehouse layout plan below. 59 Figure 10 VeraNa Warehouse Layout Capacity and Space Utilization Analysis The total warehouse area measures 227 square meters, which includes the quality assurance area and the office area, but it does not include the packaging area. Within this space, the designated storage areas consist of the air-conditioned and ventilated banana trunk storage room as well as the refrigerator containing the jugs of aloe vera extract which takes up 18 square meters, 60 the shelf storage (3.5 sqm), the 8 raw material pallets occupying 35.75 sqm, and the 4 finished goods pallets occupying 17.5 sqm, for a total storage area of 74.75 sqm. When compared to the total warehouse size, this results in a space utilization efficiency of 32.93%, indicating that less than one-third of the warehouse floor area is currently being used for storage purposes. While this figure may seem low, it is actually beneficial for operational efficiency. A utilization rate of around 30% means there is ample room for movement, allowing trolleys to navigate easily without obstruction. It also ensures that pallets and storage areas are not cramped together, reducing the risk of damage to goods and enabling safer, faster handling of materials. This layout supports smoother workflow, easier access to stored items, and better compliance with safety standards. Documentation and Report Executive Summary of Design Concept The warehouse layout for VeraNa Manufacturing was developed to apply facility layout, material handling, and storage system principles in supporting the efficient production and distribution of a low-volume, two-SKU sanitary pad product line. The Regular and Overnight variants are both made from biodegradable materials but differ in size, weight, and packaging dimensions, which guided decisions in storage configuration and handling methods. Given the modest production volume, requiring only four finished goods pallets per month, the design adopts a floor-stacking arrangement based on the selective storage concept without installing racking. This approach provides full pallet accessibility, supports FIFO inventory management, and allows flexible handling of mixed SKUs while minimizing capital investment. Raw materials are allocated to specialized storage zones, including ventilated shelving for banana pseudo-stems, refrigerated storage for aloe vera extract, palletized storage for rolls and packaging, and powder-coated shelving for adhesives and retail boxes. Finished goods are stored on ISOstandard pallets configured to remain within height and weight limits, ensuring stability and handling safety. The warehouse layout follows a one-directional material flow to minimize congestion and enhance operational efficiency, with clearly defined areas for receiving, quality assurance, raw 61 material storage, production, packaging, finished goods staging, and shipping. Aisle widths, pallet positions, and the use of manual forklifts, pallet jacks, and trolleys are planned to match operational requirements and maintain safety. Space utilization is currently at 29.3%, which provides ample room for maneuverability, smooth handling, and future expansion. Overall, the design delivers a cost-effective, organized, and scalable warehouse layout that supports smooth workflow, maintains product quality, and accommodates future growth while aligning with VeraNa Manufacturing’s sustainable and efficient production objectives. Calculation and Drawings of Storage Requirements This section presents the computations and visual representations necessary to determine the optimal storage configuration for the project’s raw materials and finished products. Pallet layouts, shelving arrangements, and rack capacity calculations are illustrated through scaled drawings to provide a clear understanding of how the required quantities can be accommodated within the available storage area. These storage plans also take into account the physical characteristics of each material, including size, and shape. First, for the storage of top and bottom sheet rolls, each roll measures 0.3 m in width and has a diameter of 0.3 m. Monthly requirements total 30 rolls for each, which are stored on pallets measuring 1.2 m by 1.0 m. The pallet arrangement, as illustrated in the accompanying diagram in Figure 11, allows the rolls to be placed in a stable configuration that optimizes floor space while maintaining ease of access. There will be 12 rolls per layer and 3 layers in total. 62 Figure 11 Top and Bottom Sheet Rolls Computation and Visualization Second, the storage for individual packaging will also be a 1 m by 1.2 m pallet. The requirement per month results in 12 boxes, each box containing 10,000 pieces. With each box measuring 1 m in length, 1 m in width, and 0.5 m in height, the packing configuration allows six boxes to be stacked per pallet. Given this arrangement, the total storage requirement amounts to two pallets, each reaching a height of 3 m when fully loaded as shown in Figure 12. 