1. Organize efficiently
Make sure that things are properly and descriptively labeled. Divide the warehouse into zones and product-specific areas, and store items in the most efficient way in regards to their dimensions and material.
2. Keep a thorough data record
This data is necessary for future decision making in your warehouse, as well as your company. Real time systems such as RF, voice, RFID are recommended by many warehouses. Manually data collection is always an option as well.
3. Implement and execute counting procedures to enhance inventory accuracy
Get a handle on inventory with an efficient counting process. It’s best to do this every morning before shipments start to go out instead at the end of the day.
4. Outline how to choose and plan orders in advance
Defining what process you are going to use, outlining steps and procedure can be a huge time saver. Hold monthly meetings to discuss with fellow workers if procedures need to be optimized or changed in any way.
5. Emphasize replenishing your stock
Tying in with methodology as well as slotting frequency, this process is just as vital as defining your order procedure. Put-away logic and procedure aids in the overall accuracy of inventory.
6. Secure you operations
Many studies indicate that having a secure supply chain leads to higher efficiency overall.
7. Maintain proper lighting
There is a tendency in many warehouses for the overall lighting to be quite low. Based on an effort to save money in such a large space, this idea comes from the right place, but instead often slows down warehouse processes, resulting in a loss of time, effort and money. Also the type of lighting fixture can affect the working visibility in your warehouse. Round fixture set over rectangular shelving rows results in dark areas due to poor light distribution. Implementing the correct lighting geometry aids in overall product selection accuracy. Better yet, install a motion-censored energy-efficient lighting system that turns off lights after a certain amount of time with no activity in that area.
8. Hire an Inventory Controller or Manager
If your operation is large enough, hiring someone to be the primary decision-maker in regards to inventory would take a lot of pressure off other workers.
9. Enable efficient and on-going training processes
Training takes a long time to complete, but procedures can always be improved. Ensure that things are being done as efficiently as possible by holding continuous training meetings, working to optimize procedures and correct problems as well as bad habits. These meetings and training session also allow all employees to communicate with and learn from one another. Be sure to document training and keep a record of the evolution of your procedures to observe your overall improvement.
