Tackling Top Warehouse Problems

Running a warehouse is always a challenging job, but there are ways you can make your warehouse operations more efficient.

Today we want to take a look at some of the most common problems warehouses face and give you the solutions you need to work better, not harder.

Challenge 1: Inefficient Picking

Your strategy for this depends greatly on the size of your warehouse, the types of products, and how quickly you ship products out. The best way you can do this is to create pick lists that contain only the information your picker needs. Separate the information in a way that works for your warehouse, whether this is by SKU, location, or product type.

Challenge 2: Narrow Aisles

Narrow aisles make it difficult to navigate and can lead to damaged products as machinery tries to operate in tight spaces. The best way to deal with this problem long term is to invest in narrow aisle forklifts. This machinery is specifically designed for narrow aisles. These forklifts can be manufactured in a way that even allows operators to stand instead of sit, which gives them a better view while working.

Challenge 3: Not Enough Floor Space

It’s hard to be efficient and stay organized when you simply don’t have enough space. A great way to alleviate this problem is to install vertical storage units. You’ll need to invest in the right equipment to get products down, but this will give you a lot more space to work with.

Challenge 4: Inventory Inaccuracies

If you are suffering from inventory inaccuracies this signals that you do not have the correct systems in place. By implementing the right technical systems you should be able to see your inventory orders accurately and in real time. Investing in this type of system allows inventory levels to be changed across all channels at the same time. You can also use cycle counting instead of only one single physical count of your entire inventory once a year.

Challenge 5: Re-Slotting

Order picking means the product needed will be taken from the storage location. While there is nothing wrong with this, most of the time the remaining products in storage are not reorganized. This means you aren’t maximizing your storage space which can lead to more space problems down the line. Make sure you re-slot often to make sure you’re making the best use of the warehouse space you have.