Retail businesses cannot survive without warehouses. You will definitely need one for distribution purposes. However, just buying or leasing one does not end your tasks. How you manage your warehouse is equally essential. Your customer service function ultimately depends on your warehouse efficiency. It is about how fast you can move your goods from the warehouse to your customer’s doorstep.
Therefore, you need to pay attention to your warehouse upkeep and management functions. Most people like you would focus on reducing expenses and creating quality deliveries. Here are straightforward ways to manage it effectively and efficiently.
Create a Quality Environment
There will be people working for you at your warehouse. You have to ensure that your team stays and works comfortably inside. However, the metal component of most warehouses seems to be a huge problem area. It heats the space quickly. Going by the latest trends, spray polyurethane foam appears to be the answer to your problems here. They are highly effective in creating a comfortable working environment by improving air quality. Moreover, you can also save your HVAC from breaking down.
Getting the right solution can help you to lower overhead costs as well by minimizing energy bills. You will not have to run after maintenance now and then, too. The reduced stress on your HVAC systems also impacts the expenditure of fuel needed to run it. So, you are saving on another additional front as well. It is a remedy to the noise from outside. You need to ensure your human resources work in optimum conditions to give you maximum benefits in return.
Maximize Storage Space
This is the most common issue that most warehouse owners face. If you think about expanding horizontally with more floor space, you have to shell out more money for land. However, you are ignoring something right there in front of you. It is the vertical space. Add more shelves to increase storage spaces. You should segregate small goods and larger goods to facilitate proper sorting. That way, your employees can avoid misplacing them.
You should also opt for lean inventory models wherein your suppliers do not dump everything inside your warehouse. Talk to them, and get them to deliver smaller batches to streamline their delivery schedules. These are a few things that you can practice to minimize stress and maximize space.
Use Parcel Lockers Technology
Sorting multiple parcels, day in and day out, and taking them out for deliveries is a huge task. However, when customers are not there to collect their shipment, problems multiply. There is a solution for that, too. You can avail of electronic lockers parcel technology, that can help to store undelivered packages till customers can pick them up.
The process generates a unique code that the customers can use to do the same. You will also get some additional benefits from this technology. They include quick audit reports and parcel occupancy reports. Moreover, retailers can also utilize this technology to process refunds when packages are returned to their assigned lockers.
Install Voice-enabled Technology
You will hear the name ‘pick to voice warehouse system’ being associated with this technology. Now, the workers can perform their tasks quite well. The system uses voice commands to send the required message across to workers wearing headsets. Workers need to confirm the completion of the task through some pre-set unique access codes. It is a hands-free technology.
It has been seen that voice-based technology is reigning over paper-based ones and also minimizes errors. Now, workers inside the warehouses are free to utilize their hands for other jobs. They get respite from the paperwork and barcode scanners, too. Moreover, you can easily integrate these systems with your warehouse technology. The return on investment comes into action within a few months. This way, you can justify the costs as well.
Offer Employee Incentives
Warehouses are busy places that have a lot happening around them. Incentives have the power to influence employee morale and productivity. You should set achievable goals and pair them with incentives. Give employees paid time off. There are specific departments like the shipping one. For the employees in this division, you can set aside a provision of a few additional leaves.
Determine performance levels with performance tracking systems. You, as the owner, should also take a walk across the warehouse and try to figure out employees who utilize all safety standards. Make notes. Additionally, you can also check the CCTV footage to find out the same.
You should also enforce training programs to update employees’ knowledge constantly. Give financial bonuses to those who exceed performance standards. After you have decided on such training and incentive schemes, communicate them to the employees. They should be in sync with the processes to perform better.
These are a few ways to optimize warehouse operations today. Modernize your processes and see high returns in the long run. Set achievable objectives for all. It will pave the way for growth and success.