Every business is prioritizing the efficiency and productivity of their warehouses, especially as many struggle to compete with e-commerce sites like Amazon. Most warehouses are looking for ways to cut wasteful spending while also making smart investments that will result in a positive return on investment. Modernizing warehouse initiatives don’t have to involve redesigning your entire warehouse system – there are many smaller improvements you can implement that will also help save time and money. Here are the most popular and profitable options warehouses are implementing at this point.
Systems for Waste Disposal.
Many warehouse operators look at big-picture overhauls when it comes to creating more efficiencies and cutting costs. Instead, sometimes it can be beneficial to start small. For example, many warehouses who are processing orders tend to produce a lot of waste from packaging.
There are a few ways you can manage this to make sure you’re handling waste in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. For starters, make sure there are easy-to-locate bins for each type of waste. You should also look into the most efficient packaging solutions in order to reduce the amount of waste.
Warehouse Management Software
Years ago, the only way to access a warehouse management system was to pay a large fee upfront. However, many newer systems have converted to cloud-based options. This means that instead of making a huge investment up front, you can actually pay a monthly (or annual) subscription fee instead.
A warehouse management software system will allow you to organize the day-to-day operations of your warehouse. It also makes reporting much simpler. If you are looking to cut costs and maximize efficiencies, a warehouse management software should be a consideration.
Mezzanine (or Loft) Storage
Is storage a major concern for your warehouse? Consider Loft or Mezzanine Storage solutions. This type of storage is a platform that is built above your current space, which can add an additional “floor” to your warehouse, without having to invest in a lot of additional construction.
There are a lot of mezzanine storage designs to choose from, depending on your needs and space.
Storage Optimization
While more storage may seem ideal, you may not actually need it. Could you achieve the same results with more optimized storage with your current shelves and spaces? Pick your employee’s brains to see if they have any ideas on how to better organize storage to lead to more productivity.
Warehouse Layout
Another cost-efficient way to improve your existing warehouse is to change the way you have things laid out. If you’ve invested in software, you may be able to create virtual layouts that will allow you to maximize your layout for most-used items. There are several techniques to consider when it comes to layout, such as an ABC slotting system, zone picking, or putting commonly-chosen items together. The right system for your warehouse will depend on a lot of individual factors.