If you are involved in the management of a warehouse, do you feel like your warehouse management solution is working? Or better yet, do you feel like there are some areas that could be improved? There are many areas of the supply chain that can be improved to boost the operational efficiency of your warehouse, thus facilitating the growth of your business. From storage to picking and shipping, there are several ways you can boost your business from improved supply chain management. Check out the tips below.

Organisation

Maintaining an organised warehouse is the key to your warehouse’s successful supply chain management. As a warehouse manager, you will face shipment orders coming in and several customer orders going out. It is essential that you maintain control over your inventory otherwise it will take control of you and your warehouse’s operations. Some ways to improve the organisation include:

Make use of pallet racking.

It is in your best interest to invest in pallet racks that can help organise your inventory. If purchasing them brand new is too expensive, you can also opt for second hand pallet racking that will provide you with the inventory storage solution for your warehouse.

Track receivables diligently!

When your stock arrives at the warehouse, it is vital that the stock is inspected and verified immediately. Should you notice any inventory shortages or damage, it should be noted immediately. You will also need to make sure you know exactly where your stock is located to minimise shrinkage threats.

Manage your warehouses pickers wisely.

Picking staff account for a high portion of your warehouse’s operational costs. Strive to organise your warehouse efficiently to minimise picking costs for your customers orders. This may see you relocating the picker to work in one area or creating pick lists based on groups of the customer’s orders.

Warehouse safety!

Safework Australia reports several hundred cases of workplace accidents in the warehouse each year. Costs for employee compensation payouts and the loss in productivity can cost businesses thousands of dollars in lost income every year. Some of the advice they offer includes:

Eliminating any safety hazards.

Slips, trips and falls account for a high percentage of accidents in the workplace. Other health threats are also present within the warehouse. Prevent these accidents from occurring by:

• Ensuring all warehouse staff wear the right safety equipment and clothing protection.

• That any signs of spills are quickly dealt with.

• Any wet areas or spills are signed appropriately to warn workers about any potential hazards.

• Should there be dangerous equipment in your warehouse, ensure that it is clearly labelled to avoid any serious injury.

• 
  

Teach warehouse workers about safe lifting techniques.

Back pains and strains are a common occurrence in warehouses. Advise staff on lifting techniques that will limit the strain on their back and incorporate other muscles for safer lifting.

Promoting safety!

Remind your warehouse workers that it is in everyone’s duty to be as safe as possible to protect their own and co-workers well being. Encourage employees to be vocal and to be aware.

Manage the traffic in the warehouse environment.

Your warehouse will be exposed to accident risk. Your warehouse traffic will consist of trucks, forklifts and pickers that need to work cohesively to maintain a safe working environment.

You want to make sure that your business’s supply chain management facilitates a smooth operational process that will allow your warehouse’s business to grow. Managing the risks and production opportunities is the key to maximising the operational efficiency of your warehouse. Start taking the necessary steps towards becoming a smooth operator today!