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Optimize Warehouse Operations Inbound
By Michael Francis | October 23, 2007
To optimize warehouse operations you must have a strategy, it is not all done by computer systems. You must document processes and analytically configure what works and doesn’t work. To optimize your warehouse to its full value you must first start with your inbound.
1. First you must have a evenly scheduled schedule. Do not let the buyers control the warehouse or take product after you cut off hours. This can cost you a ton of overtime hours and freeze your warehouse from being productive. Another thing is the carriers get used to this and it becomes a norm. Balance out your schedule to make sure that your getting loads spread out evenly throughout the week.
2. Staggering hours can be a great way of controlling hours. Another great way is using temp agencies or lumper services to handle all the additional work once your hourly employees reach overtime for the week.
3. Pre-receipt planning and documentation preparation. By having all your documentation prepared in advance it can save you from having a powder keg on the dock and keeping the dock moving fast at all times.
4. Unloading procedures - Have your lumper service follow a uniformed plan of action. Test what works and what does not work. Document it and implement in as standard operation procedure.
5. Vehicle arrivals- Organize your dock flow so each receiver has equal amounts of pallets. Make sure the slots are right behind the dock area where the carrier is being received. This limits the amount of space between the pallets and its designated slots.
6. Quality Control -Utilize great quality control to limit shrinkage. Are your employee’s following them quality control procedures. Investing money and time in these procedures will return back to you ten fold in less damage, shrinkage, and increase profits. Make sure you are not receiving anything that is even a little questionable. Rule of thumb if the box is just a little bent refuse it.
Topics: Operations |
