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Estimating the capacity of 
storage facilities
Technical supplement to
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 961, 2011
May 2015Annex 9: Model guidance for the storage and transport of time- and 
temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products
© World Health Organization 2015
WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland (tel.: +41 22 791 3264; 
fax:  +41  22 791 4857; e-mail: bookorders@who.int). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications – whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution – should be addressed to WHO Press, at the above address (fax: +41 22 791 4806; e-mail: permissions@who.int).
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any

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The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any 
opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or 
recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in

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All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in 
this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use. The named authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this publication.Supplement 3
2Contents
Abbreviations 3
Acknowledgements 4
Glossary 5
1. Introduction 8
1.1 Requirements 8
1.2 Objectives 8
1.3 Target readership 9
2. Guidance 10
2.1 Associated materials and equipment 11
2.2 Inventory management concepts 11
2.3 Collecting product data 14
2.3.1 Vaccines 15
2.3.2 General pharmaceuticals, including non-vaccine TTSPPs 15
2.3.3 Volume data and SKU types 18
2.4 Calculating maximum inventory volumes  19
2.4.1 Vaccines and related supplies 19

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2.3.2 General pharmaceuticals, including non-vaccine TTSPPs 15
2.3.3 Volume data and SKU types 18
2.4 Calculating maximum inventory volumes  19
2.4.1 Vaccines and related supplies 19
2.4.2 General pharmaceuticals and supplies, including non-vaccine TTSPPs 21
2.5 Calculating net storage capacity requirements 22
2.5.1 Classifying products by storage temperature and security category 22
2.5.2 Load support systems 23
2.5.3 The utilization factor concept 23
2.5.4 Pallet bay calculation 25
2.5.5 Shelving unit calculation 26
2.5.6 Closed shelving units and safety cabinets 27
2.5.7 Refrigerators and freezers 27
2.5.8 Load optimization tools  28
Bibliography 30
Tools 32
Revision history 33
3
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3Abbreviations
EEFO Earliest-Expiry-First-Out
FIFO First-In-First-Out
IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent 
Societies
ISO International Standards Organization
MSF Médecins Sans Frontières

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EEFO Earliest-Expiry-First-Out
FIFO First-In-First-Out
IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent 
Societies
ISO International Standards Organization
MSF Médecins Sans Frontières
SIA Supplementary Immunization Activity
SKU Stock-keeping unit
TTSPP  Time and Temperature-Sensitive Pharmaceutical Product
UPC Universal Product Code
VEN Vial, Essential, Nonessential
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WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsAcknowledgements
The author of this document is Andrew Garnett, an independent consultant, 
London, UK.
5
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3Glossary
ABC analysis:  Tool for reviewing stock movement, which categorizes items by 
the volume and value of consumption during a specific period of time, usually 
one year. Class A items – 10 to 20 percent of items, representing 75 to 80 percent of expenditures – are mostly high-volume, fast-moving medicines. Class B items

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one year. Class A items – 10 to 20 percent of items, representing 75 to 80 percent of expenditures – are mostly high-volume, fast-moving medicines. Class B items 
are usually 10 to 20 percent of items, and 15 to 20 percent of expenditures. Class C items often represent 60 to 80 percent of the items but only about 5 to 10 percent 
of the total expenditures; these are the low-volume, slow-moving items. Thus, 
class C is a good place to look for items that might not be needed in stock at all 
times. See also VEN analysis.
Controlled or hazardous products: TTSPPs and other products with high illicit 
value: poisons, narcotics, psychotropic products, inflammable or explosive 
substances and radioactive materials.
Gross storage capacity: The gross free volume of a load support system available 
for storing SKUs. This volume is measured between the shelves of a shelving unit, or between the support beams of a racking system.

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for storing SKUs. This volume is measured between the shelves of a shelving unit, or between the support beams of a racking system.
Insulated shipper:  A single-use insulated passive container, containing coolant, 
typically used to distribute TTSPPs by road or air transport.
Inventory turnover: A measure of the number of times inventory is sold or used 
in a time period such as a year. The equation for inventory turnover equals the 
cost of goods sold divided by the average inventory. Inventory turnover is also known as inventory turns, stockturn, stock turns, turns, and stock turnover.
Net storage capacity: The total volume available for storing TTSPPs, taking 
account of the type of load support system employed (floor-standing pallets, 
adjustable pallet racking, shelving units or cabinet). Net storage capacity is calculated by multiplying the gross storage capacity of the load support system by 
the utilization factor (less than one) that can be achieved for the chosen SKU type.

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the utilization factor (less than one) that can be achieved for the chosen SKU type. 
Pallet: Wooden or plastic platform designed to be lifted by pallet jack or forklift  
truck. Typically used for storing and handling tertiary cartons.
Pharmaceutical product: Any product intended for human use or veterinary 
product intended for administration to food producing animals, presented in 
its finished dosage form, that is subject to control by pharmaceutical legislation 
in either the exporting or the importing state and includes products for which a prescription is required, products which may be sold to patients without a 
prescription, biologicals and vaccines. Medical devices are not included
1.
1  Definition from WHO/QAS/08.252 Rev 1 Sept 2009. Proposal for revision of WHO good distribution 
practices for pharmaceutical products – Draft for comments.
6

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1.
1  Definition from WHO/QAS/08.252 Rev 1 Sept 2009. Proposal for revision of WHO good distribution 
practices for pharmaceutical products – Draft for comments.
6
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsPrimary container: Bag, blister pack, strip, bottle, cartridge, vial, ampoule, 
prefilled device, plastic dispenser, tube, single dose container or the like containing tablet(s), capsule(s), liquid preparation or the like. 
Refrigeration equipment: The term ‘refrigeration’ or ‘refrigeration equipment’ 
means any equipment whose purpose is to lower air and product temperatures and/or to control relative humidity.
Secondary pack or carton or market package: The package presentation 
intended for the end user (e.g. bottle + cap liner + dose cap + leaflets + carton) but not including packaging used solely for transport purposes (e.g. Tertiary carton  
or Insulated shipper ). The secondary pack may contain multiple units of product.

