Running a warehouse requires many moving parts. If you’re looking to make your system more efficient, Streamline Fulfillment shares some tips below for improving warehouse operations. After all, if you can move products without delay, everybody wins.
You might want to use the information below to support your Shopify, Magento, and BigCommerce fulfillment systems, among others.
The Importance of Warehouse Optimization
Doesn’t the way in which your warehouse operates ultimately affect when your consumers receive their orders? Their overall satisfaction might even hinge on how quickly they have your product in their hands. Warehouses and order fulfillment centers play a crucial role in this kind of supply chain efficiency.
Why work to improve your facility’s operations? You’ll likely find the following three benefits:
- Increased productivity as orders go out faster and more accurately
- Higher profits as things move faster and you save on picking and storing costs
- Customer satisfaction to cement repeat purchases and boost your brand
Four Ways To Improve Your Warehouse Efficiency
How exactly can you make your warehouse function better? Operational efficiency largely depends on inventory, training, equipment, and performance.
Prioritize Inventory Management
A spacious warehouse layout design makes storing products easy before you ship them, but you’ll need a precise approach to fill the space.
Have you streamlined the system to track the number of products on hand and plan ahead for changes in demand? Do you have enough products available to meet the demand without letting slow-movers clog precious packing space? Group similar products, too.
Implement Continuous Employee Training
Technology integration can make some of your fulfillment services simpler, but improving warehouse operations often boils down to the employees working there. Are the staff rigorously trained on picking, storage, and safety protocols?
It’s good to be aware that high labor turnover directly affects efficiency, so you’ll need to devote more time to training any new employees. Maximizing employee retention that keeps talented, trained people willing to work might require special incentives like bonuses or job flexibility, so keep an open mind.
Invest in High-Quality Equipment
Even the most talented and driven employees will have efficiency issues if you force them to use outdated equipment and systems from the Stone Age. Some vital pieces could include:
- Forklifts
- Storage shelves
- Conveyor belts
- Stretch wrap packing machines
- Dock lifts
Why not fill your warehouse with high-quality machines and tools for seamless product storage and movement?
Don’t Forget Warehouse Performance Audits
Warehouse process re-engineering often starts with noticing problems. When was the last time you conducted a thorough inspection of your operation as a whole? Metrics might cover:
- Safety protocols
- Volume of returns
- The time between order processing and shipping
Audits spotlight weak points in your warehouse operation so that you can fix them.
Streamline Fulfillment With Efficient Third-Party Logistics
Improving warehouse operations can make all the difference in how you handle e-commerce order fulfillment, reduce picking and packing errors, increase profits, and satisfy customers and employees. Why not consider an efficient service provider to help you streamline things?
At Streamline Fulfillment, our spacious, well-maintained warehouses along the West Coast proudly support e-commerce retailers across the nation. Call (509) 888-2880 to learn more!