How to make your warehouse more effective
It is surprising that when we talk about a business that the warehouse operation is often forgotten, and yet it is a very important part of any company that either receives, or sends out items in bulk. If you have a warehouse, it is imperative that it runs at its best not only for the output of your business but for your employees’ safety as well.
There are some quick and easy ways to improve the effectiveness of any warehouse, and making sure that you can do the best for your employees is probably the best way you can make a difference.
Deal with recycling
One of the best ways to improve the effectiveness of your warehouse is to make sure that walkways and gangways remain clear of obstacles. This includes dealing with your recycling as and when you have it. Most warehouses have a lot of recycling by way of cardboard. The use of a baler can help reduce the space your recycling takes up on your premises, and you will be able to store it in a much more pleasing manner.
When using a baler, make sure to use the correct wire for your purposes. For example, 12 gauge galvanized wire is used for cardboard baling, plastic baling, and recycling baling. There are lots of other types of baling wire available. Using the wrong type of wire for your purposes can slow the baling process down.
Getting the right software
It is important to get the right software for your warehouse in order to support its daily running and keep it at its optimum pace. Your warehouse software should enable your employees to enter, whether it be by way of a bar code or manually entered, all stock that enters your site, the location it will be stored in, quantity, and where it has come from. Your employees should be able to adjust the figures when stock is removed from your warehouse if it is to be issued for work orders on to the shop floor and destinations entered.
Any stock coming off of your shop floor and back into your warehouse prior to delivery should also be entered with locations, and delivery information stored. This is so you have a record of where every bit of stock is in your building and the quantities available. Having this type of software will not only make it far easier for your employees to find stock, but they will be able to keep a close eye on stock levels and delivery information.
Training your warehouse employees
Investing in training for your warehouse employees will not only speed them up but will keep them safe and interested in their work.
Supplying them with the correct equipment to carry out their jobs with the added benefit of knowledge will improve your warehouse employee's morale and job satisfaction. By making sure that everyone has training for all equipment required to do the job within your warehouse will mean that other employees will not be wasting time waiting for just one or two qualified employees to complete tasks but will be able to ask any warehouse person for help.