Garment retailers that run warehouses face particular challenges. Delicate, high-value items like clothing, footwear and accessories can be easily damaged when transported, stored and retrieved.
Items need to be organized according to several criteria, such as size, colour, make and style. This creates complexity and the need to manage a large number of stock-keeping units (SKUs).
Many warehouses use autonomous robots with sensitive gripper mechanisms to move items around the warehouse without damaging them. However, automation can be expensive. A lower-cost solution is to optimize the warehouse layout to reduce the time and distance required to move goods. An optimized layout will also reduce congestion so that workers with trolleys can easily pass each other.
Another less expensive way to add a level of automation to a warehouse is to invest in warehouse inventory software that guides pickers to the exact item location. An inventory system can identify overstocked items and re-order items before they go out of stock.
A warehouse equipment manufacturer can supply heavy-duty garment rails and storage equipment that can store fashion items safely and with minimum risk of damage.
Garment warehouses can be dangerous for workers due to heavy equipment, repetitive tasks and high shelves. A fully automated warehouse that requires no human workers is a safe one but is not a practical solution for many warehouse owners. Instead, improve safety signage, staff training and safety equipment to reduce injury risks. Install safety sensors that can detect if a person is entering the path of vehicles or heavy equipment.
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