6 Tips for Maximizing Efficiency and Productivity of Warehouse Operations

CONTRIBUTION BY KEVIN HILL – Online Marketing Manager at Quality Scales Unlimited

As a warehouse manager, you would understand that handling warehouse operations are a massive task. One small mistake may affect the efficiency and productivity of the warehouse. You must continually implement measures to optimize various warehouse processes and improve the overall effectiveness of the operations involved. Apart from minimizing downtime and increasing productivity, it is essential to improve your supply chain. Let us look at a few tips that help in achieving the same.

(1) Reduce Travel Time
Travel time in warehouse refers to the amount of time that is spent on walking or moving between the slots or different stations. Time taken for picking tickets, packaging and shipping affects overall productivity. One way to reduce travel time is by optimizing the in-warehouse routes and unnecessary legs in order picking.

(2) Implement Weighing Scales
Warehouse weighing scales can greatly improve productivity in your facility. For example, by using forklift scales, you can lift, weigh, move and record loads in a single operation. Since they have electronic sensors, they can weigh theloads accurately. The weighing scales are made of durable materials and have no springs or hydraulics, which ensure that they can withstand harsh conditions and jolts without interfering with their accuracy. Integrating weighing scales into different warehouse operationshelps you improve the accuracy of shipping and billing as well.

(3) ImplementTraining Programs
Training programs help your staff identify various opportunities where efficiency can be increased. Remember that training is not a one-time thing but rather an on-going process. Train your employees to tackle various warehouse issues at the beginning itself. Encourage them to generate regular reviews, reports and stay abreast of the latest technology. The training program must also include a thorough review of all programs or incentives offered.

(4) Maintain Real-Time Inventory Visibility and Management
You must leverage technology to provide real-time inventory visibility and management. Since real-time inventory tracking considers averages and variations in orders, you will be better equipped to handle any sudden changes in throughput.

(5) Schedule Regular Maintenance of Equipment
Maintenance of equipment is essential to ensure its smooth running. You must have a maintenance plan which ensures that the essential machinery is serviced at regular intervals. When the machine is well-serviced, it will its prevent complete failure as you would identify a potential problem during the maintenance checks itself. Another benefit of regular maintenance is increased efficiency as the operations will run smoothly, without downtime caused due to the breakdown of machinery. Regular maintenance helps in detecting and identifying problems before they become big and cost you time and money.

(6) ImplementLean Warehouse Techniques
Implementing lean warehouse practices will improve manufacturing processes, lower overall costs and enable more efficient and quicker production. Lean production techniques help in creating a culture of continuous improvement, employee empowerment, and waste minimization. Additionally, they help in improvingquality, cost, service, and delivery.

Lastly, embrace automation. Not only will it help you achieve greater warehouse productivity, but also drive significant cost savings. Implementing floor scales for weighing will increase the accuracy and efficiency of the warehouse processes.