Efficiency is everything when it comes to the warehouse and distribution process. You need to take your time when it comes to creating a warehouse and distribution process that works for you.
If you’re looking to improve the way you do things, we have a few steps you should take that will deliver long-term results.
The Right Employees Moving in the Right Direction
Did you know there’s a serious blue-collar labor shortage? Many warehouses and logistics processes are understaffed. First, you need to find a solution to this.
Once you have a solution to that, you must ensure they are moving in the right direction. In other words, you need an accurate floorplan and enough space for employees to work without getting in each other’s way.
It’s simply a matter of organization.
Automating the Big Data Collection Process
These days 53% of companies use big data analytics, with the majority of them being in the warehousing and distribution industries.
You know about the importance of being able to track anything and everything. The problem is that employees often must do this manually.
Automate the big data collection process to improve efficiency. Using handheld scanners and radio frequency identification can streamline this process.
The fact is warehouse automation technology is now expected to be a $22 billion industry by 2021, so there are lots of options you can choose from.
Implement Inventory Management Software
Inventory management software sends data about your inventory from the moment a container arrives on your premises. Rather than having this function as a separate role within your business, it’s automatic.
You can even combine inventory management software with artificial intelligence-powered software that will even predict future problems, such as inventory shortages.
Utilize Cross Docking
Fast-moving products may make up part of your inventory. Think about how much time is lost when employees need to return to the shelves and find the right products to send out on the next part of their journeys.
Companies like 3PL Links believe that cross-docking is the way around this.
The way to do it is to form a temporary staging area close to a loading dock. This way your employees have the products at their fingertips, and they can be sent out at a faster rate. It’s just about reducing the number of steps in the process.
Install Better Lighting
The makeup of warehouses means that there are often a lot of shadows. This can reduce visibility and make it harder for your employees to do their jobs.
Furthermore, it can be difficult to function during the night hours when employees are often less energetic. Better lighting can do a lot to solve all these problems.
Brighter lights and lights that illuminate everything will always improve your efficiency ratings.
Last Word – Making Your Business Better
Taking these steps is not just about efficiency it’s about taking your business into the here and now. Without implementing these changes, you risk falling behind the competition.
Have you started taking positive steps towards modernization yet?
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