How to Run A Successful Warehouse
Running a warehouse is not an easy task, as, like with most businesses, there are several elements that require you to balance your time and resources effectively. Because warehousing can provide solutions involving anything from stock storage to distribution and third party logistics, it’s essential to establish clear protocols for fulfilling the varies duties. Everything from the quality of your shelving systems to the conditions under which your staff work have an effect on the overall productivity of your warehouse business, so we’ve put together a basic guide to to the key factors in warehouse success.
Procedure
We cannot stress enough how important it is to have established protocols that are understood and adhered to by every member of staff. A warehouse often serves several different duties and as such the specifics need to be outlined. Every member of staff should not only have an understanding of their role (both in terms of productivity and in the timeline of projects) as well as an understanding of how their job needs to be conducted in order to make it possible for others to do their jobs. Just like the warehousing and distribution stage is one stage in the life cycle of a product’s life, within that stage itself the product must always be accounted for.
Safety
The safety of both your stock and your staff is of paramount importance, and in order to maintain high OHS standards certain elements need to be taken into consideration. Firstly, protective clothing such as high-visibility vests, hard hats and steel capped boots must be worn at all stages inside a warehouse. There also need to be strict limitations relating to the amount of time a worker spends on the job, as fatigue can be just as dangerous as ineptitude when it comes to operating machinery or managing projects. When an employee is overstretched or overtired, dangerous mistakes can be made. Successful time management and adequate ‘down time’ is something that you, as an employer, can offer to your staff in order to make the environment more positive.
Equipment
A warehouse is only as good as the equipment it uses, and if your pallet racking systems are not up to quality then it is likely that your reputation will not be for very long, either! Insist on the highest quality when it comes to shelving, storage solutions machinery and production equipment, because an investment early on will pay dividends through high quality and consistent work.
Because running a warehouse can be such a complex operation, giving each element the attention and quality it deserves will ensure that it comes together seamlessly. It is a lot of work, but it is also something that, when managed well, can prove a lucrative and satisfying occupation.