A Guide to Warehouse Management

Aug 10, 2021

Warehouse management systems are the tech tool that creates the backbone for any successful warehouse, but there’s more to management than software. The practice of warehouse management takes into account a long list of protocols and procedures that help things run smoothly and keeps employees safe.

Finding efficiency means drilling down on the different areas of the warehouse to tweak processes in each department.

Picking: Could you benefit from shifting your picking style? How is the fleet of equipment you use for picking? Could you stand to upgrade the picking area of your warehouse with optimized equipment? These are the questions you should be asking and answering.

Packing: If your warehouse is struggling in this area, it could impact the entire management process from end to end. Keep the area clean and well organized with shelving and racks, and ensure that those using equipment to transport to and from the packing area are well-trained.

Shipping: If shipping inventory is too expensive, your warehouse management costs could skyrocket. Cost-switching can help find better shipping providers and increase margins, making it easier to manage warehousing costs.

Prioritize Automation

There’s really no need for most data gathering and scanning in the warehouse to be manually entered. Not only can automation software and tools help demystify data, but it also improves efficiency and offers a competitive edge for businesses who use it. If you already have WMS software in place but it’s been a while since it’s been deployed, it might be time for an upgrade.

Improve Safety

When was the last time you took a long, hard look at your warehouse safety best practices? Don’t wait until there’s an incident to revisit how you create a culture of safety in your warehouse. Continuing safety education — especially for forklift operators — helps avoid serious safety-related issues and help with warehouse management.

Offer Incentives

Warehouse management is just as much about the employees as it is about the tech involved. Warehouse employees work very hard to keep up with the flow of inventory and maintain safety, so make sure to reward them for it. Small things like employee of the month contests or regularly catered meals can show appreciation for work supporting overall warehouse management.

Adopt Lean Methods

If your organization has been considering a shift to lean warehousing to improve management, now’s the time to do it:

Modern-day warehouses are not restricted to storage. Since their operations include processes such as receiving, put-away, picking & packing, and dispatch, etc., the lean methodology is also being applied to warehousing.

In the context of warehousing, the idea is to eliminate those processes and activities that are absorbing resources but are not creating any additional value. This is done by applying the 5S system of lean, which are Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, to the processes and procedures of the warehouse.

Maintain Equipment

Slow-moving equipment that’s consistently in disrepair can be hugely impactful on your warehouse management processes. Keeping forklifts and other warehouse equipment maintained and replacing them when necessary can improve productivity and efficiency, not to mention safety on the warehouse floor.

Focus on the Forklift

Of all the equipment used in a manufacturing facility or warehouse daily, the forklift is probably the one that is depended on the most to keep things flowing and moving efficiently and safely. Think about this: What would happen to your supply chain if suddenly your warehouse forklifts were out of order?

Work With Experts

Before you even start making checklists and daily maintenance plans, it’s crucial to work with a team that knows the challenges and struggles you face every day. Experts can not only guide you through the forklift purchase process but also provide support for service and repair and offer other warehouse management services.

There’s no doubt that warehouse management strategies come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing that’s universal is a comprehensive approach to equipment maintenance — and that’s non-negotiable.

Choosing Benco means your facility and equipment — from the floor of your warehouse to the roof — keeps your business running smoothly and your employees safe on the job. Our team of experts offers a large range of services that can optimize your warehouse for efficiency and safety. Get in touch today!

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
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