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or Insulated shipper ). The secondary pack may contain multiple units of product.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): A set of instructions having the force of a directive, covering those features of operations that lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of effectiveness. Standard operating policies and procedures can be effective catalysts to drive performance improvement and improve organizational results.
Stock-keeping unit (SKU): In the field of inventory management, a code 
number, typically used as a machine-readable bar code, assigned to a single item of inventory. As part of a system for inventory control, the SKU represents the smallest unit of a product that can be sold from inventory, purchased, or added to inventory. Applied to wholesale, retail, or production operations, the SKU can assist in monitoring transactions, tracking customer spending patterns, controlling inventory and purchasing, and providing information about pricing

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2, for example via its Universal Product Code (UPC). In the 
context of this Technical Supplement, and depending on the level in the supply chain, an SKU may be a complete pallet, a tertiary carton, a secondary carton or a primary container. 
Temperature-controlled: Includes any environment in which the temperature is 
actively or passively controlled at a level different from that of the surrounding environment within precise predefined limits.
Temperature-modified: Includes any environment in which the temperature 
is predictably maintained at a level different from that of the surrounding environment, but is not actively or passively controlled within precise predefined limits.
Tertiary pack or carton: The pack/carton that contains a number of secondary 
cartons; usually constructed of corrugated fibreboard. Note:  the tertiary carton 
2  Source: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1242199/SKU
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WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5

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cartons; usually constructed of corrugated fibreboard. Note:  the tertiary carton 
2  Source: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1242199/SKU
7
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3is not the same as the insulated shipper used for international air shipment of 
TTSPPs, although the insulated shipper may contain one or more of these cartons.  
Time and temperature sensitive pharmaceutical product (TTSPP): Any 
pharmaceutical good or product which, when not stored or transported within 
pre-defined environmental conditions and/or within pre-defined time limits, is 
degraded to the extent that it no longer performs as originally intended.
Utilization factor: The percentage of the total volume available for storing 
TTSPPs that can reliably be achieved in practice, taking account of the types of stock-keeping unit (SKU), the types of load support system and the stock 
management systems used in the store.

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TTSPPs that can reliably be achieved in practice, taking account of the types of stock-keeping unit (SKU), the types of load support system and the stock 
management systems used in the store.
VEN analysis: Method for categorizing stock as vital (V), essential (E), or 
nonessential (N). This system is sometimes modified to two categories – V and N. VEN analysis is often used to prioritize procurement when not enough funds exist to purchase all items requested. The system can also help determine which 
items should be kept in stock and which can be ordered when needed. See also 
ABC analysis.
8
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations1. Introduction
This technical supplement has been written to amplify the recommendations 
given in Section 3.1 to 3.4 of WHO Technical Report Series No. 961, 2011, Annex 9: Model guidance for the storage and transport of time- and temperature-
sensitive pharmaceutical products
3. Related topics are covered in the following

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sensitive pharmaceutical products
3. Related topics are covered in the following 
Technical Supplements:
 ■Design of storage facilities.
 ■Maintenance of storage facilities.
 ■Qualification of temperature-controlled storage areas.
 ■Security and fire protection in storage facilities.
1.1 Requirements
Pharmaceutical warehouses and other related storage facilities need to be of an appropriate size to store sufficient TTSPPs and other products to meet demand, taking account of the following factors:
a. The frequency of supply from product manufacturers and/or from higher level warehouses or storage facilities;
b. Levels of safety stock to be held for each product line stored;
c. Frequency of onward delivery to lower level stores or health facilities;
d. Patient demand for each product line, taking account of seasonal 
and other fluctuations in consumption.
e. Seasonal re-supply factors, such as road closures caused by flooding and the like.

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d. Patient demand for each product line, taking account of seasonal 
and other fluctuations in consumption.
e. Seasonal re-supply factors, such as road closures caused by flooding and the like.
In the case of an existing storage facility, decisions regarding factors a, b 
and c are in turn affected by the actual storage capacity of the building and the opportunities available for reorganization or expansion.
1.2 Objectives
The objective of the Technical Supplement is to provide guidance on how to meet the above requirements. The document only covers the process of determining the net storage capacity required; it does not cover the related 
process of determining the gross capacity of the storage area and the size of 
loading bays, packing areas, administrative areas and the like. This is part of the 
3  http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s18683en/s18683en.pdf
9
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5

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3  http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s18683en/s18683en.pdf
9
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3subsequent building design process, described in the companion supplement: 
Design of storage facilities .
The supplement borrows from, and updates, the methodolgy described 
in a 1993 WHO document, How to estimate warehouse space for drugs4. It 
describes a way of establishing the minimum net capacity of a store and for calculating the net capacity of sub-stores within such a store; for example, 
cold rooms. 
On a continuing basis, the methodology may be used to assist with the 
planning of forthcoming purchases and deliveries so as to ensure that they do not 
exceed available warehouse capacity. This on-going review process is particularly important for health programmes undergoing rapid growth. The collected data may also be used to check the capacity of existing stores when supply

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circumstances change. Finally, the data may also be used to assess transport 
volumes and to check that adequate temporary storage space is available at ports and airports when deliveries arrive.
1.3 Target readership
The supplement provides guidance aimed at more senior operations staff. Principally these will be the owners and operators of warehouses, pharmacies and other buildings used to store TTSPP’s and those responsible for property 
development and property acquisition on behalf of owners and operators. It 
will also be of value to those responsible for preparing a brief for the medical warehouse design team when designing or procurring storage facilities.
4  WHO/DAP/93.3
10
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations2. Guidance
Correct estimation of the net volume of TTSPPs, general pharmaceuticals 
and other related supplies is the critically important first step in designing or

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Correct estimation of the net volume of TTSPPs, general pharmaceuticals 
and other related supplies is the critically important first step in designing or 
procuring a warehouse. It is also essential information for estimating the volume of goods flowing into and out of the facility so that transport requirements can 
also be calculated. Without these data it is impossible to determine how large a 
building is required, or to estimate the associated TTSPP cold storage capacity 
needed within the warehouse. Similar net volume data are also needed to 
calculate realistic storage requirements for smaller facilities, such as hospital 
pharmacies or health centres, and also to determine the capacity of refrigerators 
and freezers in these facilities.
This supplement provides an introduction to some of the concepts 
involved, outlines the key decisions that should be made and identifies the data that need to be collected. The basic questions that have to be answered in order

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involved, outlines the key decisions that should be made and identifies the data that need to be collected. The basic questions that have to be answered in order 
to size a pharmaceutical warehouse or store can be summarized as follows:
 ■Which products are to be stored?
 ■How many units of each product must be stored?
 ■What is the product’s unit volume in the SKU type applicable to this particular storage level (e.g. carton, case, pallet, etc.)?
 ■What is its ABC and/or VEN rating?
 ■At what temperature must it be stored?
 ■Under what security regime must it be stored (e.g. normal security, 
controlled or hazardous)?
 ■Does it have an expiry date?
The ABC or VEN rating of the product needs to be recorded because 
this will affect the final physical layout of the building and the sub-areas within the store – for example ‘ A ’ or ‘V’ rated products tend to be fast-moving lines and 
some or all of the stock must be readily accessible for efficient order picking.

