Five crucial improvements for warehouse operations optimisation
The pandemic has brought a rapid transition for retailers toward digital services. For many businesses, online selling facilities have been instrumental in surviving Covid-19 challenges.
However, selling online significantly transforms business operations. Small and mid-sized companies must learn some of the key success factors in the ecommerce sector.
While digital marketing and technology in a customer facing environment are essential to maximising online sales, they are not the whole story. Without warehousing facilities, online retailers would not be able to meet their objectives.
Unfortunately, for many small businesses that have made the move online, managing warehouse operations is a new skill. What can newcomers do to improve warehousing operations rapidly and significantly?
#1. Inventory intelligence
How much do you have left in stock? Retailers are familiar with managing shop stocks. However, the stock inventory systems used for boutique shops may not be sufficient to manage a warehouse.
Therefore, it becomes essential to invest in a warehouse-specific solution that can deliver inventory intelligence. AI inventory tools are highly effective in not only tracking the existing stock but also forecasting future stock requirements based on former market and sales information.
For example, retailers may be in a position to plan ahead for seasonal sales and avoid running out of customers' favourite items. It may be necessary to rent extra storage space when preparing for seasonal peaks so small businesses can store stock palettes safely until they can move the stock to the warehouse.
#2. Robotic warehouse technology
Warehouse teams are prone to injuries. Indeed, lifting heavy objects can require specific safety training or equipment. Unfortunately, rush time can make it tricky for teams to follow safety rules. More often than not, there isn't enough equipment for multiple workers.
Additionally, warehouse employees can feel pressured to rush through orders preparation in order to manage large volumes. As a result, they are more likely to lift improperly. That's where robotic technology for warehouse can make a huge difference.
Amazon has been introducing many automated robotic systems to their warehouses. The company also invests in the development of further robotic solutions to make warehousing operations more manageable.
Robots can not only save a lot of time in the warehouse, but they can also be utilised specifically on heavy items to reduce risks of injury.
#3. RFID
Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, has been a crucial tech innovation for warehousing and facility management industries. In a warehouse environment, RFID tags can reduce processing times and optimise accuracy and efficiency.
Warehouse management already uses RFID technology to track stock location and availability in real time. However, the technology also enables warehouse managers to monitor operations and know what is happening at all times.
For example, a worker requiring support or getting injured inside the warehouse could share their location using RFID technology. Similarly, equipment fault could also be shared with the management team through RFID tags for location and effect fault identification.
As the lack of real time information can cost the warehouse time and money, keeping on top of all events can be a game-changer for many businesses.
#4. Communal break rooms
Office managers understand the need for break rooms and communal areas for their teams. Yet, when it comes to the warehouse environment, many companies fail to appreciate the crucial role of communal break areas for teams.
Warehouse work can be demanding and stressful at times, and operators can spend an entire day walking through the warehouse. Additionally, warehouses tend to lack engaging decor and comfort compared to the office layout.
While improving lighting and heating systems could affect the quality of stocks, the communal area can bring the comfort workers need for job satisfaction and health.
#5. Air quality concerns
Indoor air quality is a source of concern for every workplace. But in the warehouse, air quality could be even more at risk.
Indeed, warehouses specialised in chemical or pharmaceutical stocks will need adequate ventilation and protection to ensure staff can be safe from potential vapours, gas or other harmful emissions.
But even if you don't sell hazardous substances, the warehouse air could be impacted by the presence of cardboard and wood palette dust, humidity, and fumes from shipping trucks.
It is indispensable to monitor the air quality inside the warehouse and determine the best approach to preserve workers' breathing:
● Ventilation solutions
● Air filtering technology
● Respiratory protection equipment
● Break policy improvement
Indeed, poor air quality can affect people's health, leading to serious respiratory complications. Indoor air pollution is also associated with sick building syndrome, causing productivity and focus issues.
The rise of warehousing facilities requires businesses to focus on the implementation and development of constant improvement strategies. Indeed, the warehouse organisation is the responsibility of the warehouse manager.
But warehouse safety and optimisation require dedicated investments and must be a business objective.
