Pablo Luna
A warehouse is often run as a large-scale operation, employing a large amount of staff and working to strict deadlines in order to ensure that orders are fulfilled in a timely manner. While you might think that you have got your warehouse processes down to a T, there are usually certain additional things you can implement to boost your efficiency. Here are four solutions to increase your efficiency in the workplace.
1. Invest in a conveyor system
A conveyor system is essential for any warehouse and if you don’t have one already, make investing in one a priority. By having a conveyor belt running through your entire warehouse, you remove the need for employees to manually collect and carry items to the packaging area. Instead, employees can stay within their own area, collecting any items required from that area and depositing them onto the conveyor belt for quick and safe transportation to the loading area. This streamlines your warehouse’s product retrieval process for maximum efficiency. Visit fluentconveyors.com for more information about conveyor systems.
2. Consider the layout of your warehouse
Is the layout of your warehouse designed to maximize efficiency? You might be surprised to discover, after some investigation, that your processes will be quicker and smoother with a different layout. For example, you might reorganize your storage space so that the most commonly requested products are at the front and within easy reach. Likewise, you might relocate your order packaging station to be closer to the main warehouse. Make sure that staff uses the most efficient routes when traversing the warehouse; not only will this maximize efficiency, but it will also help to avoid accidents such as collisions.
3. Track your products
In a large warehouse, it can be very easy to lose products, especially if you do not have a huge amount of those items in stock, and your staff might spend a considerable amount of time trying to track down the elusive item. Make sure that you keep track of your products by using location tracking technology. This piece of technology can help you to track the location of your products in your warehouse, reducing search times and avoiding processing delays. To make tracking items even easier, you can equip warehouse operatives with a handheld tracking reader.
4. Keep on top of the stock
You might find that you regularly overstock certain products, which can be both expensive and wasteful for your business in the long run. This is especially pertinent if your warehouse stores perishable items such as fresh food, with any overstock needing to be disposed of after their sell-by dates. To avoid overstocking, record information such as expiry dates and stock levels on your inventory management system. Additionally, implement a product rotation process, whereby older items are moved to the front of the shelves, with newer stock stored behind them. This will ensure that older stock is used before newer stock.
