If you run a warehouse, you’re probably well aware of how important efficiency is. An efficient warehouse is able to get goods sent out accurately, and on time, improving customer satisfaction. However, the larger your warehouse becomes, the harder it can be to keep things organized. In this article, we’re going to explain five ways to improve warehouse efficiency that are valid no matter how large your warehouse is.
Optimise the Available Space
The first thing you’ll want to do is optimise the space you have available. Not only is this cheaper than buying additional space, but it will make it quicker for your team to find the items they need. Consider installing taller storage units for your stock, but remember not to pack heavy items above head height, and also think about the type of shelving used. Larger items may be better stored on pallet racks which can be moved when needed, while smaller items will be better stored on shelves.
Adopt a Lean Strategy
Adopting a lean inventory is a good idea for most warehouses, unless you work for companies as large as Amazon. The reason for this is that when you have less stock on hand, it’s much easier to find what you need. Storing less stock also lowers your overheads and improves your cash flow. Although this tip won’t be suitable for really large warehouse companies, for those that are small or medium sized, it’s a good strategy to consider.
Implement a Warehouse Management System
A warehouse management system can improve the efficiency of your staff by showing them the quickest routes to items and advising them on where to place goods. These systems can also eliminate the need for waste paper too, as they can send packing lists to tablets or other handheld devices. This not only helps to make your company greener, but helps to minimise mistakes, further improving efficiency.
Optimise Labour Efficiency
A good warehouse management system will be able to generate picking plans, however even if it doesn’t, you can implement this manually. If you have an item that sells quickly, locate this close to your packing benches for efficiency. If you have items that are frequently purchased together, make sure to locate these close to each other in the warehouse. The more you understand which items sell the best, the more you will be able to streamline your warehouse packing process.
Organise Workstations
Finally, it’s also a good idea to organise your packing workstations so that your staff don’t waste time searching for equipment or the tools they need to get their job done. Ensure your staff keep this area clutter free, and that all tools are within easy reach. This will help improve productivity and it will also improve safety as well.
A lot of the ways to improve warehouse efficiency just require a little common sense and a bit of effort to set up. However, once this is done, you will find that your processes are much more streamlined.
