In addition to stockpiling, collection and distribution warehouses fulfill the purpose of assembling different types and quantities of load units between incoming and outgoing goods. Picking takes place in these warehouses for this purpose.
Distribution warehouses are used when only partial quantities of individual load units are required. They have relatively regular receipts and issues of different load units. The turnover frequencies (turnover rate) can vary.

Receipt of small quantities -; issue of large quantities (e.g. forwarding warehouse)
Receipt of large quantities -; issue of small quantities (e.g. spare parts warehouse)
Receipt of large quantities -; issue of large quantities (e.g. central warehouse)

Cf. buffer warehouse, cross-docking, etc.

Source: logipedia / Fraunhofer IML