Few operations are as complex and challenging to manage as a warehouse. Inbound and outbound items move amongst each other, and accuracy must be maintained at all levels of the supply chain to ensure success. This all does not happen by chance, and to set themself up for success, many Canadian 3PL warehouses follow these management best practices.
Integrate with Technology
Warehouses are hubs of technology, and almost everyone uses sophisticated warehouse management systems (WMS), to optimize their warehouse operations. These systems manage inventory, labor, and other critical warehouse functions through technologies like RFID, barcode scanners, and IoT connectivity.
Real-time control over inventory is another benefit of a warehouse management system and helps eliminate errors, reduce stock-outs and overstocks, and cut costs.
Optimize Space Management
Space is the lifeblood of a warehouse, and managers must deal with efficiently storing all sized products and cargo. The warehouse space must remain organized, easy to navigate, and safe from potential falls or spills.
Achieving an efficient space takes time to perfect and craft and managers will dedicate a large portion of their time to rejigging the layout every few months.
Monitoring and Tracking KPIs
Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs, are a critical tool for managers and provide insight into the performance of various sectors of the business.
As a warehouse manager, you should have key performance indicators for all main warehousing services, such as storage, fulfillment, and logistics. These areas can be broken down further, such as inventory accuracy, or order lead time.
Setting achievable and beneficial KPIs is a vital managerial skill as it helps your staff stay on task and feel motivated to hit their goals.
Running a warehouse is a dynamic and challenging role, but you don't need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, follow these best practices, develop a few of your own, and before long, you will quickly settle into a groove and have your team on the path to success.
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CWLA is open to all warehousing, trucking, co-packing, or fulfillment providers. Please contact us if you have any questions.
