Warehouse Optimization
Our experience tells us there is always room for improvement and that there are 6 basic keys to operational success:
Operational Improvement: use appropriate material handling techniques, simplify, reduce wasteful process steps
Develop Engineered Labour Standards: use of targeted standards invariably improves productivity
Effective Management: well-trained supervision, effective load management (order release), appropriate support tools to understand operational metrics
Establish the right metrics: create appropriate key performance indicators that will measure the most meaningful cost and service drivers of your business
Get the most out of your WMS: optimize functionality to increase productivity and inventory accuracy
Reward Performance: consider incentives for hourly workers for exceeding performance standards, requires historical performance and management of the details
Every warehouse has some issues and generally these are around:
Physical utilization:
Dock/door utilization – turning the product effectively
Layout issues – using the right materials handling techniques to match your product attributes
Picking locations – effective slotting and on-going maintenance
Product flow – properly organizing your processes
Space utilization – matching product attributes to storage options
Operations – optimize the following:
Advanced Shipping Notices and receiving
Crossdocking, if applicable
Putaway
Picking & shipping
Slotting & re-slotting
Minimize touches
Use of ADC technology and WMS functionality
Labor management and productivity
Use of metrics by management and workforce
How does your DC measure up? We can help you elevate warehouse performance to the right level!
