April 12, 2022
One of the biggest challenges a new business owner can face is generating productivity that helps maintain the workflow and ensures everything is completed on time. As a warehouse manager, this flow is arguably more essential than anywhere else. If your team fails to meet targets, it can create a domino effect that will upset suppliers and customers. You need to find the most effective ways to increase efficiency, so consider these four tips.
It can be easy to build up momentum in the warehouse as long as everyone knows their role. Warehouse workers quickly become adept at their job, allowing them to work without thinking. However, it is also easy for workers to get distracted or disrupted, especially if you do not set your warehouse up correctly.
Exceptional warehouse organisation will cut down a significant amount of wasted time throughout the week. Logically ordered products, clear lanes, and reliable systems can all contribute to maintaining efficiency and even helping workers get ahead of schedule.
Warehouses can be hazardous places. There is a lot of heavy machinery and plenty of moving parts and bodies. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries, grinding the entire process to a halt. Detailed and regular employee training can do a lot to prevent accidents. Conducting regular Gemba Walks can further enhance operational efficiency by identifying areas for improvement on the warehouse floor. Utilizing a structured Gemba Walk checklist ensures that these walks are thorough and effective. A crash barrier can protect stock and machinery if someone is not paying attention while using forklifts or similar vehicles.
A comprehensive Health & Safety policy should also be in place, and you should always have at least one person on the floor who knows how to administer First Aid.
The Internet of Things can benefit many industries, and warehouses are one of the most common areas where you will find software that makes the job easier. There are many approaches you can take, including automatic stock adjustment that eliminates the need for manual inventory records.
These Workplace Management Systems are crucial for keeping things moving. They can track every step of the item’s journey and reduce the chances of mislabelled products so the wrong item does not get sent to the wrong person. If you have not already implemented a WMS, now is the time to do so.
It’s understood that warehouse employees work long shifts with many spending the entire time on their feet. This can cause significant fatigue, affecting their focus and efficiency, and therefore increases the risk of mistakes and accidents.
By allowing your workers regular breaks where they can get some air and replenish their energy, you will drastically reduce the number of issues your warehouse faces. Energised employees are more motivated. They are always on the ball, and they can spot dangers before they become a problem, which further keeps everyone else (and the stock) safe.
An efficient warehouse guarantees a satisfied and stress-free supply line. The product will leave the warehouse on time and arrive at the customer’s door when it was supposed to. If you feel you can increase your warehouse productivity, consider implementing these policies to ensure success.