Maximize the Productivity of Your Warehouse Operation.
When speaking of the optimization of your warehouse operation many people generally think WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) or perhaps automated material handling systems. Many managers, particularly those who are brought into the field from another area neglect to analyze the physical operation of the warehouse. There are many little things we can do that require little or no investment to produce a more efficient and profitable warehouse operation.
- Foster communication between managers and employees. Find ways to constructively demonstrate how properly performing their duties will have a postive impact on your business. Even more important, give examples of how past employee's actions have had negative impacts.
- Establish a clear chain of control: Lack of control and a clear chain of command will cause unnecessary aggravation for you and your employees.
- Implement training programs that empower your employees to do a better job. - Employees working in a warehouse environment without proper training and clearly defined and adequate rules of operations are likely to suffer from low employee moral. Poor performance and productivity will surely result.. Insuring proper training of your employees, while no small thing can greatly improve the efficiency of your overall operation and help to make it more profitable.
- Schedule proper equipment maintenance. This will help prevent many issues relating to performance and safety. Also, instituting a comprehensive preventative maintenance schedule that is performed regularly will help insure your equipment will continue to function properly and reduce repair cost and frequency.
- Replace or repair defective equipment as quickly as possible. Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish in areas that affects safety and productivity. Convey the fact that you regard your employee's health and safety as a priority by your actions. Also, these actions will reduce your future Workmen's Compensation claims.