Behind the Receiving Gates
A Look at the warehouse as they receive everything from candy to computers
A little known part of the college exists where students walk by everyday in the Student Resource Center (SRC).
From 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., supplies for the college arrive on a regular basis. Everything from furniture to books, and even athletic equipment, is delivered at the campus warehouse.
All of those supplies have a final destination somewhere on the large campus and it is up to the nine members of the warehouse to make sure everything gets delivered in a timely manner.
Typically, a package will take two or three days to arrive at its final destination, according to warehouse supervisor Karen Caesar. For the warehouse staff, it is a constant juggling act to make sure there is room for everything that comes in.
"My biggest challenge is getting stuff out to make room for everything coming in," Caesar said.
The computer system is a crucial part of keeping the warehouse organized. Everything is scanned twice. Once when the supplies arrive at the warehouse, and again when they are delivered to their final destination on campus.
Safety is also a big concern. The large pallets of supplies, forklifts, and even hazardous material make the warehouse a dangerous working environment. To minimize that risk, all staff wear a back brace and are trained on forklift procedures and how to properly lift heavy packages.
Also among the safety concerns are packages that may contain a bomb or other contents meant to inflict harm. Although every box cannot be individually inspected, all warehouse staff complete training in recognizing suspicious packages.
from the College of DuPage Courier, October 3, 2003