A warehouse is where manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, exporters and transport businesses store their goods. It is very important to have a properly organized warehouse which will facilitate highly efficient product storage and inventory. It has to provide economic benefits and improve the supply chain process. Correct warehouse management system must
- Optimize space and lower operating expenses
- Enable visibility and easy access to inventory
- Improve labor efficiency by assigning the right task to the right worker at the right moment
- Optimize internal operation from receiving to delivery
- Keep electronic recording of receiving and delivery which makes it easy to check supplies anytime
- Enable quick and efficient communication between the workers in the warehouse
Let’s see what are the tips to start a new well-organized warehouse for your business.
Know your budget and your needs
You have to know what type of a warehouse you need and what your budget is before you begin. It is possible to find an abandoned warehouse in good condition, and renovate it. If the construction is satisfying, and the roof is in good shape, it will be easy to renovate it. Some minor remodeling should be easy to manage, but make sure you do everything according to standards to ensure you keep your workers and your goods safe.
Take care of insulation and climate control
To increase safety and efficiency of the employees and keep your goods in proper condition, you should take care of insulation and climate control. If you want to prevent any extra work and expenses, the best time to think about insulation is when you are renovating or building the warehouse. The better the insulation, the easier it is to control the indoor climate. When choosing proper solutions, check out websites such as insulation4less to find all the relevant information that will help you make the right choice. Good insulation will help you lower your overhead costs in the long run so make sure you invest in quality from the get go.
Choose a satisfying location
Location is very important because you have to think about fast distribution of goods and transportation for the employees. It is more economical to choose a location in a rural area, as you’ll probably have fewer problems with fast transportation. Because the closer you are to the city the higher possibilities of traffic jams.
Choose the construction of the building
It is best to consult an expert on this matter to get the best advice. They will know all about certificates, permits, warranties and inspections that you should provide, and things about the parking lot and surrounding areas. And with all of these provided, you can build a warehouse that is safe for both your company and employees.
Make the most of the space available
Make a plan on how to make the most of the available space. Before purchasing the equipment for the warehouse, you’ll need to determine how many shelving units you’ll need, how big they need to be and what kind of pallet racks you need to look for. To maximize your warehouse space, try:
- Reducing the space between the racks, but still keep it wide enough to enable proper passage for employees, forklifts and other machinery
- Extending your racks vertically, but ensure they’re safe, stable and steady
- Adjusting the warehouse management system for directed put-away
- Using underutilized spaces
Install good security
You want your personnel and your goods to be safe and secure, so you have to install a good security system. Opt for security cameras, motion sensors, alarm systems and secure locks for all doors.
When hiring new employees do a thorough background check. For the company’s safety and personnel’s safety, organize ongoing employee training.
Invest in equipment
To maximize the functionality of your warehouse, you have to invest in quality equipment. Forklifts are an essential part of any warehouse. But you’ll also need to invest in software designed specifically for your warehouse’s needs. Handheld devices like smartphones and tablets will enable seamless communication among staff and employees, and drones can also greatly contribute to keeping the warehouse organized and safe.
