QUESTION ONE $[35]$

Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow:

Warehouse logistics may also extend to anything from warehouse pest control to damaged goods handling, to safety policies, to human resources management, to customer returns. In other words, warehouse logistics involves all the policies, procedures, and organizational tools necessary to keep your warehouse operations running smoothly. Warehousing and warehouse management are part of the logistics management system, which in itself is part of the supply chain. Warehousing plays a vital role in the supply chain process. A warehouse is a large, spacious place that is used for the storage or accumulation of goods. Storing goods throughout the year and releasing when they are needed creates time utility. Although this is viewed simply to store goods, warehousing plays a fundamental role in the logistics system.

Inbound functions assist to prepare for storage as well as outbound functions pack and ship orders, resulting in benefits for both the business and customers. Cross$-$docking solutions allow companies to expedite shipments to customers, which means that customers often get what they want when they want it which is the goal of an optimized supply chain. But cross$-$docking solutions also come with risks that companies should consider before implementing them into standard operating procedures in their warehouses.

With this regard,

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Evaluate different variables a business can use to measure its warehouse performance. $(20)$

$1\mathrm{.}2$ Discuss the impact of cross$-$docking on effective handling of inventory in the warehouses. $(15)$