Improving warehouse work flow can increase speed ofoutput, as well as improve the layout of the warehouse, and ensure optimal efficiency and safety for your employees. A good warehouse owner knows how to improve the flow of the warehouse, maintain best practices, and keep the day-to-day practices running smoothly.
If you are a business owner, this article offers five practical tips for improving the flow of your warehouse.
A safety system within your warehouse should be put in place to prevent workers from being injured, especially when using machinery such as forklifts. Have a system with visible lines on the floor for pedestrians and machinery and ensure employees follow these at all times. You can also have another person following the forklift, to make sure that corners are clear before turning.
Use signs and lighting on the forklift so other workers are aware when the forklift is near. Every warehouse needs a forklift for optimal workflow. If you do not have one, you can find used forklifts for sale in the UK at Multy Lift. Refurbished forklifts are cheaper, meaning your business can save money whilst still getting superior machinery.
Having things disorganised and cluttered will negatively impact the flow of your warehouse, as it takes longer for employees to locate stock. Get employees to tidy as they go, as mess could also cause accidents in the workplace. Hiring a cleaner can help if you have a busy warehouse with lots of employees.
Maintaining equipment is essential, especially when working in a warehouse. This can prevent accidents and guarantees all machinery is working correctly before use. Create a maintenance check folder that managers and employees will be responsible for filling out daily. If you own a forklift, regular maintenance can keep the equipment to a high standard and will reduce costs when a service is due.
The flow of your warehouse is only as good as your employee’s knowledge, and as an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that your workforce is fully trained in health and safety. Regular training is essential, especially if you bring in a new safety system or piece of equipment.
Even employees who are not trained on equipment should have some basic understanding, especially in the case of an accident. You can find e-learning courses for warehouse employees, which should be taken annually for best practice and to comply with the health and safety laws.
You would be surprised at the number of warehouses that do not keep a proper tally of their warehouse inventory. This could lead to insufficient warehouse flow, as you run out of essential stock. Hire someone who keeps warehouse inventory stock or make this a job for yourself or a manager. Use software such as Excel to simplify this process, so you can quickly check when stock is getting low to reorder. If you are a beginner, check out this guide to using Microsoft Excel.
Improving the flow of your warehouse starts with having a forklift safety system in place. Keep things tidy, perform regular maintenance checks, train employees in health and safety, and manage warehouse inventory to create a smooth warehouse flow that maximises efficiency and revenue.