Abstract  

Logistics park isthe location where logistics facilities and business are physicallycongregated. Its layout and design will directly influence the performance oflogistics operation. The Systematic Layout and Planning (SLP) method istherefore introduced in this study. The functional area is initially determinedthrough analyzing the general operation procedure in Logistics park. Next, thesystematic layout and design is taken with the analysis on logistics relevanceand activity relevance. The optimal one can be finally chosen by an evaluatingprocess. The SLP method was verified feasible and effective in the layout oflogistics park.

Key words: SystematicLayout and Planning; Logistics Park; Functional Area

Introduction

Facility layout playsa vital role in the design of internal logistics system. Take a plant forexample, a good technique layout may substantially reduce redundant materialhandling and the cycle time of production and hence be helpful to maintain avery high efficiency. In this study, the SLP method was introduced into the layoutand design of Logistics park. The functional area is initially determinedthrough analyzing the general operation procedure in Logistics park. Next, thesystematic layout and design is taken with the analysis on logistics relevanceand activity relevance. The optimal one can be finally chosen by an evaluatingprocess.

1.The systematic layout principle of logistics park

1.1 Seven basic elements

Generally, sevenbasic elements are involved in logistics operation. They are entry (E), item(I), quantity (Q), route (R), service(S), time (T) and cost (C). E is thecustomer to be served; I is the commodity to be delivered; Q is the quantity ofcommodity or stock; S is the service level; T is the time of delivery; and C isthe price of commodity or the budget of building. EIQ is the main elements tobe analyzed in the layout for logistics park (Sun and Liang, 2004).

1.2 Analysis on business process and partition offunctional area

The businessprocess in logistics park can be analyzed with flow chart. Various activitiesmay be classified into several units according to their characteristics;According to the information of unit volume, quantity and location involved ineach activity, the logistics volume and physical distribution of each activityare known. Followed by, various functional areas are sketched, their capacitiesand space utility are furthermore determined. 

1.3 Analysis on logistics relevance

It mainly analyzeslogistics route and volume in logistics park. By means of logistics strengthand relevance table, the relevances in various functional areas are figured out.The aim is to reduce logistics volume and shorten logistics distance, andthereby to minimize operation cost and improve efficiency. It is the core inthe SLP method.

1.4 Analysis on activity relevance

It analyzes theactivity relevances between logistics related areas and non-logistics relatedareas such as management or auxiliary area.