Smart ways to increase warehouse productivity

Looking for ways to improve efficiency and increase productivity in your warehouse? Follow our simple tips below…

Upgrade your warehouse management system

Automating your warehouse or upgrading your existing warehouse management system can lead to an increase in productivity. Newer systems are likely to run faster and break down less often than older models. Keeping your system up to date will show employees that you are invested in improving the workplace and making their jobs easier to carry out.This is likely to raise morale and lead to an increase in productivity.

Review the layout of your warehouse

Re-organising your warehouse can have a huge impact on productivity levels. It is important that you store your stock logically so that it can be easily retrieved. For example popular stock should be placed closer to the picking line and products that are selling less frequently should be stored further away. The easier it is for your stock to be retrieved, the quicker orders can be sent out, enabling a higher volume to be processed on a daily basis.

Create a picking path

In order to improve the flow of operations in your warehouse you will need to create a dedicated picking path. If you have the budget you may want to consider investing in a conveyor system to speed up the process. Conveyor systems can be designed to suit the layout of your warehouse and can be as simple as a gravity system or as complex as a box or pallet conveyor.

Barcode integration

Barcode readers have proven to be the best method for capturing data automatically. They are used to identify labels and automate inventory control. Training your staff to use barcode readers will be worth the time and money as it will speed up the packing process and increase order accuracy.

Install a sortation system

Many warehouses find it useful to install automated sortation systems. These systems are bespoke creations that are designed to suit the products you stock. Not only will they save your staff time spent searching for products, but they can also cut costs, improve efficiency and lead to an increase in overall productivity.

Improve communication

Open and clear communication is essential to any warehouse. Setting standardised processes will help your employees work towards achieving objectives, but it is also important to take their thoughts and feedback into consideration. Involving them in decision making will not only raise morale and productivity but also help you to make improvements to the way your business functions.