When you are running a warehouse, there are lots of considerations you have to take into account. There are, of course, lots of outside factors that can influence your warehouse, but there are also inside factors that you can take control of. Taking control of your warehouse, and taking into account key considerations will ensure that your warehouse runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. What considerations should you be thinking about then, and which considerations should you be putting into action?
Costs & Productivity
How much your warehouse costs to run, and how productive it is are two of your top ongoing concerns. If a warehouse is costing more to run than it is making (in terms of profit) then you have to realize this is not sustainable. Establishing what your running costs are, and then evaluating your productivity will help to ensure your warehouse breaks even and then makes a profit. When it comes to breaking down costs, you need to look at regular and recurring costs as well as one-off costs. For example, staffing costs are regular, whereas machine maintenance (and possibly even replacement) may be something that occurs perhaps once a year (maybe more).
When you are looking at your costs, it is important to establish if you are getting high levels of productivity in return for your spending. If you are not getting value for money, then it is time to start making some changes within the running and operations of your warehouse.
Efficiency & Effectiveness
Warehouses (no matter the size) need to be efficient and effective. One faulty process can upset the whole chain, and this can end up costing you extra time and extra money that perhaps you had not prepared for. It is important to embrace technology within a warehouse and its operations where you can because technology can improve warehouse efficiency and effectiveness. Technology can monitor the processes in the warehouses and then make improvements that will save time and other resources. If you fail to embrace technology, you will struggle to achieve true efficiency.
Safety Is Essential
Safety should always be one of your top considerations. The safety of your equipment and the safety of the staff that works within a warehouse should always be of paramount importance. Everyone working within a warehouse has to be accountable for their own safety, and also for the safety of others. Looking out for colleagues, and ensuring that correct training, equipment and safety appeal is provided will ensure that everyone who works within a warehouse is working towards the same goal. Safer ways and methods of working will also help to increase productivity and efficiency.
Roles & Responsibilities
It does not matter how many people you employ within your warehouse, the main thing that matters is the roles and responsibilities held by individuals. Every person involved within the running of a warehouse has to be aware of what their role is and where their responsibilities lie. When everyone is aware of what they are doing, and what others are doing, improved efficiency can be expected, and this can then lead to increased productivity.
