Four Tips to Help Improve the Efficiency of Your Warehouse
Proper storage solutions are essential for any warehouse. Keeping everything in its right place makes it easier for workers to load and unload goods. However, when they need to spend minutes locating the right pallet or cabinet, the waste of time eats into the overall efficiency of your warehouse.
The following tips may help you maintain an efficient, productive warehouse.
1. Clearly Label Your Storage Areas
The first solution for improving the efficiency of your warehouse is to use a proper labelling system. Clearly marking aisles and pallet racking systems helps your workers quickly find goods in your warehouse.
Proper labelling not only increases efficiency but it helps to improve safety. With aisle markers and floor marking tape, workers have clear directions and outlines to help manoeuvre forklifts and other equipment around shelving and large storage units.
2. Implement Warehouse Management Systems
The next solution is to install a warehouse management system (WMS). These systems help to improve efficiency by providing recommendations for the fastest routes for picking. When combined with other technologies, the WMS can send automated pick lists to mobile devices.
WMS solutions help to optimise your existing processes. Besides offering solutions to help improve routes, these systems can also be used to manage labour allocation. You are also less likely to make mistakes such as incorrect ordering or delivery of goods.
3. Listen to Feedback from Your Employees
Your employees are a great source of information about the efficiency of your warehouse. The workers on the floor spend more time dealing with the layout of your warehouse and the organisation of your storage solutions.
Ask your employees for feedback and suggestions to help improve productivity. While some of the suggestions that you receive may not be applicable, it only takes one suggestion to begin improving efficiency.
4. Maximise Your Available Floor Space
Another option for improving efficiency in a warehouse setting is to maximise your available floor space. There are several ways to achieve this. For example, you can consider installing mezzanine floors. These floors instantly create more storage space without requiring a lot of your floor space.
You may also consider redesigning your storage solutions. Installing new self-storage units may help you create a more efficient layout between workstations. Experienced storage consultants can use computer software to design a storage system that meets your specific needs.
These are just a few solutions that may help boost productivity. When you find ways to manage an efficient warehouse, you may also enjoy additional advantages, such as better employee morale and customer satisfaction.
At Racking + Shelving Ltd, we specialise in durable, convenient storage solutions for all types of commercial and industrial settings. We can handle all your labelling and storage needs along with helping you design the perfect racking system for better efficiency.
Contact us by calling 028 9442 9037 to receive help planning your warehouse storage solutions.