When you run a high-volume product-based business, receiving, recording and moving inventory must be an efficient operation. Properly tracking goods not only ensures you have the right items available for sale but also helps you to closely analyze areas of dead stock so you can reduce waste.
From the standpoint of the people upon whom you rely to make your warehouse operation optimal, a tight receiving process leads to fewer workplace injuries and reduce on-the-job stress.
1. Analyze the Layout of Your Warehouse
Your warehouse has to be an organized location for people to unload, unpack, store and retrieve items of various sizes and shapes. Take a moment to review what happens on a typical receiving day and how you can map your warehouse to make the process more efficient.
For example, a workstation should be optimized to reduce clutter so staff know what items to sort or stack. Give them ready access to tools; if it’s hard to find, it’s hard to use. Also, remember to sort your inventory by type and by frequency of turnover. Rapid-selling items should be easiest to retrieve and replenish than things that only sell once in a while.
2. Review Your Inventory Database
Your inventory database is a snapshot of what you have in stock, what’s written off as damaged or sold, and what’s gathering dust. Use this data to provide insight into your warehouse procedures. For example, if there is a perishable item that is frequently written off as damaged, it’s a good idea to locate that item in the warehouse to figure out the root cause.
Often, when your numbers don’t match what you see on the floor, there’s an issue with properly tracking inventory as it comes in or there’s an issue with handling procedures designed to prevent loss.
3. Keeping Workers Safe and Informed
Your on-the-ground workers are essential to smooth warehouse operations. Regular communication with warehouse staff can help you to understand the issues going unnoticed and what needs to be changed. Health and safety guidelines should be posted in easily-visible areas around the warehouse, and everyone should be encouraged to report potential hazards. In most cases, a warehouse that optimizes worker safety is also the most efficient and profitable warehouse operation.
To improve your receiving process, it’s important to think practically. Walk through the basic procedures to identify areas of inefficiency. Little things like walking a few extra feet to retrieve a high-volume item or stocking the heavy goods far away from the forklift take up precious time. Spotting those deficiencies can get you on the way to success.
By reviewing your processes, you will identify was to become more efficient and improve the quality of work life for your employees. Optimizing your warehouse for safety and work flow will increase your productivity and profitability. Take time to review these important steps to make your warehouse successful.