Warehouses are constantly looking for ways to boost productivity and streamline their practices. This process starts with simplifying operations and making sweeping changes that utilize technological advancements and forward-thinking ideas.
Thankfully, those same advancements in technology have made it easier to streamline the logistics industry. As a result, there has never been a better time to implement some of these practices into your daily operations.
Whether you’re tired of dealing with overstock, you’re trying to combat supply chain issues, or you just want to boost overall productivity, we’ve got a few solutions that will help you improve production, reduce waste, and establish a seamless flow from worker to worker.
Establish the right flow
Putting production practices in place will only work if everyone is on the same page. That’s why it’s important to make sure your plan of action flows properly.
However, you don’t want to start enacting a plan if a majority of your team hesitates at the idea of doing so. As such, you want to make sure all of your employees are on board with your plans and processes.
Your first step in improving production should be simplifying processes wherever possible. Take a look at physical processes you’ve been using for years, and determine where you might be able to implement new functions. Are there steps your employees are taking that are no longer necessary? Fewer steps to the process mean fewer touches, less time, and reduced cost.
If you want to ensure the flow of production runs smoothly, it might be time to invest in more effective frontline managers. Managers need to be able to execute efficiently and make sure everyone on the floor is using every streamlined opportunity possible.
Perhaps more importantly, frontline managers will help to ensure employee satisfaction. Your workers aren’t going to give their best if they feel underappreciated. Effective managers will reach out to each employee to determine their needs and to get an overall feel for company morale. They’ll keep their finger on the pulse of new resources or training opportunities, and keep you in that loop to ensure everyone is happy and well-equipped at what they do.
Reduce overstock
Having a warehouse full of “stuff” can throw a wrench in your daily productivity. By finding creative ways to reduce overstock and creating efficiency with your space, your team won’t be slowed down by an influx of products or overwhelmed by a lack of organization. The benefits of space management include
- It’s more cost-efficient;
- Workflow and management will improve;
- It’s energy-efficient;
- It allows for more growth and collaboration;
- It makes it easier to develop a growth plan.
To manage your space effectively while struggling with overstock, start by assessing your current situation and data. Which points need addressing? Where should you make changes? It’s also important to know the square footage and floor plans of your warehouse, so you’ll have a strategy in place for maximizing space.
From there, identify any duplicate systems. If you’ve been dealing with disorganized overstock for a while, you might find that you have multiple storage systems or locations in place. Consolidate that inventory into one location, and label everything accordingly. Organization is a crucial component of keeping things streamlined. It could also save you money that you’ve been wasting on the excess stock.
Finally, if you have overstock you know won’t be used, you have a few options. You could donate or recycle it, or liquidate your stock. Sell it for a discounted price to another company or individuals, and you’ll give yourself more of a clean slate that will make it easier for your workers to stay on top of things.
Reduce waste
Getting organized by reducing overstock is only half the battle. If you want to streamline your productivity by encouraging a clean and efficient warehouse space, consider what you can do to reduce waste.
Waste management is crucial to having a clean, easy-to-navigate space, and it will keep your workers from feeling overwhelmed while you do something good for the environment. Reducing waste can start simply with things like shredding and recycling paper products, or going digital with your operations.
It also includes investing in the right equipment, both for waste management itself, and for your daily operations. Having quality equipment on hand and making sure it’s well-maintained will improve efficiency and productivity. Plus, you won’t have to get rid of equipment or parts as often. Having a maintenance plan in place is just as important as knowing which smaller items are recyclable. Well-maintained equipment is also safer for your workers, which can also help with productivity and product flow.
Take a look at your current state of operations. Far too many warehouses continue to operate on outdated practices that might be working, but aren’t as efficient as they could be. By utilizing technology and focusing on organization, you can streamline your warehouse to improve production while boosting employee morale.
