Bringing down operational costs is one of the best ways you can improve margins. And the best opportunity to do that? Through more efficient warehouse management.
So, what’s the secret to running a well-oiled machine?
Here are five ways that you can take your warehouse to the next level.
1. Work with suppliers to deliver stock just in time
How much stock you hold at any point in your warehouse directly impacts your overhead costs. Large quantities of stock can add up, causing disorganization and risking expiration.
You can bring down the inventory levels in your warehouse by streamlining your supply process. By working with your suppliers to receive stocks up to three days before the actual delivery date, you guarantee that stock won’t pile up.
However, don’t forget to consider how much safety stock you’ll need to maintain in the instance there may be shipping delays, or if you need more stock than originally planned.
2. Utilize demand forecasts to create dynamic purchase orders
Don’t play a guessing game when it comes to purchasing stock.
Create dynamic purchase orders by linking your demand forecasts to the order quantities placed with suppliers. This ensures that current sales trends are reflected in the orders you place and protects you from inventory imbalances that could occur if you stick to manual ordering.
The right technology will help you predict demand more accurately and only order what you need.
3. Use visual cues to make things run more efficiently
Having an organized warehouse makes all the difference when receiving and delivering products to your vending machine and micro market locations.
Visual cues can assist your warehouse staff on timeline actions and efficiency. For example, use yellow tape on cartons for products with a shorter shelf life. This will help you reduce product write-offs that happen due to expired goods. Visual management in the facility enables team members to see, know, and act as a group.
4. Change up your warehouse layout
Using warehouse space efficiently creates a leaner warehouse, improves inventory visibility, and keeps things organized for your staff. For example, you can improve picking productivity by storing fast-moving inventory in the front of the warehouse.
Additionally, switching up your warehouse layout can reduce storage times by more than 25% and picking times by 30%. Space optimization makes it easier for your warehouse staff to move around and grab what they need, resulting in greater productivity and a more efficient warehouse overall.
5. Adopt a warehouse management system
Clear visibility and accurate information about existing inventory in the warehouse impacts order preparation and delivery. Proper inventory management ensures you get the right product to the right machine at the right time. And it optimizes the way you receive and send out product — which results in reduced inventory requirements.
In fact, most operators see a reduction of 40% to 60% of inventory required when they utilize a warehouse management system. Ready to make yours more efficient with the right software?