Warehouse operations, such as receiving, managing, and shipping out inventories, play a crucial role in a company’s business strategy. This is why managers are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve warehouse productivity or the lowest cost.
2. Warehouse operations, such as receiving, managing, and shipping out inventories, play a crucial role in
a company’s business strategy. This is why managers are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve
warehouse productivity or the lowest cost.
Companies can adopt certain practices to make the most out of their operations while emphasising
overall customer satisfaction. Thoughthese methods differ from one industry to another, there are still
a number of them that can be applied to most warehouses.
Find an Efficient Picking Process
Martin Murray, a supply chain and logistics expert, discusses that the highest outflow of effort is in the
picking stage. So, it’s essential to find the most efficient way to pick orders. It is worth noting that
companies with the most effective storerooms minimise picking time by loading the most frequently
moved items next to the shipping area.
3. Optimize Vertical Space
Most warehouses have limited space to work with. That’s why managers must take advantage of every
available bit of space, from floor to ceiling, to maximise warehouse storage capacity. Occupational
Health and Safety recommends using loading systems, such as pallet racking, to increase efficiency on
the production floor, as well as to promote safer working conditions. Many manufacturing facilities
and warehouses prefer them for their efficiency and ease of use.
Use Technology
Old practices like the use of hard copy pick tickets are prone to human errors and inefficient.
Nowadays, printers and hand-held RF readers are being used by world-class warehouse operations to
maximise workflow. There are also voice-recognition and pick-to-light technologies that can be
adopted by most warehouses today.
Over the years, we’ve seen warehouse practices evolve. Now more options are available for managers
to take the most efficient route and reduce overhead costs.