How to Run a Warehouse Efficiently

An efficient warehouse layout leads to increased productivity.

Running an efficient business means adopting sound hiring practices and developing efficient work policies to keep workers happy, motivated, focused and productive. Business owners who run a warehouse must make considerations unique to their industry. Running a warehouse efficiently means developing an efficient layout for your warehouse. An inefficient layout can create inventory-control issues, errors in shipping and even pose safety risks. Specialists who focus on warehouse layout charge lots of money for their services. It may require a little trial and error, but following a few tips will help you develop an efficient layout plan.

Instructions

1. Develop short paths. Workers who spend less time traveling spend more time working. Create a warehouse layout that allows your workers to travel less.

2. Spend less time moving inventory. It doesn't make sense to put your inventory in one location if it's moved to another location at a later date.

3. Put similar items together. If you have separate groups of workers with distinct functions, store Group A's items near their workspace and store Group B's items near their workspace.

4. Spend equal amounts of time on each activity performed in your warehouse. Making things easier for Group A to increase their productivity means they'll spend time waiting, rather than working, for Group B to finish their task.

References

• Freese & Associates, Inc.; Warehouse Layout and Design; Thomas Freese; 2000