Improving warehouse operations can be quite challenging. There are different angles to approach and tackle this challenge. Each major operation in a warehouse can be simplified by leveraging digital technologies now. For instance, warehouse picking systems make picking operations much faster for both trained and untrained employees. Essentially, there are many ways to improve the overall warehousing efficiency. 

That said, here are 5 best warehousing practices that can make a difference.

1. Careful organization

For starters, it’s best to divide the warehouse facility by zones based on the pick type. Organizing so would make order picking much easier as similar items can be stored in similar locations. This also makes it easier to determine picking methods that should be used in each zone.

2. Make sure you get actionable data for decision-making

You can use real-time data capture systems including RF, voice, or manual data collection. The data give you insights on how things work from high level, so you can make beneficial changes after. Regardless of the source, it’s always good to have actionable data providing operational information that you can analyze.

3. Use labor management tools for performance optimization

You can utilize digital solutions that streamline, and provide effective control over, your labor situation. Labor management software helps you understand the performance and challenges of your labor resources, control associated costs, and take command if the situation calls for it.

A good labor management tool could be the difference between a satisfactory operation and an efficient one. However, such tools may not be of much help when bulk items and heavy machinery are involved.

4. If the operation is big enough, hire an inventory manager

If your operation is quite big, having the supervisors, service staff or the warehouse manager share the responsibility may not exactly be the efficient way. It’s best to hire an inventory manager to handle this particular aspect, which would only optimize the entire operation. A decision-maker’s involvement can be vital.

5. Equip employees with the right kind of tools

Training employees is one. But making their jobs easier and more interesting to do can improve warehousing efficiency considerably. This can be done by giving them access to the right kind of tools. For instance, the employees can be directed to picking items from a particular section in the warehouse. If they somehow forget the location of the item or get confused along the way, they’d have to get access to that information again. An effective warehouse picking solution eliminates the likelihood of such instances. 

The same can be said for cataloging goods and re-slotting the facility every day. Tools only make things easier for the staff even if they are trained or untrained.

There are many tools that can streamline picking operations, one of which being iActo. iActo is an app that gives text-based directions to a picker, pointing him to the right aisle or row or fixture to pick an order. Every day operational data is recorded, and can be used by the inventory manager or decision-maker for analysis and optimization.