Standard warehouse layouts are designed around material flow efficiency. Common configurations include the through-flow (or cross-flow), where goods enter on one side and exit on the opposite, and the U-flow, where receiving and shipping docks are on the same side. The Inverted T is also a recognized, albeit more specialized, layout. However, "Inverted U warehouse" is not a standard or recognized term in logistics and warehouse management literature. The conventional layout is the "U-flow," and its inversion does not correspond to a known, practical design.

A. Inverted T warehouse: This is a recognized, specialized layout, often a modification of a through-flow design to accommodate specific dock and aisle configurations for improved vehicle access or material handling.

B. Cross-flow warehouse: This is a fundamental layout, synonymous with through-flow, where materials move in a straight line from receiving on one wall to shipping on the opposite wall.

D. Through-flow warehouse: This is a primary and widely documented warehouse layout designed for a linear flow of goods, minimizing internal congestion between receiving and shipping operations.

1. Richards

G. (2017). Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse (3rd ed.). Kogan Page. Chapter 5

"Warehouse Layout

" details common layouts such as U-flow and through-flow (cross-flow) but does not mention an "Inverted U" layout.

2. Bartholdi

J. J.

& Hackman

S. T. (2019). Warehouse & Distribution Science. Georgia Institute of Technology. Chapter 2

"Warehouse Layout

" discusses the primary trade-offs and describes I-shaped (through-flow/cross-flow) and U-shaped flow patterns as fundamental designs. The term "Inverted U" is not used. Available at: https://www.warehouse-science.com/

3. Cranfield University

School of Management. (n.d.). MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Course Modules. Course materials on strategic logistics and warehouse design cover U-flow and through-flow as standard models. An "Inverted U" is not presented as a viable or standard layout.