5 Effective Tips For Logistics And Warehouse Management

There are many things to consider when running a business and successfully providing products to your customers. You need to have a smooth-running warehouse. This is where you stock inventory and is a hub for your logistical operations. Still, if it is not organized and set up for optimal output, you may have delays and mismanagement of goods in inventory and shipping.

Are you looking to increase the efficiency of your product storage and order fulfillment? By improving the efficiency of your order fulfillment, you gain more satisfied customers who can help spread the word about what you have on offer and then continue to see your business rise above the competition.

Here are some great tips for logistics and warehouse management.

Plan Out Your Warehouse For Success

Your warehouse is where the action happens and has:

· Inbound inventory

· Staging areas

· Storage of goods

· Picking

· Packaging

· Shipping

You want a smooth flow within your building and an effective way to track all inbound and outbound merchandise, so the warehouse layout is vital. You can use a U, I or L-shaped design where goods come in, are stored, picked, packed and shipped in a steady direction to avoid bottlenecks.

Space is key, and you should always have more square footage than you are currently using so you have room to grow. Once you optimize the space, ensure you have the right equipment to move material. This includes forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, utility bins and dollies.  

Use a Third Party Logistics Company 

You can implement a third party logistics company to manage your inventory and warehousing to better use your time. 3PL companies solely focus on managing logistics for other companies and have the infrastructure, staff and business partnerships to effectively manage all your inbound and outbound products. Their services include:

· Shipping

· Receiving

· Transportation

· Warehousing

· Materials procurement

· Inventory management

You can have these professional operators handle everything for you before it arrives at the warehouse and after it is shipped. Many 3PL companies have a network of warehouses in central hubs, so you can expand your reach from around the block to around the globe. This will free up your workforce to concentrate on growing your company because the successful business owner knows their strengths. They understand when to leverage a partnership to help with their supply chain and warehouse management.

Monitor Your Inventory 

You must manage your inventory effectively for timely order fulfilment and happy customers. Stock inventory types include:

· Perishable

· Non-perishable

· Expiration dated items

· Seasonal

· Optimal

· Speculative

· Safety stock

Make sure to consider refrigeration and moisture-free environments as well. Also, locating popular items within easy access points and tracking inventory levels is important to ensure you are reordering before you get low or run out.

Along with managing your best sellers, any non-selling inventory should be reduced as it takes up valuable space. Reviewing all your stocked items will help to keep your warehouse more organized and efficient.

Labeling And Location 

Use specific bin locations for your items to make it easier for employees to find items when pulling stock. These should be designated areas your staff will memorize, especially popular items that ship frequently. Labelling all your bins and racking areas ensures everything is stocked together and easily identified when picking for an order.

Using barcode labelling is effective because it stores vital data like:

· Product information

· Serial numbers

· Lot numbers

· Expiration dates

· Tracking items

The goal is to speed up the shipment of goods to customers, so make sure to label everything and stock your goods for the most efficient picking.

Cross Train Employees

In your warehouse operation, you may have a large staff to handle different aspects of logistics, from receiving goods, stocking, pulling, packaging and shipping. While they all should be fully trained and efficient in their designated roles, you can also train them to work in other areas of the operation.

Cross-training staff will help when there is a surge in one station like:

· Backlogged deliveries coming at once

· Inventory turnover

· Large orders going out

When you can quickly allocate workers to fill immediate needs, it keeps things running smoothly and allows for a more efficient warehouse. This will also empower your employees; you can see where people shine in different roles. Shifting your workforce around keeps them engaged and happier in their work environment because a satisfied employee will also benefit your company and the end customer.