Warehouse Trends to Watch in 2020

Dec 15, 2019

Warehouse Trends 2020. As you wrap up the 2019 business year, it’s important to take a closer look at which strategies have helped to optimize your warehouse — and which haven’t helped at all. If you’re not seeing the progress you’d hoped for at the beginning of the year, it may be time to leverage some emerging trends in the industry. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.

Tapping into warehouse tech

Is your warehouse still using pen and paper? Manual processes cut into productivity and can lead to costly mistakes that negatively impact your bottom line. Warehouse tech has become affordable and user-friendly enough for organizations of all sizes and in all industries. Some innovations that are poised for major growth in the coming months are barcode scanning, tablet computers, Internet of Things (IoT), data/analytics, and wearable devices. 

At the top of that list are barcode scanner tech and tablet computers, both of which help boost automation efforts within warehouses. Together they offer everyone a real-time look at warehouse management processes and are more efficient than paper-based methods by leaps and bounds. It’s also a great combination for warehouse managers to tackle analytics and data that can be used to reduce costs and improve productivity.

Making WMS work

As automation increasingly becomes the end goal for organizations looking to improve warehouse operations, warehouse management systems (WMS) will be the tech tool of choice. WMS tech far surpasses the effectiveness of the legacy systems that were popular in the past as they offer some clarity when it comes to tracking inventory and shipments, both inbound and outbound.

The most popular WMS on the market these days is cloud-based and on-demand and can work closely with trucking and trailer tech. Yard management is a critical component of overall warehouse management, and the insight provided will help fulfill orders more quickly. When software is moved off-premise, you’ll see extensive cost savings.

Improving warehouse visibility

Inventory and process visibility is key to optimizing warehouse management, and organizations will be turning to radio frequency identification (RFID) and Internet of Things (IoT) tools to help automate data collection. RFID and IoT can be used across the entire supply chain in a number of different devices.

It used to be that RFID systems were priced outside of the budget of smaller businesses, but they’ve become much more affordable and sophisticated over time. IoT will be used to help link these systems together for a highly accurate picture of real-time data that drives warehouse decisions. RFID can support warehouse management efforts as well as help provide inventory visibility for logistics providers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers along the supply chain.

Investing in voice picking

While mobile technology is one step up from paper-based inventory control, warehouses will take it further with voice-based picking. Generally, users wear a headset to concentrate on choosing the right inventory while freeing hands from clipboards and mobile tablets. It’s also a great technique for items (such as produce) that don’t have barcodes.

Voice-based technology is highly accurate and offers a return on investment in more complex warehouses that depend on getting the pick right the first time, every time. Studies have shown that migrating to voice from paper picking can reduce errors by up to 90% . When keeping a competitive advantage means keeping your customers happy with your orders, that’s a huge improvement to your bottom line.

Increasing warehouse sustainability

Upfitting your warehouse to be more energy-efficient and sustainable offers a long list of benefits, and many warehouse managers are taking note to invest in ways to do this in the new year. Lighting and HVAC upfits and upgrades help cut utility costs and make employees more comfortable and productive, even lowering absentee rates and fatigue that can lead to costly accidents on the job.

In addition, warehouses are using IoT sensors to collect and analyze data that can optimize these systems. For example, tech tools will alert to occupancy, turning off lights and HVAC functions when workers aren’t in the warehouse. This data can also provide insights for facility managers to choose where and when to make tweaks that can further improve processes.

Along with implementing these upcoming trends, it’s a smart idea to use the new year (and the new decade!) to service or even upgrade warehouse equipment — an often-overlooked step in improving productivity within your warehouse. We are the best source for forklift service, repair, sales and leasing in the St. Louis area, and we respond in minutes (not days!) to ensure our customers always have the material handling equipment they need to keep their warehouses running smoothly. Let’s talk about how we can help you start the new year with the right equipment.

 

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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