Choose an efficient layout
A logical route is half the work. There’s no point in placing fast movers at the back, causing your people to make unnecessary kilometers all day long. Take a critical look at the routes: can forklifts and employees easily pass each other? Also, make use of the height of your building. Vertical storage is often the cheapest way to gain extra space. By placing your most popular products at reach height and putting the less common items at the top, you save a lot of time on the work floor every day.
Organization made easy
Plastic bins are essential for storing smaller products. It sounds simple, but the right bin in the right place prevents people from rummaging through cardboard boxes that fall apart. Plastic lasts for years, is easy to keep clean, and can be safely stacked. A smart trick is to work with colors; by giving different product groups or priorities their own color bin, you can see at a glance where everything is. This significantly reduces the chance of errors during order picking.
Using technology
You don’t need to immediately purchase an army of robots, but smart software can make life in the warehouse a lot easier. A good inventory system tells you exactly what is available and where it is located, making manual counting rounds a thing of the past. For those who want to take it a step further, there are scanners or systems that calculate the fastest route through the warehouse.
How to organize bulk goods?
If you are dealing with heavy parts or bulk goods, the plastic pallet box is your best friend. Unlike wooden crates, they do not splinter and are much more stable when stacked to the ceiling. They are designed for heavy work and can be easily moved with a forklift or pallet jack. Because they are so robust, they also protect your inventory much better against damage during transport.
Training and safety
All the smart bins and software won’t help if the people on the floor don’t know how to handle them safely. Investing an afternoon in good training pays off in speed and fewer incidents. Ensure clear marking on the floor, good lighting, and equipment that is in top condition. A safe warehouse is almost always an efficient warehouse.
