September 15, 2020 5 Ways to Make Warehouse Work More Efficient

A look at some of the ways to make your warehouse much more efficient.

It’s no secret that having an efficient warehouse enables an operation to run more smoothly. Efficiency can boost productivity, increase warehouse safety and make day-to-day tasks easier. If this sounds like something you want to achieve, then read on; we’re going to take a look at some of the ways you can make your warehouse much more efficient.  

1. Safety strategy 

Having a safety strategy can reduce the risk of an accident. An accident can stop production, slowing down work and reducing efficiency. While safety measures can’t eliminate risk completely, having them in place can cut the chances of one occurring. This will require carrying out risk assessments to ensure staff can carry out their jobs knowing what risks could arise and putting measures in place to prevent accidents. It’s also imperative that you invest in the correct labels and signs to help with your health and safety strategy. 

2. Training 

This leads us nicely onto training. By investing in staff training you can not only improve safety (as they can learn how to use equipment and machinery properly) but also help develop their career. Training has been found to boost productivity and can:  

• Develop new skills 
• Boost confidence 
• Revive old skills 
• Enhance industry knowledge 
• Reduce employee turnover. 

3. Maintain vehicles 

Just like a car, if you maintain your vehicles and keep them to a high standard, they’ll reward you in the long run. Not only will they last longer, but having them in tip-top condition will also help to prevent accidents.  

On vehicles such as forklift trucks, you may find your vehicle has pneumatic tyres fitted. You should check these every day to ensure no nails are impaling or damage to them. And you will want to ensure they are inflated correctly. A daily walk-round check before the shift starts is recommended.  

4. Track your stock 

Maintaining your inventory is essential in running an efficient warehouse. Knowing your stock can be the difference between a happy customer and a frustrated one. One way to monitor your stock is to set yourself recorder points. These help to establish the least amount of product the warehouse can have so you know you won’t go under that. Of course, these points will vary depending on your busy times – such as Christmas. Invest in an inventory management system which can help you to track your inventory much easier.  

5. Organise your warehouse  

Organise your warehouse in a way which is easy to manoeuvre. Think about how you use your space (or don’t use it). Have your stock organised – you can decide which is the best way for you. Product category; bestsellers; alphabetical are easy-to-organise options. There are many ways to organise your warehouse, but this will ultimately vary to each site. By having an organised warehouse, efficiency will be increased thanks to staff having a clear direction on where they need to be and go.  

When it comes to making your warehouse more efficient there are some simple ways to do it. Some which will require a bit of investment and others which are cost-effective. Ultimately, making these small steps will have huge benefits to your operation and will assist in making it a better place. 

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