Access frequency: a measure for ABC analysis
The structure of a warehouse essentially determines the efficiency and performance of operational logistics. After all, key aspects such as the efficiency of the warehouse depend on this, which in turn influences the proportionate logistics costs per item. One factor in this context is the access frequency by time: it indicates how often a specific article is accessed within a clearly defined unit of time.
The access frequency is part of the ABC analysis, which is based on the fact that articles in a range are defined in advance according to clear criteria. How high is the sales volume? What is the turnover rate? What is the access frequency? The higher the individual values, the more likely they are to be A items - while C items are those goods that are handled less frequently.
What is the significance of access frequency?
The ABC analysis involves segmenting a population on the basis of predefined objectives. A classic example of this is article sales statistics. These show the percentage share of A, B or C segments in total procurement sales. This basically differentiates between important and unimportant parts within procurement, making the ABC analysis a key controlling tool. The access frequency thus indicates which goods tend to be "slow sellers" and therefore require less storage capacity.
