Of the almost 2 million Americans who work in the warehouse industry, almost 4% lost time due to workplace accidents and injuries.
The thing is, many of these incidents can be prevented through better warehouse organization. And an added bonus of investing in it is that it improves your workers’ productivity too.
So isn’t it about time that you rethink your warehouse organization strategy? One way to do so is to evaluate what others have done wrong. That way, you don’t follow in their footsteps.
Read on for five common warehouse organization errors you should avoid.
Table of Contents
1. Having a Poor Warehouse Layout
You may not give another thought to layouts for warehouses; whatever fits goes, right? However, you may be inadvertently making things more difficult. A poorly thought-out layout can result in inefficient movement of goods, increased travel time, and congestion.
Give the layout some thought to optimize workflow and minimize travel distances. Make sure to include clear pathways for both employees and equipment too, so you maximize both efficiency and safety.
2. Not Utilizing the Space Fully
A poor layout can hinder space utilization, so after you fix that, you’ll automatically have more room to work with. In addition, try vertical storage, optimized racking systems, and other efficient slotting techniques.
You should regularly review and adjust the storage layout to accommodate changing demands. This can also help you avoid overcrowding or underutilization of your warehouse space.
If you find that even with adaptive storage solutions, you’re running out of space, it might be worth considering warehouses for rent that are larger and better suited for your needs. The last thing you want is running out of space for your stock or having increased injuries due to cramped work spaces.
3. Having Inadequate Inventory Management
Without excellent inventory management, you’ll run into issues like stockouts and overstocking. Not to mention, your employees will have difficulties locating specific items.
Take advantage of inventory tracking systems such as 3PL warehouse software to maintain accurate stock levels and streamline order fulfillment. Other helpful strategies include labeling techniques and regular cycle counting.
4. Not Having Standardized Practices
Does it feel chaotic in your warehouse, with lots of confusion? This can lead to errors and delays for customers, and it can create unsafe situations too.
You need to establish standardized processes for receiving, picking, packing, and shipping. That way, you’ll have consistency and efficiency.
Plus, provide adequate warehouse staff training. Clear communications about your expectations will help run your warehouse better.
5. Not Enough Safety Measures
The above things we mentioned may play parts in workplace safety, but not directly. So fixing them won’t completely address unsafe situations.
To fully protect your workforce, you need to have solid warehouse safety management by equipping the warehouse with proper safety equipment, such as signage, barriers, and personal protective equipment (PPE). It’s also a good idea to have regular safety training sessions and enforce the safety guidelines strictly.
Avoid These Common Warehouse Organization Errors
You might’ve already made some of these common warehouse organization errors, but not to worry. You’re only human, after all, and things can always be corrected.
So take what you’ve learned here and apply it to your warehouse to make positive changes. You’ll be glad you did when you see what a huge difference these actions can make.
Check out the rest of our blog page for more warehousing tips.
