If you are a warehouse manager, you would know that handling warehouse operations is not an easy task. It is important to constantly implement ways to optimize the processes and improve the operational effectiveness of the warehouse. Minimizing downtime and increasing productivity are two things that rank high on a warehouse manager’s to-do list.

Here are 10 effective warehouse productivity tips to help you reduce downtime right away.

  1. Plan an Efficient Layout for the Warehouse

Warehouse efficiency directly depends on its layout. Arrange your inventory based on how often you need to use it. If you use certain items frequently, keep them closer to the working or shipping area. Those used less frequently can take up the spaces in the back. It’s also important to remember that a well-organized layout can get disorganized quite quickly, so ensure that the layout is maintained at all times. The right layout will also help in minimizing safety hazards.

  1. Focus on the Maintenance of Your Equipment

Regular maintenance of the equipment will prolong their life. Replace the outdated machines as they will slow down processes and increase the overall costs due to decreased efficiency. Constantly servicing machines that need replacement won’t do any good. It is better to install new equipment in such cases.

  1. Implement Weighing Scales to Enhance Productivity

Implementing truck scales and forklift scales in the warehouse will help in optimizing weighing processes. By integrating weighing into different warehouse operations, you can improve the accuracy of shipping and billing. The overall workflow productivity is also enhanced, and revenue increases exponentially.

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  1. Schedule Maintenance Plans

Machines will break down at some point. If you are not ready for such an event, the downtime will increase. By scheduling maintenance plans, you can ensure that the machines are serviced regularly. When you implement strict inspections and maintenance plans, you can identify problems before they become too serious.

  1. Standardize the Processes

By standardizing various warehouse processes, you can manage the loading and unloading of the products more efficiently across the warehouse. Further, downtime and inefficiencies will reduce.

  1. Embrace Relevant Technology

Use automatic identification such as barcode labels, RFID, etc., on products being stored in the warehouse. By adopting software solutions for automating identification, you can decrease the time taken to identify various relevant types of equipment, elevate inventory accuracy and increase overall productivity. It will also help in identifying the items you have in the warehouse, their quantities, and exact locations. With the costs of software going down, investing in them is a good idea.

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  1. Plan Rigorous Training Sessions

Train your staff to identify opportunities to increase efficiency. Teach them how to tackle various warehouse issues. Ensure that training is not a one-time activity but rather an on-going process. Encourage your staff to generate regular reports, reviews and to stay updated on latest technology. Clear communication must be encouraged as this helps in tackling problems much faster. When important information is shared in a transparent manner, you can reduce risks associated with warehouse communication.

  1. Track your Stock

It is crucial to keep track of your warehouse stock. Too much or too little will cause problems and bleed company’s money. By overstocking, you might end up with expired and unsold products. If you are understocked, you won’t have the products when you require them and probably waste crucial time waiting for them to arrive. By implementing real-time location systems (RTLS) and automated data collection systems, you can keep track of your warehouse stock and manage it efficiently.

  1. Optimize Supply Chain Management

By optimizing supply chain management, you can efficiently increase the productivity and reduce the downtime in warehouses. Schedule inbound purchases for the better management of the warehouse products, develop vendor compliance policies, create routing and importing guides, and set vendor standards. Supply chain management within a warehouse reduces errors and time spent by labor on rectifying them.

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  1. Implement Lean Warehouse Practices

Implementing lean warehouse practices will help in achieving various targets such as reduced material handling time, increased flexibility, reduction in time spent on checking inventory, and the increased reliability of information to coordinate the rest of the supply chain.

If you are managing your company’s warehouse(s), then implement these tips right away. You will notice positive changes in just a matter of days!

This post was written by a guest contributing author. Views expressed represent the author’s view on a subject. Want to become a contributing guest author to the Arkieva Supply Chain Link Blog? Email editor@arkieva.com for more information.