Warehouse efficiency is one of the most important factors in keeping a good company workflow.
Putting everything in the right place and getting rolling out products in time is a good start, but there’s a lot more to managing a warehouse. By making the appropriate adjustments, it is possible to increase productivity while saving time and money.
As a result, the company’s bottom line can drastically improve.
In this article, we’ll review 5 tips to maximize warehouse productivity. Read on!
1. Make the Most of the Available Space
Before thinking of getting a bigger warehouse, it’s important to ensure you’re making the most of your space, especially when it comes to vertical space.
With taller storage units and the proper equipment, you can pick and store much more material without incurring any expansion costs.
This is where pallet racking can come in handy. Using the most efficient shelving solutions increases workflow dynamism. Storage and access to the products become easier and faster.
You might also want to optimize your shelving depending on the types of materials stored. Don’t use the same racks everywhere in your warehouse. Consider using different types of shelving adapted to each type of material.
2. Use Technology
Don’t hesitate to make use of all the technological tools available. A warehouse management system (WMS) or an ERP system with a great management module can optimize warehouse production by suggesting the best most efficient methods.
What’s more, this system gives you automated pick lists that can be directly sent to mobile devices. As a result, you’ll save on time, paper, and avoid mistakes altogether.
Adopt barcode and radio frequency identification readers to enhance the accuracy of transitions and eliminate picking errors.
3. Keep a Small Inventory
Keeping things as lean as you reasonably can is just as essential to warehouse efficiency as manufacturing. Basically, just stick to what you need and trim the extra fat.
Ask your suppliers to deliver smaller quantities, but more frequently. Get rid of safety stocks.
4. Keep Things Organized
Organizing workstations is an important part of maximizing productivity. Workers won’t have to search for tools or equipment and waste precious time.
The 5S method from lean manufacturing can ensure that your workstations are organized as efficiently as possible.
This method consists of Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. In short, you can kiss clutter goodbye, reduce errors, and improve safety standards for your workers.
5. Maximize Work Efficiency
If you don’t have a WMS that can generate good picking plans, you still have the option of creating them manually.
For this, take a close look at your material usage patterns. Store bigger volume items closer to the front of the warehouse to reduce travel time. Items that are usually sold together should also be stored near one another.
Basically, you want to streamline all operations by keeping things accessible and reducing picking delays as much as possible.
Warehouse Efficiency Is at Hand
Warehouse efficient involves a lot of common sense, but that’s not all. It’s also important to have the proper equipment to make everything work as smoothly as it can.
By adopting these measures, you should see an increase in productivity, which will keep your clients happy.
Check out our Business Resources to get more great tips about running a company.