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some or all of the stock must be readily accessible for efficient order picking. 
Similarly, products without an expiry date do not necessarily have to be stored in First-In-First-Out (FIFO) order, but could be block stacked or stored on double-
deep or drive-in racking to make the most efficient use of storage space. See 
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WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3companion technical supplement: Design of storage facilities . This is in contrast 
to products with an expiry date which have to be stored in Earliest-Expiry-First-
Out (EEFO) order.
2.1 Associated materials and equipment
None required.
2.2 Inventory management concepts
There is a great deal of excellent information available on the subject of inventory 
management. See for example MDS-3. Managing access to medicines and health 
technologies, Chapter 23: Inventory management5. A good understanding of this 
topic is a necessary precondition for sizing a pharmaceutical store6; decisions

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technologies, Chapter 23: Inventory management5. A good understanding of this 
topic is a necessary precondition for sizing a pharmaceutical store6; decisions 
and assumptions have to be made about the frequency with which the store will be resupplied with goods, the frequency with which these goods will be 
distributed from the store, or, in the case of a pharmacy or health facility, the 
rate at which they will be dispensed. Combined with ABC and/or VEN analysis and related policy decisions on the desired service level – the probability that the store will be able to satisfy a medical request involving a particular product
7 
– these decisions in turn affect the levels of safety stock to be held in the store. Use and distribution of products is also categorized by the level of care (e.g. 
hospital, health centre, health post); storage volume estimates also have to take 
this factor into account.
Whenever an inventory management system is designed or restructured,

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hospital, health centre, health post); storage volume estimates also have to take 
this factor into account.
Whenever an inventory management system is designed or restructured, 
safety stock policy is an important consideration. The policy on safety stock may differ at each level of the system, between products, or between different facilities at the same level (depending on VEN and ABC classification systems, lead times, 
and consumption patterns). The objective is to provide maximum service levels 
throughout the supply system with minimum necessary total safety stock.
Figure 1 illustrates the principles of the ‘ideal’ inventory control model. 
In this ideal model, pharmaceuticals are issued in response to demand, but stockouts are not permitted; the stock on hand steadily declines until the point 
at which an order must be placed.
5  http://www.msh.org/sites/msh.org/files/mds3-ch23-inventorymgmt-mar2012.pdf

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at which an order must be placed.
5  http://www.msh.org/sites/msh.org/files/mds3-ch23-inventorymgmt-mar2012.pdf
6  The material in the remainder of section is a slightly adapted quotation from MDS-3.
7  100 percent service level is desirable, at least for vital items; setting lower goals might be reasonable for 
nonessential medicines and supplies.
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WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsFigure 1
The ideal inventory control model
Source: MDS-3: Figure 23-3
The stock on hand consists of two components: the working stock (WS) 
and the safety stock (SS). In the ideal model, the supplier performs according to 
plan, the shipments arrive on time, the quantity ordered (Qo) is received, and the 
inventory level returns back to its starting maximum point (Qo + SS). Working 
stock varies from zero to the quantity ordered and represents the stock used

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inventory level returns back to its starting maximum point (Qo + SS). Working 
stock varies from zero to the quantity ordered and represents the stock used 
to satisfy demand between deliveries. Note that in the ideal model, the average working stock is half of the order quantity:
Average working stock (WS ) = ½ Qo
The average inventory (I) or average stock on hand is the safety stock plus 
the average working stock:
I = SS + ½ Qo
When medicines are used at a constant rate, the line in Figure 1 
representing stock on hand declines with a constant slope.
In order to reduce the average inventory and thereby reduce the 
inventory-holding costs – and by extension the size of the required storage facility 
– the working stock, the safety stock, or both can be lowered. Large, infrequent

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inventory-holding costs – and by extension the size of the required storage facility 
– the working stock, the safety stock, or both can be lowered. Large, infrequent 
orders lead to high average inventory levels. The average working stock can be reduced by placing smaller orders more frequently. The average inventory can also be reduced by cutting the safety stock, but this method increases the chance 
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WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3of stockouts. Alternatively, inventory-holding costs may be reduced through 
improved storekeeping practices and by better financial management – for 
example by bulk purchasing.
As illustrated in Figure 1, any inventory control model used to manage 
purchasing must address the following issues –
1. Safety stock  – how much stock will be kept in reserve to 
prevent stockouts;
2. Reorder frequency – the period of time between each order for 
an item (also known as the procurement period);

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1. Safety stock  – how much stock will be kept in reserve to 
prevent stockouts;
2. Reorder frequency – the period of time between each order for 
an item (also known as the procurement period);
3. Reorder quantity – the number of units specified when an order is placed.
In addition, storage capacity – the amount of space available for storage 
– needs to be considered when determining target stock levels and ordering and replenishment frequency.
The policy on reorder frequency has a major influence on average stock 
levels and inventory-holding costs, as well as on service level. Figure 2 shows 
how a simple change in reorder interval has a dramatic effect on the average 
inventory held in a store. The ability to control the reorder interval is one of the key levers available to a warehouse manager in the complex process of balancing incomming and outgoing stock and fluctuating demand levels.
Figure 2
The ideal inventory control model and the effect of reorder interval

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Figure 2
The ideal inventory control model and the effect of reorder interval
Source: MDS-3: Figure 23-4
14
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsClearly the ideal model shown above is not an accurate depiction of 
reality. The actual flow of product into and out of a store is likely to be much 
lumpier. Some of the reasons for this are as follows:
 ■Staggered reorder deliveries for different products and/or suppliers;
 ■Fluctuating demand leading to unequal distributions;
 ■Seasonal factors;
 ■Disease outbreaks.
More sophisticated procurement and reordering strategies can be used to 
help resolve some of these problems, to the extent that the local context allows.
For all the reasons described above, an essential first step in sizing any 
pharmaceutical store is a clear understanding of current inventory management policies. A failure to appreciate the implications of these policies may radically

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pharmaceutical store is a clear understanding of current inventory management policies. A failure to appreciate the implications of these policies may radically 
affect the ability of the store to operate efficiently and may lead to the procurement of a building which is either too small or unnecessarily large. Equally, a systematic analysis and review of current practices can generate substantial cost savings. For 
example, the increased procurement costs associated with shortening the supply 
interval might be outweighed by lower building construction or warehouse rental costs, reduced inventory holding costs and reduced expiry due to faster inventory turnover.
Do not attempt to finalize the sizing of a pharmaceutical warehouse until all parties involved have agreed and understood the physical and operational 
implications of the following:
 ■The procurement and supply context;
 ■The applicable inventory management policies;

