Lead Forensics

Seven ways warehouse organisation improves productivity

A warehouse can be seen as the foundation of a business, and a disorganised warehouse can negatively affect a company. Here are a few simple steps to improve warehouse organisation and boost productivity:

1. Labels and signs

A simple and inexpensive way to improve warehouse organisation is to use clear signs and labels. Inventory needs clearly labelling. If items are stored in zones, each zone should be well signposted. This will especially help new employees find their way to item locations.

Hazardous and height-restricted areas also need signs.

2. Storage capacity review

Storage capacity is the maximum items a shelf or rack system can hold. This can be calculated by multiplying the height, width and depth to find the cubic feet. Is all the storage capacity being used? If there is a large space above where items are stored, can this space be used somehow? Perhaps an additional shelf can be added to utilise the space.

3. Inventory review

Take an inventory of what is currently in the warehouse. Compare the number of times that a particular item is picked to the quantity stored. If there are large quantities of slow-moving items, this indicates that too much stock is being bought. Order less next time they need restocking. Money tied up in over-stocked items reduces cashflow.

If it’s practical, consider “just in time” systems, where only sufficient stock of items for a day or two is held, but items are regularly re-stocked.

If, like fashion retailers, business is seasonal, make sure that the warehouse is not overstocked with last season’s items.

4. Organise small items

Storage devices to hold small items are an inexpensive way of keeping items in order. You can use bins, totes, dividers or a combination of them all. Add labels to identify what is in each container. If orders regularly contain small items, use a picking trolley with tote boxes or bins.

5. Clean and tidy regularly

It’s not just during times of a pandemic that hygiene and cleanliness is important. Dirt can be a health hazard, even if it is virus-free. Litter and items left on the floor also present a risk of employee injury.

A clean warehouse is likely to be an efficient one.

6. Regular safety checks

Warehouse handling and storage equipment from Steely Products is designed to last a long time, with little maintenance required other than cleaning.

All equipment and shelving should be regularly checked for faults and should be repaired if needed.

Sometimes, material handling equipment collides with and damages shelving or racks. Damaged sections could be dangerous, so they should be replaced.

7. Buy top-quality equipment

Buy warehouse equipment that you can rely on to do the job well. Cheap, poorly made equipment that breaks down holds up warehouse operations.

Steely Products cannot organise your warehouse for you, but we can supply your organisation with high-quality storage and material handling equipment that is designed and built to last.

To discuss your warehouse equipment requirements, call us or use the form below.

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