Definition
The first layer between the point of use and the warehouse is the unit adjacent to the common material, as a supermarket shelf.
In detail
Adjacent storage is a layer of material storage between point-of-use storage and a warehouse, where frequently used materials are placed close to the cell like supermarket shelves. It addresses the balance between material supply and cell production, reducing search and transportation time. Compared to point-of-use storage, it allows slightly larger inventory but is closer to the floor than a warehouse. Outputs include material layout and replenishment rules.
Example in practice
A cell required various small parts, but space at the point of use was limited. An adjacent storage area was set up next to the cell, replenished regularly based on usage. Operators could quickly access parts without affecting space within the cell. This reduced walking and waiting, improving efficiency.