Re-organisation will be a priority for many warehouse and distribution centre operators ramping up to meet higher volumes and demand in the face of Covid 19 and pre-Christmas push, says Jim Roberts, product manager at Beaverswood.
Effective warehouse and logistics centre design encompasses layout and the optimisation of space. It also includes labelling and racking systems, management technologies and designated picking and receiving areas. Industrial workplaces that are clean and well organised will be ready to receive merchandise, prepare orders, load and ship containers, keeping both employees and customers happier in the process.
However, re-organising efficiently can sometimes be easier said than done. Each decision should support a number of goals while supporting increased productivity, optimised space, cost cutting, and improvements in customer service – perhaps, even more so in these pandemic days, which has driven unprecedented surges in online sales and seen sector operators never busier.
Practical steps
Practical, sensible advice to improve warehouse operations can start by investing in new signage. After all, good signage must be considered an effective step on the path to improved levels of performance, operational efficiency and safety in the warehouse environment.
It is a legal requirement to display certain signs in prominent spots around your warehouse. You must also remember that if an incident occurs it could be you that is held accountable if the legislation has not been followed correctly. Guidance on regulations relating to safety signs and signals is covered in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which provide information for employers and duty holders, and others who have responsibility for the control of work sites and premises, or operating equipment requiring verbal and/or non-verbal communications.
Refreshing existing labelling and ID systems could also contribute to streamlining operations and improving productivity. Current systems can be augmented or indeed improved, through the application of simple, cost effective measures, which include new ticket and label holders on shelving and racking to provide instant, high visibility location of stock.
Productivity boost
The use of visual aid boards such as shadow boards can also be considered as part of plans to reorganise the workplace. Again, investment in these type of systems, which ensure compliance with 5S (Sort; Set in order; Shine; Standardise; and Sustain) lean processes, can boost productivity levels in the workplace, keeping essential tools readily accessible and available for use by the workforce.
Improving warehouse efficiency is as much about common sense and a simple but effective system, as it is about sophisticated picking algorithms. And this includes keeping the place clean and tidy with recycling systems that can help to prevent the unwanted build of up of waste and rubbish in and around shelving, bays and aisles and order picking stations.
Warehouse and distribution centre operators who follow these cost effective and simple steps will ultimately reap the benefit in terms of greater efficiencies and financial savings. More at www.beaverswood.co.uk
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