Ten tips when setting up a new warehouse in 2014

Moving to a new premises is a wonderful opportunity to improve the efficiency of your warehouse operation. Obviously if the warehouse is a new, purpose built one, then you can design it to your exact specifications. However even if this is not the case and you inherit an existing warehouse, there are still key things you can implement to achieve the most effective and efficient distribution centre possible.

Well executed storage, receiving and shipping improves efficiency and by doing so makes the company more profitable. At the same time warehouse staff, who are your most important asset, will be more highly motivated if they can locate stock easily, are working in a safe environment and generally feel that their welfare is valued and recognised. Here are some basic guidelines when designing a new warehouse –

1) Staff area
Your floor plan layout needless to say should incorporate areas for receiving, despatch / shipping and storage. Do not overlook your biggest asset, the warehouse staff – allocate a recreational area with a comfy furnishings ( not too comfortable! ), a small fridge and a coffee / tea maker.

2) Storage

Assess the type of racking, shelving and storage you need for the products to be kept in your warehouse. Purchase robust racking / shelving to allow for the maximum lifespan and wear and tear possible. Make sure it is securely attached to walls and floors, to prevent injury to staff and damage to products. Finally ensure that there is plenty of space between the units so that all stock is easily accessible.

3) Ready for despatch

Create a separate storage area or storeroom for items that are regularly used such as cartons, boxes, packing filler or packing tape. 

4) Free of obstruction

Ensure the area around the loading dock or bay is unobstructed and free of racking and shelving. It’s important that there is plenty of space around the loading bay / dock for forklift trucks and warehouse staff to operate unimpeded.

5) Clear definition

Allocate clearly defined, separate areas for shipping and receiving. Make sure there are expansive work surfaces in these areas.

6) Office space

Allocate office space that is a self contained area within the warehouse

7) Be safe

Make sure warning and safety signs and notices are in the correct places, in compliance with the health and safety regulations.

8) Keep it tidy

Make sure there are skips in close proximity to the warehouse so that rubbish doesn’t clutter the workspace. 

9) Comfort

Provide mats in areas where employees are standing in one place for long periods of time ie packing stations. 

10) Consider WMS

If you are employing five or more warehouse operatives, consider installing warehouse management system software. It will streamline and speed up all areas of warehouse life, making the receiving, picking, packing and despatch processes much more efficient and thereby improving company profits and making worklife much easier for the warehouse operatives. It will also lead to greater transparency and accuracy, thereby reducing waste and returned orders.

Investigate a “No Capex” Software as a Service ( SaaS ) warehouse management system, whereby there are no upfront costs and the managed service payments are made on a monthly basis, but only once the warehouse management system goes live. This will help the company cashflow and ensure that warehouse staff have system support 24/7.