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implications of the following:
 ■The procurement and supply context;
 ■The applicable inventory management policies;
 ■The way in which both of these are likely to change over the 
foreseeable future.
2.3 Collecting product data
Although good data are available on the volume-per-dose and weight of individual vaccine products and associated injection and waste management equipment, collecting similarly detailed information for general pharmaceutical products and 
related supplies remains a challenge. It is highly unlikely that data on all products will be available. Accordingly the most effective strategy is to concentrate on collecting information on those products that represent a large physical volume 
and are the fastest moving items – using the principle of ABC analysis, these ‘ A ’ 
classified products will typically represent about 80% of throughput.
15
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 32.3.1 Vaccines

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classified products will typically represent about 80% of throughput.
15
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 32.3.1 Vaccines
In countries where vaccines are stored and distributed as part of an integrated 
pharmaceutical supply chain these products can represent a significant proportion of total TTSPP volumes
8. In the field of vaccine logistics, extensive 
information is available on the volume-per-dose of individual products9. These 
data are used by a number of related tools, enabling logisticians to estimate the required volume per recipient for any specific vaccine schedule
10. Vaccine volume

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data are used by a number of related tools, enabling logisticians to estimate the required volume per recipient for any specific vaccine schedule
10. Vaccine volume 
calculation and the associated sizing of cold chain equipment requirements is now a relatively straightforward task. For both routine and supplementary (campaign) immunization the schedule is fixed at national level, and the target populations, coverage and wastage rates are known to a reasonable approximation. In addition there is only a limited range of products. The WHO prequalified vaccine list contains some 35 vaccines in 213 product/presentation combinations
11; only 
a proportion of these combinations are widely used. The list for immunization syringes and safety boxes is also short and data on these products are similarly held on a WHO website
12. An alternative data source is the UNICEF Cold Chain 
Weight and Volume Calculator13. This is restricted to vaccine products supplied

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12. An alternative data source is the UNICEF Cold Chain 
Weight and Volume Calculator13. This is restricted to vaccine products supplied 
by UNICEF Supply Division. However it has the advantage that it includes data on the volume of insulated shipping containers.
2.3.2 General pharmaceuticals, including non-vaccine TTSPPs
Demand for general pharmaceuticals, including non-vaccine TTSPPs, is not as predictable as the demand for vaccines. Quantification of requirements is a specialised topic on which much guidance is available – see for example MDS-3. Managing access to medicines and health technologies, Chapter 20: Quantifying pharmaceutical requirements
14.
Estimation is typically based on consumption or morbidity data. 
Order quantities can then be calculated based on the use classification and stock management principles outlined in Section 2.1. Unfortunately current quantification methodologies and tools only concentrate on estimating the

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8  Many countries still operate a separate vaccine supply chain.
9  See the WHO vaccine database at: http://www.who.int/immunization_standards/vaccine_quality/PQ_
vaccine_list_en/en/index.html
10 See for example the EVM Assistant tool and user guide at: http://www.who.int/immunization/
programmes_systems/supply_chain/evm/en/index3.html
11 WHO vaccine database, accessed January 2014.
12 See the WHO PQS database and catalogue at: http://apps.who.int/immunization_standards/vaccine_
quality/pqs_catalogue/
13 http://www.unicef.org/supply/files/Cold_Chain_Weight_and_Volume_Calculator.xlsm
14 http://www.msh.org/sites/msh.org/files/mds3-ch20-quantifying-mar2012.pdf
16
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparationsnumber of doses – or physical units – required for each product; they do not 
specifically capture physical characteristics (package dimensions and weight) as an aid to logistics planning.
The 2013 WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (adults and children)

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specifically capture physical characteristics (package dimensions and weight) as an aid to logistics planning.
The 2013 WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (adults and children) 
contains well over 300 generic products, themselves available from multiple manufacturers and in multiple formats
15. The UNICEF Supply Catalogue 
likewise lists a large number of pharmaceutical products, as does MSF. None of these sources provides any data on physical packed volumes.  However, the IFRC 
catalogue does list shipping weights and volumes for many products and the 
catalogue entries are cross-referenced to the WHO list – see Figure 3.
Figure 3IFRC catalogue page
Source: http://procurement.ifrc.org/catalogue/detail.aspx?productcode=DORAACSA
In addition, the UNICEF Catalogue uses an icon classification system 
which is helpful in allocating products to specific storage zones based on temperature and/or security and/or safety considerations. Table 1 shows a sample.

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which is helpful in allocating products to specific storage zones based on temperature and/or security and/or safety considerations. Table 1 shows a sample.
15 In 1977 WHO listed 220 essential medicines; this had risen to 340 by 2010. Source: WHO.
17
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3Table 1
UNICEF catalogue icons16
Icons Category Detailed description
Temperature 
considerationsCold Chain temperature requirements: Constant temperature between + 2 to + 8°C at all levels from 
manufacturer to the end user. 
Cool Chain temperature requirements: Constant 
temperature between + 8 and 15 ˚C at all levels from 
manufacturer to the end user.
Controlled Room Temperature
16:  Temperature between 
+15  ˚C and + 25 ˚C. Pharmaceutical products: Unless 
specified as having cold chain or cool chain requirements, 
should be kept at controlled room temperature and not above 25 °C or in a freezer during transport and storage; 
unless otherwise specified on the label.

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should be kept at controlled room temperature and not above 25 °C or in a freezer during transport and storage; 
unless otherwise specified on the label.
Vaccines: Sent directly from manufacturers.
Polio vaccines should be stored between −15 to − 25 °C 
at primary cold chain stores. At the lower service delivery 
point, they should be stored between +2 to +  8  °C. 
All other vaccines should be stored between +2 to + 8 °C 
at all levels.
Diagnostics: Should be kept at controlled room 
temperature and not above 25 °C or in a freezer during 
transport and storage; unless otherwise specified on 
the label.
Narcotic/ 
psychotropic 
substanceNarcotic and or psychotropic substances, which require 
import authorisation. i.e.  Diazepam, Phenobarbital, 
Morphine, Ketamin, as well as related kits (IEHK kit, 
suppl.1a-drugs, Midwifery kits, suppl.1a-drugs, Obstetric, surgical kit, suppl.1a-drugs).