63 Figure 12 Individual Packaging Computation and Visualization The next diagram shows a 2.5 m by 2.5 m shelf. This 4-tier shelf will be storing three raw materials which are the release paper adhesives, the wrapping adhesives, and the retail boxes. Computed below in Figure13 are the required number of boxes per raw material. Results showed that a total of 17 boxes with the dimensions of 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m required to be stored. This configuration fits the 2.5 by 2.5 shelf with each tier having 5 boxes. 64 Figure 13 Raw Materials Shelf Computation and Visualization Finally, for the storage of banana trunks, a metal shelf will be used. The shelf’s dimensions are 4 m x 2 m x 2m. This dimension is designed to cater the required 62 trunks per month. As computed in Figure 14, the shelf will have five racks with approximately 13 trunks on each rack. This configuration secures that the 62 trunks will be properly stored in the warehouse. 65 Figure 14 Banana Trunks Metal Shelf Computation and Visualization Justification for Design Decisions The warehouse layout was designed to balance storage capacity, material flow efficiency, and safety. With a total area of 227 sqm, including the quality assurance and office areas, the storage allocation was carefully planned to accommodate both raw materials and finished goods without creating congestion. The designated storage zones, comprising the climate-controlled banana trunk storage, aloe vera refrigerator, shelving for smaller items, and palletized storage for both raw and finished products, occupy 74.75 sqm, resulting in a space utilization efficiency of 32.93%. Although this figure is below half of the available space, it is intentionally maintained to allow for clear pathways, unobstructed trolley and pallet jack movement, and compliance with recommended clearance standards. 66 The use of standard ISO pallets (1200 mm × 1000 mm) ensures compatibility with material-handling equipment and optimizes stacking. Raw materials are stored on eight pallets occupying 35.75 sqm, while finished goods are allocated four pallets covering 17.5 sqm. The unloading and loading areas, sized at 13.5 sqm each, are strategically positioned adjacent to the receiving and shipping docks to minimize handling time and streamline inbound and outbound logistics. Pathways are set at a minimum of 1 meter, which is sufficient given the use of only two trolleys and one pallet jack, ensuring safe and efficient navigation. Special storage requirements are addressed through the climate-controlled banana trunk storage area, which maintains product quality, and the refrigerated section for aloe vera jugs to preserve freshness. The positioning of these facilities near the production area shortens travel distance for high-frequency retrievals. Additionally, the separation of raw material and finished goods pallets reduces the risk of cross-contamination and improves inventory organization. The central pallet arrangement, bordered by accessible pathways, supports smooth material flow between unloading, production, and packaging areas. This design also minimizes double handling and supports FIFO inventory rotation. Open floor space further contributes to safety, as it reduces collision risk, improves visibility, and allows for future expansion of racking if demand grows. Overall, this warehouse configuration promotes operational efficiency, protects product integrity, and ensures compliance with ergonomic and safety standards. Challenges Encountered and Recommendations Designing an efficient warehouse layout with a racking system and pallet configuration presents several challenges, even for a low-volume, two-SKU operation like VeraNa Manufacturing. One major challenge is balancing space utilization with ease of access, maximizing pallet capacity while ensuring that manual handling and trolleys can move freely without congestion. Another is product segregation to prevent SKU mixing, which becomes critical when both Regular and Overnight variants share storage zones. Pallet compatibility must also be managed to ensure stability, proper stacking heights, and compliance with load limits. In addition, planning for future scalability is essential, as the current floor stacking system, while cost-effective now, may limit capacity if production volume grows. Finally, workflow efficiency 67 and safety compliance must be maintained, requiring clear aisles, logical material flow, and adherence to ergonomic and fire safety standards. To address these challenges, it is recommended that VeraNa maintains its selective floor stacking system in the short term but considers transitioning to low-tier selective racking or drive-in racks if demand increases. Moreover, implementing clear visual markings and signage will help maintain SKU segregation and efficient movement paths. Regular pallet quality inspections, along with adherence to maximum stacking heights, will ensure stability and worker safety. Allocating contingency space for future rack installations will also allow the warehouse to scale smoothly without major redesigns. 68
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