4 Strategies to Boost Warehouse Productivity: A Datapel Guide
Running a warehouse is tough. Improving warehouse productivity through effective inventory management means better customer satisfaction through inventory accuracy, on-time order fulfilment, and higher service ratings. Whether it’s squeezing every last bit of space, tracking inventory, reducing mistakes or just finding enough people to do the job there’s a lot to contend with. But at […]
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Running a warehouse is tough. Improving warehouse productivity through effective inventory management means better customer satisfaction through inventory accuracy, on-time order fulfilment, and higher service ratings. Whether it’s squeezing every last bit of space, tracking inventory, reducing mistakes or just finding enough people to do the job there’s a lot to contend with.
But at Datapel we’ve got you covered. Here are 4 simple ways to get your warehouse running better.
1. Use Your Warehouse Space
Consider a vertical storage system. This isn’t just about stacking more; it’s about changing your valuable floor space. Imagine getting back up to 85% of your floor space. By using high-density vertical storage you can grow without needing more physical space. Here’s what it means:
Free Up Space
Swap out those old cabinets and shelves for vertical storage to maximise storage space in your warehouse layout. Your team will thank you for the extra room and visibility.
With more space you can reorganise your workflow to be more efficient, reducing time wasted navigating narrow aisles and searching for items. This will free up floor space, prevent overstocking and keep your warehouse more organised. Integrating packing and shipping stations within your warehouse layout can further streamline operations, reducing travel time and improving overall workflow.
Boost Morale
A clean, modern and ergonomic workspace makes everyone happier and more productive. When employees work in an environment where they can get to products and components easily it reduces frustration and physical strain and leads to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover.
Save Space for Production
Store components near the production line to save space and speed up processes. By having materials at hand you minimise downtime and ensure a smooth transition between production steps, so you can produce more without needing more physical space.
Also read: 10 signs you need an inventory management system
2. Be More Productive to Improve Warehouse Efficiency
Automation isn’t just for big factories. Before implementing an automated system, it’s crucial to evaluate your needs, understand the conditions in your warehouse, and ensure that the automation will meet both short- and long-term goals. It can help you manage inventory better, reduce mistakes and create a safer work environment. Here’s how:
It’s also essential to measure warehouse productivity regularly to identify areas for improvement and ensure that your strategies are effective.
Inventory Optimisation
Automated systems ensure you have what you need when you need it, with fewer errors. No more overstocking or running out of critical parts which can stop production. Automation keeps your inventory levels just right so you can run a lean operation.
Automated Kitting
This helps you plan better and streamline your supply chain. Your team picks and assembles parts into kits which are then stored compactly. By having kits ready to go you reduce the time it takes to gather parts for production and speed up the whole process.
Warehouse Productivity
Automation can improve warehouse productivity by optimising workflows, automating processes, and using technology solutions to streamline warehouse operations like the picking process. Implementing warehouse efficiency tips, such as smart technology investments and layout optimisation, means faster operations, fewer errors, and better resource management.
Shipping
Automate order consolidation and shipping processes so everything goes out smoothly and on time. Automation can sort and pack orders more efficiently than manual processes, reducing errors and getting your customers their orders faster and more accurately.
Safety and Warehouse Efficiency
Reduce the distance your team has to walk, make the workspace more ergonomic and reduce stress and sick days. Less walking means less fatigue and automation can do the heavy lifting preventing injuries and improving overall workplace safety and warehouse efficiency.
3. Manage with Warehouse Management System Software
Effective warehouse management come down to a good WMS. It gives you real-time visibility of your stock, simplifies inventory tracking and boosts productivity.
Here’s why you need one:
Real-Time Visibility
Know what you have and where it is so you can make informed decisions. Real-time data helps you respond to changes in demand, adjust orders and manage your supply chain better. A WMS can also measure warehouse performance by tracking the speed and accuracy of tasks performed.
Reduce Errors
With instant access to inventory data errors are minimised. Accurate tracking means you won’t misplace items or overstock and you can quickly identify and correct any discrepancies.
Boost Productivity
Automated reordering keeps your production line running without hiccups. By setting reorder points your WMS can automatically order supplies when stock levels get low so you always have what you need to keep production running smoothly.
4. Have Parts Available
Remote services can make your parts available and your production never stops. Using data-driven insights you can fix issues before they become problems. Proper training and certifications for warehouse workers can further enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.
Here’s how:
Remote Support
Use a secure IoT platform for remote support, monitoring and analytics. This way you can get help and insights without waiting for a technician to arrive on site, minimise downtime and keep your operations running smoothly. Remote support can also help improve warehouse productivity by getting issues fixed quickly so you don’t get delayed.
Proactive Maintenance
Fix issues remotely when you can and if not send out technicians with the right tools and solutions. By diagnosing problems early and accurately you reduce the risk of major breakdowns and keep your equipment in top condition.
Case Study
Hampers With Bite faced significant challenges with their old, on-premise WMS, which lacked flexibility and essential features like ERP integration and MRP capabilities.
As their business grew rapidly, they needed a more versatile solution that could be accessed from anywhere, especially with the Christmas production and distribution peak approaching. They also had to ensure the old system could run concurrently during the transition to avoid business disruption and required a new B2B batch order import system to reduce the manual effort involved in processing large corporate orders.
Datapel provided the perfect solution with our Cloud.WMS, a hosted, scalable system that worked alongside their legacy system, ensuring a smooth transition. We even managed to phase out the old system ahead of schedule.
We significantly enhanced their productivity and order output by integrating Smart Freight Management and enabling real-time consignment label printing. Thanks to Datapel’s robust solutions, Hampers With Bite experienced a seamless transition, increased efficiency, and was well-prepared for the busy holiday season.
Summary
To be competitive you need to use your space and technology wisely. By utilising your warehouse space, and automating and improving processes you can boost productivity and efficiency.
Warehouse layout optimisation is key to efficiency and productivity. At Datapel we can help you transform your warehouse operations. Let’s get started and make the most of your space, streamline your processes with smart software, create better working conditions and have parts available when you need them.
Datapel: Your partner in lowering costs, increasing warehouse efficiency, and dramatically improving inventory control.
FAQ’s
What does “production warehouse” mean?
A production warehouse is a facility where raw materials are stored, processed, and turned into finished products ready for distribution.
How to increase productivity in a warehouse?
Boost productivity by integrating automation, optimising space, and using a robust Warehouse Management System (WMS) for real-time inventory tracking and efficient workflows.
How can I speed up my warehouse?
Speed up your warehouse by automating repetitive tasks, streamlining processes, and ensuring that inventory is easily accessible and well-organised.
How to make a warehouse profitable?
Make your warehouse profitable by maximising space utilisation, reducing errors with automation, and improving efficiency with smart software solutions. This helps lower costs and increase overall output.
In my role, I oversee the development of insightful blogs that delve into the intricacies of warehouse management. Each piece reflects my dedication to empowering businesses through informative content. Through my team’s extensive experience in the industry, we aim to bring clarity to the complexities of WMS, helping businesses make informed decisions.
Join me on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of warehouse technology as we explore the latest trends, industry insights, and practical tips to streamline your operations. Feel free to connect, and let’s embark on a collaborative exploration of how WMS can redefine your business efficiency.
Cheers to innovation, efficiency, and the exciting world of warehouse management!