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import authorisation. i.e.  Diazepam, Phenobarbital, 
Morphine, Ketamin, as well as related kits (IEHK kit, 
suppl.1a-drugs, Midwifery kits, suppl.1a-drugs, Obstetric, surgical kit, suppl.1a-drugs).
Hazardous materialsItems that are classified as hazardous materials (dangerous goods) are subject to transport restrictions 
i.e. requiring special labelling and packaging in accordance 
with international rules on handling and transportation of hazardous materials. Depending on the danger 
classification, some hazardous materials must be shipped 
by sea.
16 The UNICEF catalogue defines controlled room temperature as: Temperature between 20 ˚C and 25 ˚C. 
Excursions between 15 ˚C and 30 ˚C and spikes up to 40 ˚C are permitted, as long as they do not exceed 
24 hours. However +15 °C to +25 °C is generally available in most third party warehouses.
18
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsIcons Category Detailed description

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24 hours. However +15 °C to +25 °C is generally available in most third party warehouses.
18
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsIcons Category Detailed description
Air only Items requiring cold chain transportation/storage must 
be sent only by air. Items include vaccines and Oxytocin, 
and related kits (IEHK kit, suppl.1a-drugs, Midwifery kits, 
suppl.1a-drugs, Obstetric, surgical kit, suppl.1a-drugs).
Shelf life Items with a shelf life.
Storage considerationsSome items require specific storage conditions. 
In the absence of a comprehensive central database of product volumes 
and weights, the analyst has to rely on those sources that are available. This 
includes data collected locally from on-site measurement and from the shipping 
documentation provided by supply agencies, manufacturers and distributors.
For an alternative approach to data collection, refer to the ‘Layout planning’

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documentation provided by supply agencies, manufacturers and distributors.
For an alternative approach to data collection, refer to the ‘Layout planning’ 
section of the JSI document: Guidelines for Warehousing Health Commodities .
2.3.3 Volume data and SKU types
It is important to be clear about the type of Stock-keeping Unit (SKU) to which the collected volumetric data applies. In the case of vaccines, there are three 
‘levels’ of SKU that are relevant to warehouse sizing:
a. Secondary carton:  The first level is the secondary carton
17 which 
contains the vaccine vials or ‘primary containers’ .
b. Tertiary carton:  Some vaccines are supplied in tertiary cartons 
or cases, each containing a number of secondary cartons; the 
additional layer means that the volume-per-dose for this SKU type 
is slightly increased.
c. Insulated shipping container:  Finally, when vaccines are shipped by 
air, they are generally packed with coolant in insulated shipping

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is slightly increased.
c. Insulated shipping container:  Finally, when vaccines are shipped by 
air, they are generally packed with coolant in insulated shipping 
cartons. For ease of bulk handling, some countries choose to store their vaccines at the central warehouse level in these containers. The 
thickness of the insulation and the space occupied by coolant means 
17 The WHO vaccine database publishes the volume-per-dose in a secondary carton SKU. The database is 
gradually being extended to include data on tertiary cartons and insulated shipping containers.Table 1 continued
19
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3that the volume-per-dose for this SKU type can be several times 
greater than the product’s listed volume-per-dose in a secondary 
carton SKU18.
If these volumetric differences are not recognized in the process 
of estimating net storage volume, the size of a cold room calculated on the

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carton SKU18.
If these volumetric differences are not recognized in the process 
of estimating net storage volume, the size of a cold room calculated on the 
basis of the published WHO figures will be far too small. Similar volume-per-dose ranges apply to other TTSPPs, especially those that are air-freighted in 
insulated containers
19.
When carrying out a net volume calculation, do ensure that the dimensional 
and weight data that are used are correct for the SKU type which will be held in the store.
Larger and bulkier SKUs with greater unit volumes are typically 
stored and transported at higher levels in the supply chain. When bulk is broken for distribution to peripheral facilities, SKU dimensions and unit volumes will generally be smaller.
2.4 Calculating maximum inventory volumes 
Once the relevant SKU volume data have been collected, as described in the previous section, inventory volume calculations for each product can be carried out.

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Once the relevant SKU volume data have been collected, as described in the previous section, inventory volume calculations for each product can be carried out.
Do make allowances for fluctuations in demand and resupply for individual products. In addition, do make sure that you take account of future programme expansion plans and include an adequate allowance for new 
product lines, including new vaccine introductions.
2.4.1 Vaccines and related supplies
Vaccine volume requirements can be calculated using one of the WHO Excel 
tools that have been designed for this purpose – see Tools section. The general principle on which these tools work is described by the formulae below.
18 For information on shipping container volumes, see also the UNICEF Cold Chain Weight and Volume 
Calculator.
19 It is possible to ship TTSPPs in actively cooled sea or air containers. In this case, insulated packaging 
might be unnecessary.
20

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Calculator.
19 It is possible to ship TTSPPs in actively cooled sea or air containers. In this case, insulated packaging 
might be unnecessary.
20
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsMaximum stored volume of each vaccine used for routine immunization:
IV max = (P tot ×T×1×100×(100+ SS)×Vdose × D series ) / 1,000,000100 Rf (100−W ) 100
Maximum stored vaccine volume for supplementary immunization 
activities (SIA):
IV max = (P tot ×T×100×(100+ SS)*Vdose ) / 1,000,000100 (100−W ) 100
Where:
IV max Maximum inventory volume for the specific vaccine, in cubic metres;
Ptot Total population: This is used as the basis for standardising a population target for each vaccine;

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Where:
IV max Maximum inventory volume for the specific vaccine, in cubic metres;
Ptot Total population: This is used as the basis for standardising a population target for each vaccine;
T Target population percent: This is the percentage of the total population targeted to receive a specific vaccine for a specific immunization purpose. For example, the target population percentage for birth-dose hepatitis B is different from the target population for the same vaccine given to health workers.
Rf Reorder frequency: the number of times that vaccine is scheduled to be received by a store or facility in one year;
W Percentage of vaccine wasted during distribution and delivery: the formula for this term converts the percentage wastage rate for the vaccine into the wastage factor;
SS Safety stock: Expressed as a percentage of the working stock;
V
dose Vaccine volume-per-dose in cm3  is measured at the level of the type

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SS Safety stock: Expressed as a percentage of the working stock;
V
dose Vaccine volume-per-dose in cm3  is measured at the level of the type 
of SKU applicable to the store (secondary carton, tertiary carton of shipping container);
D
series  Number of doses per series as set out in the immunization schedule. When this figure is multiplied by the vaccine volume-per-dose, it gives the volume of packed vaccine for a completed series of immunizations.
Note:  When using formula B, review the planning data for future 
supplementary activities to estimate the worst-case total vaccine volume. This depends on both target population and vaccine volume-per-dose. 
If deliveries for parallel SIAs coincide, the maximum volumes for each 
activity must be summed.
21
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3The data needed for the storage volume calculations for syringes and 
sharps safety boxes relate closely to the formulae described above and are

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Supplement 3The data needed for the storage volume calculations for syringes and 
sharps safety boxes relate closely to the formulae described above and are 
calculated within the tools referenced below. The calculation method takes account of the following factors:
 ■Vaccine formulation:  oral or injectable; liquid or lyophilized (and 
requiring a separate reconstitution syringe);
 ■Vaccine presentation:  single or multi-dose vials or pre-filled 
injection device;
 ■Safety box capacity: Number of used syringes or pre-filled devices 
that can be accommodated into the chosen size of safety box;
 ■Syringe wastage: A small proportion of syringes will be wasted due 
to breakage or mishandling.
Similar calculations can be carried out for the injection device and waste 
management needs of other injectable products.
2.4.2 General pharmaceuticals and supplies, including non-vaccine TTSPPs
To calculate maximum net inventory volumes for general pharmaceuticals, use 
the following formula:

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2.4.2 General pharmaceuticals and supplies, including non-vaccine TTSPPs
To calculate maximum net inventory volumes for general pharmaceuticals, use 
the following formula:
Maximum stored volume for general pharmaceuticals and supplies:
IV max = (AD ×1×(100+ SS)×Vunit ) / URf 100
Where:
IV max Maximum inventory volume for the specific product line;
AD Annual demand: This is the estimated number of units of the product 
required per year obtained from the requirements quantification process;
Rf Reorder frequency: The number of times that the product is scheduled 
to be received by a store or facility in one year;
SS Safety stock percent: Stores must be sized to allow for an appropriate reserve stock; this may vary from product to product depending on its 
ABC or VEN classification;
V
unit   Volume-per-unit: Measured in at the level of the type of SKU applicable 
to the store (primary container, carton, pallet or other SKU); this may

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ABC or VEN classification;
V
unit   Volume-per-unit: Measured in at the level of the type of SKU applicable 
to the store (primary container, carton, pallet or other SKU); this may 
be expressed in cm3  (divisor = 1,000,000), litres (divisor = 1,000) or m3 
(divisor = 1).
U Volume conversion unit: The divisor needed to convert the result into 
cubic metres.
22
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations2.5 Calculating net storage capacity requirements
By the end of the procedure described in Section 2.6, the maximum inventory 
volume for each product line will have been calculated. However, a figure for 
maximum inventory volume on its own does not tell you where in the store each 
product line should be kept, or how much actual space it will actually occupy 
in the store. In order to establish this it is necessary to classify every product by 
storage temperature and security category and then to establish the most suitable

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in the store. In order to establish this it is necessary to classify every product by 
storage temperature and security category and then to establish the most suitable 
type of load support system within each of these storage zones.  
2.5.1 Classifying products by storage temperature and security category
The first step in the sizing process is to group products in ‘families’ according to their labelled storage temperature and security regime. Table 2 shows a matrix 
for establishing the possible combinations, based on the UNICEF catalogue 
classifications shown in Table 1
20 – not all of these will be relevant in any particular 
situation. This allocation process has significant implications for the final design of the store. For example, should TTSPP narcotics be stored in a locked or caged 
off area of the main cold room, or should they be located in a separate secure cold

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off area of the main cold room, or should they be located in a separate secure cold 
room or in a refrigerator in a separate locked room? The decision will depend partly on the relative volumes involved and partly on a detailed risk assessment 
of the individual products in the context of the actual operating environment.
In the classification shown below, space has been allowed for products 
that require a ‘normal’ level of security, controlled products such as narcotics 
or poisons which have a high illicit value or are dangerous and must be kept 
in a secure locked compound, and hazardous products which are inflammable, 
explosive or radioactive and require special storage conditions, such as an 
explosion-proof refrigerator or a room with an explosion hatch.  Some products 
may be both ‘controlled’ and ‘hazardous’ .
Table 2
Temperature and storage regime ‘families’
Temperature Normal 
securityControlled Hazardous Controlled and 
hazardous
Below − 25.0 °C
−15.0 to − 25.0 °C

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Table 2
Temperature and storage regime ‘families’
Temperature Normal 
securityControlled Hazardous Controlled and 
hazardous
Below − 25.0 °C
−15.0 to − 25.0 °C
+ 2.0 to + 8.0 °C
20 Other classifications are used. For example, MSF lists five temperature regimes: − 15 to 0 °C, + 2 to + 8 °C, 
+5 to + 25  °C, + 5 to + 35 °C and + 5 to + 40 °C (unpublished draft warehouse design guideline).
23
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3Temperature Normal 
securityControlled Hazardous Controlled and 
hazardous
+ 8.0 to +15.0 ˚C
+15.0 ˚C to +  25.0 ˚C
Uncontrolled ambient
When the applicable combinations have been identified, the total net 
storage volume for each category can be entered in the table above by sorting the 
cumulative volume data into the relevant categories.
2.5.2 Load support systems
The most common load support systems are shelves (open or closed), floor standing pallets and multi-level pallet racking systems. In addition, secure

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2.5.2 Load support systems
The most common load support systems are shelves (open or closed), floor standing pallets and multi-level pallet racking systems. In addition, secure 
cupboards may be used for narcotics and hazardous substances and drawers may be used for smaller items. There are also a number of other more sophisticated systems such as flow racking and carousels which can be used to increase picking 
efficiency. Finally, in smaller facilities, TTSPPs are likely to be kept in refrigerators 
or freezers rather than in cold stores with bulk storage on shelving or racking. Refrigerators and freezers may be front opening or top opening, so the product may be stored on shelves or in baskets.
Comprehensive guidance on the use and limitations of most types of 
load support system is given in the JSI document: Guidelines for Warehousing Health Commodities .
2.5.3 The utilization factor concept

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load support system is given in the JSI document: Guidelines for Warehousing Health Commodities .
2.5.3 The utilization factor concept
A refrigerator, a drawer, a shelving bay or a pallet racking bay has a certain gross storage capacity available for storing goods – defined by the length, width and height of the free storage volume, measured inside the cabinet, between shelves, or between racking support members and the like. Only in exceptional cases can 
this volume be fully occupied by stored product. In practice the available volume 
has to be modified by a utilization factor  which will always be less than one. How 
much less than one depends on a number of additional factors, including:
 ■Storage method:  The two basic methods are fixed  and fluid . In fixed-

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much less than one depends on a number of additional factors, including:
 ■Storage method:  The two basic methods are fixed  and fluid . In fixed-
location storage, each (SKU) is always kept in a specific location. No other SKU can be stored in that location, even if the location is empty. In fluid-location storage, any SKU can be assigned to any free location. It is possible to have both fixed and fluid systems Table 2 continued
24
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparationsoperating in a warehouse simultaneously. In fact, this arrangement 
is sometimes preferable. A typical arrangement would call for most bulk supplies to be stored on pallets and loose items to be stored on shelves. A fixed-location system is used for items stored on shelves; a fluid-location system is used for the pallets stored on the pallet racks. Table 3 indicates the appropriate use of the two methods
21.
Table 3
Temperature and storage regime ‘families’

