Mapping and Evaluating Warehouse Process Phases: A Mixed-Method Study on Operational Priorities and Neglected Activities

The operational management of a warehouse is a crucial component in a company's supply chain, directly influencing the efficiency and competitiveness of the entire organization. A well-managed warehouse not only optimizes logistics costs but also enhances customer service quality by reducing delivery times and increasing overall satisfaction. The fundamental elements of warehouse operations include the receiving and storage of goods, inventory management, picking, and shipment preparation. Each of these stages requires careful planning and effective execution to ensure operations are carried out efficiently and without errors. Warehouse organization involves not only establishing an effective and efficient process but also designing an environment suitable for such operations. In this context, the paper aims to provide both academics and professionals with: • A review of the warehouse process, highlighting the key activities necessary for the effective and efficient management of all operations from goods receipt to dispatch. • An evaluation, conducted through a survey of a sample of companies, to identify which phases of the warehouse process are most optimized and monitored. Based on a literature review aimed at identifying the core activities carried out in warehouses, the paper presents a comprehensive and adaptable process suitable for various business models, from manufacturing firms to commercial enterprises. The proposed new process was submitted to a sample of 25 companies to assess its robustness and to investigate which phases are most frequently monitored. The study seeks to offer a practical guide for logistics managers and warehouse supervisors, supporting them in improving process management and achieving efficiency and effectiveness objectives, while also serving as a resource for academics interested in exploring warehouse operations in greater depth.