Managing and leading any kind of business is hard enough already. When it comes to Warehouse operations, the pressure riles up even more. A warehouse manager always needs to stay updated on the techniques they can adopt to make the workflow smoother.
For example, small objects should not be stored on pallet racks since they waste space and make it easier to misplace them. To keep shelves nice and ordered, try utilizing standardized containers. Transaction accuracy and picking mistakes can both be improved by using barcode or radio frequency identification (RFID) readers. Reduce or eliminate safety supplies if possible, and work with suppliers to supply smaller quantities more regularly.
Let’s dive into the ways warehouse operations can be improved even further.
Appropriate technology
Rather than incurring additional expenditures, larger storage containers and the appropriate technology for picking and storing items might allow you to maintain more in the same square area. To keep shelves nice and ordered, try utilizing standardized containers. Small objects should not be stored on pallet racks since they waste space and make it easier to misplace them. There is a need for constant improvement regarding storage facilities, so keep your warehouse fresh with modula warehouse organization ideas.
Lean inventory
Warehouse operations go more smoothly if you have inventory that is lean. It’s just as crucial to adopt lean inventory in your warehouse as it is in production. The underlying principle of lean is that you should only buy what you need. Reduce or eliminate safety supplies if possible, and work with suppliers to supply smaller quantities more regularly. Lean inventory helps to keep track, minimizes the number of mishaps that might happen when operating a warehouse, and makes your work easier.
Optimal routing
By recommending the optimal routes and procedures for selecting and putting away, a warehouse management system (WMS) or ERP system with a powerful WMS module may boost efficiency. Transaction accuracy and picking mistakes can both be improved by using barcode or radio frequency identification (RFID) readers. According to research done at the University of Arkansas, RFID improved inventory accuracy by 27% in just 13 weeks.
Organized workstation
Workstations should be organized. Organizing workstations increases efficiency by eliminating the need for workers to look for tools or equipment. To keep your workstations as organized as possible, use the “5S” concept from lean manufacturing. Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain are all approaches for reducing clutter, reducing mistakes, and improving safety and organization.
Maximizing labor productivity
Boost labor productivity. Create effective picking plans manually if your WMS doesn’t have the capability to do so. Analyze your material consumption trends and group high-volume products near the warehouse’s entrance to reduce journey time. Also, keep products that are commonly sold together in the same place. Basically, if you aim to keep the goods you pick the most frequently in the most accessible areas to reduce picking delays, you will simplify processes.
It’s as much about common sense and the correct storage equipment as it is about sophisticated selection algorithms when it comes to increasing warehouse productivity. Watch your efficiency rise if you follow these easy steps.
