The following 20 tips will improve your freight management system and keep the warehouse running smoothly.
Most of them are technology-focused; in future articles we’ll address process and labor best practices and the importance of performance-based models. And remember–you can contact Costa Solutions for a free evaluation of your warehouse management needs.
1. Use of Automatic Data Collection: The main advantages of automatic data collection modes like barcodes, and radio frequency identification are well-founded, including a rise in accuracy and productivity and a decline in labor costs.
2. Use of an Automated Data Entry Process: The use of Radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers or mobile computers with barcode scanners helps get the goods off the dock quickly and drastically minimizes errors in the manual receiving process.
3. Promotion of Company-wide Information Visibility: An extensively burgeoning warehouse visibility infrastructure enables businesses to share information across the company and throughout their operations.
4. Warehouse Management System/Asset Tracking: The combination of these two concepts provides the automation needed to make the most out of warehouse productivity. It increases agility, labor efficiency, and visibility in the warehouse system.
5. Data Synchronization: Through software applications, this concept enhances visibility in warehouse processes and streamlines typically labor-intensive data integration activities.
6. Searching With Bin Locations: More and more distribution software programs today are utilizing bin locations for accurate and immediate retrieval of products within the warehouse.
7. Well-Organized SKUs: Placing multiple SKUs in the same bin location decreases accuracy and picking productivity by slowing down the operator.
8. Record of Inventory Picks: An asset tracking system can record the frequency of inventory picking during specific time frames. By doing this, one can determine the value of the space where the inventory is kept.
9. Accurate Forecasting via Asset Tracking: Forecasting can actually reduce costs and guarantee the success of inventory management efforts.
10. Advanced Shipping Notification: By leveraging advanced electronic shipping notifications within the inventory management and purchase order functions, managers can plan labor with more certainty.
11. Efficient Returns System: A specialized returns process, whether standalone or part of a Warehouse Management System, can support effective automation with the right setup.
12. Efficient Task Management: The commitment to punctuality and timeliness not only eliminate backlog but also fosters pleasant relations with customers.
13. Lean Warehouse Operations Practices: By addressing waste focus areas with lean solutions, companies can enjoy multiple opportunities to reduce lead times in warehousing.
14. Inbound and Outbound Freight Control: To prevent profit erosion, companies should hire an experienced consultant to pinpoint areas to negotiate reductions without sacrificing service levels.
15. Vendor Delivery Appointments: To effectively plan dock staffing, all inbound carriers should be required to schedule delivery appointments.
16. ABC Analysis for Inventory: By employing this categorization method, companies can focus their resources on products that generate the most revenue.
17. Warehouse Safety as a Priority: Cultivating a culture of safety in the warehouse results in important cost savings, as well as higher employee satisfaction and a boost in productivity.
18. Safety Committee: Since warehouse accidents cost companies significant costs, forming a safety committee can help implement enhanced safety procedures better.
19. Emergency Response Plan: In the presence of hazards in the workplace, businesses should have an emergency response plan in place to keep injuries and damages to a minimum.
20. Avoidance of Common Warehouse Mishaps: Companies must take safety measures to prevent typical mishaps that take place at loading docks and staging areas.