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21.
Table 3
Temperature and storage regime ‘families’
Type of commodity Storage method Example types
Low inventory items stored 
and issued in smaller packs Fixed (entire stock kept on shelves)Specialized medicines
Bulky items stored and issued in complete pallets Fluid (entire stock kept on pallets)Equipment
Items contained in large cartons stored on pallets 
but issued in smaller packsFixed (stock to be issued 
kept on shelves) and fluid 
(bulk stock kept on pallets)Essential drugs that 
are issued by bottles or 
small packs; condoms
Source: JSI | DELIVER: Guidelines for Warehousing Health Commodities. Table 5.
 ■Dimensional compatibility:  The way in which the product fits the 
available storage space. For example a carton that is 35 cm high 
will make poor use of a shelving bay if the shelves are fixed at 
60 cm apart;

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available storage space. For example a carton that is 35 cm high 
will make poor use of a shelving bay if the shelves are fixed at 
60 cm apart;
 ■Space occupied by additional elements: For example, the volume of the supporting pallet in a pallet racking bay uses a proportion of the available storage volume. 
 ■Ventilation around the product:  This is a particular requirement 
in cold rooms where it is necessary to maintain a good airflow to ensure even temperature distribution.
 ■Unsuitable zones:  Some parts of the load support system may be 
unsuitable for storing particular products due to temperature deviations or temperature stratification – see the companion 
Technical Supplement: Qualification of temperature-controlled 
storage areas .
21 Adapted from JSI | DELIVER: Guidelines for Warehousing Health Commodities.
25
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3 ■Ease of access: For example, a health facility refrigerator containing

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25
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3 ■Ease of access: For example, a health facility refrigerator containing 
a mix of products may be packed quite loosely so that the health worker can easily access individual products. This reduces effective 
volume utilization.
2.5.4 Pallet bay calculation
Table 4 shows the six ISO pallet sizes; of these, the EUR-EPAL and the 
US 40” x 48” are widely encountered. The latter makes particularly efficient use 
of the space in standard ISO shipping containers. Other non-ISO sizes are also 
used, including the EURO pallet range.
Table 4
Standard ISO pallets
Dimensions, mm  
(W × L)Wasted floor in ISO containerRegion where most used
1016 × 1219 (40” x 48”) 3.7% (20 pallets in  40 ft ISO)North America
1000 × 1200 6.7% Europe, Asia; similar to 40" × 48" .
1165 × 1165 8.1% Australia
1067 × 1067 11.5% North America, Europe, Asia
1100 × 1100 14% Asia
800 × 1200 (EUR-EPAL) 15.2% Europe; fits many 
doorways

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1165 × 1165 8.1% Australia
1067 × 1067 11.5% North America, Europe, Asia
1100 × 1100 14% Asia
800 × 1200 (EUR-EPAL) 15.2% Europe; fits many 
doorways
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallet
The volume of product that can be stacked on a pallet depends on the 
size of the pallet, the extent to which the product cartons coordinate with the 
pallet footprint, and the stacking height. In practice, a reasonable assumption is 
that a EUR-EPAL can hold an average of about 0.8 m3 and a US 40” x 48” , or ISO 
1000 mm x 1200 mm pallet, can hold about 1.0 m3. On this basis22 the following 
formula can be used to estimate the number of pallet bays required for each of 
the product lines which will be allocated for pallet storage.
22 Source: JSI | DELIVER and MSF.
26
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsNpallet =IV max
Vpallet
Where:
Npallet Number of pallets required to store the product line;
IV max Maximum inventory volume for product line, in cubic metres;

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Vpallet
Where:
Npallet Number of pallets required to store the product line;
IV max Maximum inventory volume for product line, in cubic metres;
Vpallet Average volume of product per pallet, in cubic metres.
2.5.5 Shelving unit calculation
A reasonable rule is that only half to two thirds of the gross storage capacity 
of shelving units23 can actually be occupied by product – a utilization factor 
between 0.5 and 0.65. When planning a store layout it is safer to adopt the lower figure, although the use of an adjustable shelving system may allow more efficient 
use of the available volume.
In warehouses, especially those that include pallet racking, the top shelf 
is often much lower than the ceiling so that storing product at this level is not 
restricted by ceiling height; instead, the maximum stacking height is restricted 
by the need to be able to access the product on the upper shelves. If access is 
from floor level, the height of the top shelf should be no more than 1.7 to 1.8

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by the need to be able to access the product on the upper shelves. If access is 
from floor level, the height of the top shelf should be no more than 1.7 to 1.8 
metres above the floor, and no more than 1.6 to 1.7 metres if the shelves are 
wider than 600 mm. If access is from a mobile ladder, the maximum shelf height 
can be increased to about 2.7 metres.
In smaller stores and in walk-in cold rooms and freezer rooms, ceiling 
height is often restricted and product on the top shelf has to be arranged so that 
there is space for air circulation above the load.
The following two formulae can be used to assess the length of shelving 
unit required, in metres, to store a given net volume of product, expressed in cubic 
metres
24. The first version is used where ceiling height is restricted; the formula 
assumes a clearance of 10 cm between the top of the load and the ceiling for air 
circulation. The second version is used where ceiling height is not restricted; in

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assumes a clearance of 10 cm between the top of the load and the ceiling for air 
circulation. The second version is used where ceiling height is not restricted; in 
this case the height of the load placed on the top shelf is assumed to be 40 cm – 
this figure can be changed.
Shelf unit length (restricted ceiling height):
Lshelf =IV max
(H room − (b + (n × t ) + 0.1)) × w × UF
23 The volume measured between shelves.
24 The first two calculation methods described below can be found in the WHO EVM Assistant tool.
27
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3Shelf unit length (unrestricted ceiling height):
Lshelf =IV max
(H unit + 0.4 − (b + (n × t ))) × w × UF
Where:
Lshelf Length of shelving unit required to store the product line, in metres;
IV max Maximum inventory volume for the product to be stored, in m3 ;
Hroom Room height, in metres;
Hunit Height of shelving unit from floor to top shelf, in metres;
b Height of underside of bottom shelf from floor, in metres;

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Hroom Room height, in metres;
Hunit Height of shelving unit from floor to top shelf, in metres;
b Height of underside of bottom shelf from floor, in metres;
n Number of shelves;
t Shelf thickness, in metres;
w Shelf width, in metres;
UF Utilization factor (from 0.5 to 0.65).
If standard sized shelving unit bays with a known gross storage capacity 
are used (including the gross storage volume above the top shelf), an alternative 
and simpler approach is to use the following formula:
Nbay =IV max
Vbay × UF
Where:
Nbay Number of shelving bays required to store the product line;
IV max Maximum inventory volume for the product to be stored, in m3 ;
Vbay Gross capacity of one shelving bay, in cubic metres;
UF Utilization factor (from 0.5 to 0.65).
2.5.6 Closed shelving units and safety cabinets
These units are used to store controlled and hazardous products. It is reasonable to apply a utilization factor of 0.5 to the rated capacity of the unit.
2.5.7 Refrigerators and freezers

