Running a Successful Warehouse: 5 Important Factors to Consider

Everyone in the warehouse industry knows that inefficient warehouses can quickly turn into logistical nightmares of delays, confusion and misinformation. Running a successful warehouse is one of the keys to efficient inventory management. That’s because you are distributing products to consumers, which retains customer satisfaction (and potentially boosts customer demand). So, wondering how to run an efficient warehouse? If you are a warehouse manager, here are five tips for improving warehouse efficiency and warehouse operation that will save you time and money while avoiding unnecessary headaches.

1. Improve Inbound Shipments

Establish policies that hold vendors accountable and set clear expectations. Vendors must conform to on-time delivery, quality specs, and packaging with labeling requirements. Failure to hold vendors accountable sends the message that sub-par performance is acceptable. Consider scheduling incoming purchase orders in order to better manage the receiving dock. Make sure that your warehouse management system is effective and continues to meet your needs.

2. Centralize and Standardize

Reduce the number of times items are handled by warehouse by streamlining the receiving process and improving the inventory layout. Reduce the number of workers involved and avoid having separate people for receiving, stocking and database updating. Instead, empower individuals to completely handle incoming shipments in the most efficient way. Create standard operating procedures to ensure that all warehouse employees follow the same guidelines. One sign of an efficient warehouse is when warehouse employees work together as a single unit.

3. Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement in warehouse operations depends on successfully responding to change in an open and proactive manner. Logistical problems should not just end up on a supervisor’s to-do list that gets covered with paperwork in the office. Continuous improvement depends on standard procedures and communication protocols that ensure that problems are immediately dealt with. Use corrective action plans that document the responsible party, their supervisor, the deadline, and the goal. Have management review the plans during their weekly meetings. Post an improvement suggestion sheet in the break room for warehouse staff.

4. Upgrade Equipment

Upgrading warehouse technology is also vital to keep your warehouse efficient. Technology doesn’t only maintain warehouse productivity but also retains quality control of products. Certain products need to maintain specific temperatures. Consider using customized tank heaters, like ones offered from Powerblanket, to maintain the right conditions. Warehouses are notoriously cold, and warehouse staff need a comfortable working environment. Consider installing High Volume, Low Speed (HVLS) fans to decrease the amount of heat escaping through the door.

5. Redesign Layout

Major inventory storage redesigns will cost time and money. So how do you maximize your current warehouse space? In order to avoid this, maintain flexibility with location, inventory control procedures and shipment requirements. Consider using temporary, adjustable storage bins and racks. An efficient warehouse layout can help improve warehouse productivity. Fishbowl Warehouse is an invaluable tool in this area for all warehouse managers, showing you what items are often ordered together and what your top-selling products are. Armed with this information, you can reorganize your warehouse to put those products together and also put popular products closer to the receiving area for more efficient receiving and shipping. An efficient warehouse can be run smoothly by following these steps consistently. Through improving inbound shipment procedures, standardization, continuous improvement, equipment upgrades, and redesigning the layout, you will find your warehouse to be a boon to your business.