High standards are required to run a warehouse successfully. Excellent organization in a warehouse not only helps to put everything in order, but it also helps to increase productivity and save time and money. Practices such as labeling and inventory management help to monitor the flow of products and enhance accuracy. Below are tips to improve your warehouse organization.
Planned storage
Your inventory is likely to have different sizes, weight, and shape. It is advisable to arrange the stock to maximize the space properly. For instance, you can invest in automated systems to help you in inventory arrangement. Also, you don’t need to store your stock in equal amounts. For example, you do not need massive space to stock products that are not requested frequently.
Color coding
Color coding involves marking various areas of the warehouse with different colors. It is especially beneficial to large warehouses as it helps pickers to identify products easily. Alternatively, you can also consider the bay system that uses numbers instead of colors.
Be Cautious About Items That Freeze
Some chemicals may you need to be careful with some liquids and chemicals. Such items tend to freeze when stored in places with low temperatures. You need to make sure your warehouse does not have extremely low temperatures that could promote freezing. Use a high-quality HVAC system to bring in more heat in the warehouse, especially during winters. Alternatively, you can use drum heaters to protect such items from freezing.
Keep popular products close
Some products are demanded on a daily basis while others may take time before they are move. Place fast moving products at convenient areas especially close to the packing and loading area. It is a great method to cut the traveling time in the warehouse considerably.
Stock at convenient heights
Products that move frequently should be stored at proper heights preferably waist-to-shoulder. This enables pickers to pick products efficiently and accurately. Additionally, pickers will not require additional equipment such as step ladders to pick products.
Labeling system
Nowadays, there are different warehouse management systems available. In fact, most large warehouses have been using these systems in their inventory management. Although the initial installation cost is high, they increase productivity immensely.
Utilize vertical height
The vertical height in most warehouses is usually longer. Install appropriate racking system to maximize the vertical storage space. Utilizing the vertical space can help you double or even maximize your storage space.
Assign equipment area
Warehouse equipment such as forklifts and picking trolleys may take a significant amount of space if they are not organized properly. Also, leaving them in the aisles can make picking of products difficult and even lead to accidents. Designate a particular area where the equipment should be placed when not in use.
Seasonal products
Some products are seasonal and are only needed for a few weeks or months. It is not advisable to integrate such seasonal products with regular items of the warehouse. Designate a particular area for seasonal products so that they do not interfere with the movement of other products that are demanded regularly.
Handle chemicals properly
It is essential to know how to handle and transport chemicals in the warehouse because they might cause injuries or damage to other products. You should establish the storage consideration of the chemicals. For instance, they may require low temperatures, ventilated spaces or refrigeration. You can use chillers to remove excessive heat from chemical liquids. North Slope cooling offers chiller units ideal that will fit your warehouse needs.