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These units are used to store controlled and hazardous products. It is reasonable to apply a utilization factor of 0.5 to the rated capacity of the unit.
2.5.7 Refrigerators and freezers
Data on gross and net storage capacity for WHO prequalified vaccine refrigerators and freezers are published in the WHO PQS catalogue. For non-prequalified 
products, and where manufacturer’s data are not available, the method described in Figure 4 can be used.
28
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsFigure 4
Measuring capacity of a front opening refrigerator
2.5.8 Load optimization tools 
Numerous software tools are available, designed to optimize available storage volume on load support systems and in transport vehicles. These tools can also be used to make efficient use of the storage space when stacking pallets, packing 
shipping cartons, cold boxes and the like – see To ols   section. Figure 5 illustrates

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shipping cartons, cold boxes and the like – see To ols   section. Figure 5 illustrates 
an example of a cold box packing problem, solved by using one of these packages. 
The calculation produces an image of each packing arrangement, together with the relevant utilization factor.
Figure 5Cartons of vaccine packed in a prequalified cold box

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29
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3Many of these tools can handle the optimization of mixed loads – the 
most sophisticated versions are used to drive robotic pallet stackers.
30
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsBibliography
 ■Battersby, A., Garnett, A. How to estimate warehouse space for drugs . WHO/
DAP/93.3. WHO, 1993. 
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s19159en/s19159en.pdf
 ■John Snow, Inc. | DELIVER in collaboration with the World Health Organization. Guidelines for the Storage of Essential Medicines and Other Health Commodities. 
Arlington, Va. 2003.
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/s4885e/s4885e.pdf
 ■John Snow, Inc. | DELIVER in collaboration with the World Health Organization. Guidelines for Warehousing Health Commodities . Arlington, Va. 2005.
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s16875e/s16875e.pdf
 ■USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1. 2011. The Logistics Handbook:

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http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s16875e/s16875e.pdf
 ■USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1. 2011. The Logistics Handbook: 
A Practical Guide for the Supply Chain Management of Health Commodities. 
Arlington, Va.: USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1.
http://deliver.jsi.com/dlvr_content/resources/allpubs/guidelines/LogiHand.pdf 
 ■Management Sciences for Health. MDS-3: Managing access to medicines and health technologies . Kumarian Press, Arlington, V A. 2011. Available on-line at:
http://www.msh.org/resources/mds-3-managing-access-to-medicines-and-health-technologies
 ■Link51. Racking & Warehouse Storage Guide. 
http://www.ribaproductselector.com/Docs/5/04685/external/COL422885.pdf 
 ■Log Cluster Logistics Operational Guide. Warehousing and Inventory 
Management
http://log.logcluster.org/mobile/response/warehouse-management/index.html 
 ■MSF. Essential drugs: Practical guidelines. Médecins Sans Frontières. February 
2013.

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Management
http://log.logcluster.org/mobile/response/warehouse-management/index.html 
 ■MSF. Essential drugs: Practical guidelines. Médecins Sans Frontières. February 
2013.
http://refbooks.msf.org/msf_docs/en/essential_drugs/ed_en.pdf
 ■MSF. PSF-CI Pharmaceutical guide: How better to manage pharmaceutical 
warehouses . Médecins Sans Frontières, 2003.
http://dmsic.moph.go.th/download/pharmwarehouse.pdf
 ■mSupply pharmaceutical inventory control software
http://msupply.org.nz/
 ■Richards, G. Warehouse management . The Chartered Institute of Logistics and 
Transport (UK) and Kogan Page, London, 2011.
 ■Rushton, A., Croucher, P ., Baker, P , The handbook of logistics and distribution 
management: Third edition. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport 
(UK) and Kogan Page, London, 2008.
31
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3 ■UNICEF Supply Catalogue
https://supply.unicef.org/unicef_b2c/app/displayApp/%28layout=7.0-12_1_66_67_115&carea=%24ROOT%29/.do?rf=y

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31
WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3 ■UNICEF Supply Catalogue
https://supply.unicef.org/unicef_b2c/app/displayApp/%28layout=7.0-12_1_66_67_115&carea=%24ROOT%29/.do?rf=y
 ■WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – current lists.
http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/en/index.html
 ■WHO List of Prequalified Medicinal Products
http://apps.who.int/prequal/query/ProductRegistry.aspx
 ■WHO PQS cataloguehttp://apps.who.int/immunization_standards/vaccine_quality/pqs_catalogue/categorylist.aspx 
 ■WHO Technical Report Series, No. 902, 2002. Annex 9.  Guidelines on packaging 
for pharmaceutical productshttp://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safety/quality_assurance/
GuidelinesPackagingPharmaceuticalProductsTRS902Annex9.pdf
 ■WHO Technical Report Series No. 961, 2011, Annex 9: Model guidance for the 
storage and transport of time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical  
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s18683en/s18683en.pdf
32

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storage and transport of time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical  
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s18683en/s18683en.pdf
32
WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical PreparationsTools
Load optimization tools:
 ■Cape Systems. http://www.capesystems.com/index.htm
 ■CubeIQ. http://www.magiclogic.com/
 ■CubeMaster Online. http://www.cubemaster.net/Subscription/
home.asp
 ■Iris Pallet. http://www.iris-it.com/en/products/robotics/palletization-software.html
 ■Logen. http://www.logensolutions.com/default.html
 ■PLMPack Stackbuilder (freeware). http://stackbuilder.codeplex.com/ 
 ■QuickPallet Maker. http://www.koona.com/qpm/
 ■TOPS Pro and Maxload Pro. http://www.topseng.com/index.html
Quantification tools:
 ■Center for Pharmaceutical Management, Management Sciences 
for Health. Quantimed: Pharmaceutical Quantification and Cost Estimation Tool . Arlington, V A. 2011.

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Quantification tools:
 ■Center for Pharmaceutical Management, Management Sciences 
for Health. Quantimed: Pharmaceutical Quantification and Cost Estimation Tool . Arlington, V A. 2011.
http://www.emtct-iatt.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Quantimed-Pharmaceutical-Quantification-and-Cost-Estimation-Tool.pdf
Vaccine volume calculation tools:
 ■UNICEF Cold Chain Weight and Volume Calculator and User Guide.http://www.unicef.org/supply/files/Cold_Chain_Weight_and_Volume_Calculator.xlsm
 ■WHO EVM Assistant tool and EVM Assistant Tool user guide .
http://www.who.int/immunization/programmes_systems/supply_chain/evm/en/index3.html
 ■WHO Vaccine volume calculator and User guide.http://apps.who.int/immunization_delivery/systems_policy/logistics/en/index4.html
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WHO Technical Report Series, No. 992, Annex 5 
Supplement 3Revision history
Date Change summary Reason for change Approved