Avoid These 5 Common Warehouse Mistakes

It’s been a tricky time for warehouses over the past few years. From being plunged into a pandemic to trying to navigate the ever-changing landscape of global supply chains. Many businesses have had to adapt quickly to changes in customer behaviour or irregular supply patterns. With that in mind, it’s quite understandable that your warehouse’s processes have had to bend and adapt to a different way of working.

Many Warehouse Managers are now going back to basics to make sure their sites are as productive as they can be. No two warehouses are the same and each one comes with its own quirks and challenges, but nailing these five fundamentals will ensure your warehouse runs smoothly and provides a safe and enjoyable working environment for your employees.

1. Don’t hoard stock

Not holding enough stock to fulfil orders used to be one of the most basic and common mistakes for warehouse managers. But, with the uncertainty of modern supply chains brought on by global shortages and shipping delays, it’s becoming more common for businesses to overfill their warehouses out of fear of running out.

This presents obvious problems for perishable stock, but can also create a headache for those who store non-perishables. Paying close attention to your stock inventory and keeping it lean prevents your business from having too much capital tied up in stock, reduces the risk of running out of space and avoids having to sell off slow-moving products at a discounted price. Having good Warehouse Management Software and knowing how to use it to its full potential is key to this.

2. Keep your (ware)house in order

Outdated or overcrowded racking, damaged pallet trucks, aisles lined with discarded shrink wrap – these are some classic signs of a warehouse that needs more TLC. A high-functioning warehouse should have a housekeeping rota that ensures the space is regularly inspected and deemed safe for the people that work there and the stock that is kept there. This is all about accountability. By creating a process to keep the warehouse constantly tidy, you’ll help keep productivity high and reduce the need for time-consuming clean-ups.

3. Reduce paper consumption

We’re all aware that cutting down on paper usage is better for the planet. It also saves money in the long term. But the biggest benefit to going paperless (or nearly paperless) is the uptick in efficiency. Paper processes are slower and much more prone to losing key documentation. Not to mention the space you can save by getting rid of those bulky file storage cabinets.

Warehouse management systems can be expensive but they are generally well worth the investment. There are also plenty of options for smaller businesses which don’t cost the earth and provide an immediate boost in efficiency.

4. Utilize all of your space with a mezzanine

Once you’ve run out of space expanding outwards, it’s time to go upwards. A mezzanine is a cost-efficient way of maximising room in your warehouse and provides a versatile, low-traffic work area that can be used for a variety of purposes – staff rooms and break areas, packing areas, offices or overflow storage to name a few.

Think installing a mezzanine is too time-consuming and expensive for your business? Think again. Thanks to the latest developments in CAD technology, Doity’s unique Revlok Mezzanines are affordable and can cut the lead time by up to 50%. The entire process is handled for you, from the free, no-obligation site survey to full building control guidance and design right up to installation. Working throughout the UK, the Doity team have helped all types of businesses maximise their warehouse capacity and capabilities.

5. Help your staff grow with the company

Hiring the right people with the correct experience and qualifications is vital for any business. But, as the company grows and industries progress, employees can quickly get left behind. Seek out relevant training courses for your employees and they’ll make sure the business stays ahead of the game. Training is a huge factor in employee satisfaction and will help productivity and staff retention levels stay high.

A prime example for warehouse managers is to make sure that everyone who works on the WMS (Warehouse Management Software) is fully trained to use the software and is able to take full advantage of all its features. Another important one is to ensure that your team is fully qualified when it comes to health and safety.

Established in 1956, Doity is an engineering and design company specialising in unique Revlok mezzanine flooring. Find out more about our services or get in touch to discuss how to make the most of your warehouse space.