When it comes to running a warehouse or a factory, it is important to make sure that it is fluid and works efficiently. To do this, you need to make sure it is planned and prepped for success. So, how do you make sure to keep your warehouse working to its full potential? We share our 4 best tips.
By Team Savant
Image: Eduardo Soares
Organise Well
One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that your warehouse is fully organised. When it is organised, you can ensure it is efficient. To do this, you may need to completely overhaul your current situation, especially if you find it difficult to locate stock at the moment. Consider removing all your stock, arranging it into categories, and then putting it back away in a clearly labeled order. If you are on a budget, you may want to look at Used Pallet Racking and arrange your stock properly. An organised warehouse is an efficient warehouse.
Train Your Team
There is no point in organising your warehouse if your staff aren’t going to be able to use it properly. Build a training plan and deliver it to existing and new employees. Include training on how to safely lift heavy items, how to safely use a ladder, how to locate stock in the warehouse, and how to use the tools to arrange the stock room. When you do this, you limit the chance of the warehouse becoming untidy and unorganised, and you can also provide reliable and efficient service.
Hold Stock Audits
If you find yourself going to a stock location and the item is missing, then you need to find out why. It could be that it is unorganised, it could be from damaged stock items being thrown away, and it could even be from internal theft. Whatever the reason is, it is essential that you do a stock audit. When you do a stock audit, you count the stock you have and then record this as the new and most up-to-date stock levels. It is a good idea to take the stock counts twice so you can ensure the most accurate data. The most efficient way of doing a stocktake is to ask staff to do a late-night shift to complete it.
Share Responsibility
You will find that if you divide the responsibility of looking after the warehouse between a few supervisors, not only will your mission of keeping it organised be easier, but you will also have small teams who want to ensure the area is kept well. Divide the warehouse into categories and then choose a supervisor for each. Make sure they know the full ins and outs of keeping it organised and well stocked. You should give them the responsibility of restocking the areas, too.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to keep a tidy and organised warehouse. Do you have any other tips that might help? It would be great to hear about them in the comments below.