Warehouse managers face different challenges than management in other aspects of a business. The events and economic climate of the last several years have changed business dynamics, resulting in a customer-centric landscape that still needs to be efficient and cost-effective. Consider these common warehouse management challenges and how you can improve them to serve customers better while resulting in higher profits.
Warehouse Layout and Space Limitations
Poorly planned warehouse layout can result in frequent accidents and space imitations that may prevent you from taking on new customers and restricting space to longtime ones. Optimizing your warehouse layout and workflow can help optimize operations while reducing potential accidents from materials stored too high or improperly.
Optimal warehouse management that uses a modular structure for repetitive use allows you to introduce newer technologies, including automation, to improve efficiency.
GFS Logistics uses a state-of-the-art warehouse management system that helps us delete unnecessary processes, increase distribution speed, improve customer experience and reduce your costs.
Using Outdated Technology
If your supply chain management process still uses paper, you’re likely overspending on your supply chain process. Switching to digitization will help your operation adapt and evolve more quickly.
Manual data entries, excessive handling of products, and passing products among several workers slow your processes and make them more expensive.
Consider using technologies such as barcode scanners and computer software made specifically for warehousing. Updated technology will make your business more efficient, competitive, and cost-effective.
Inaccurate Inventory
A massive consequence of not utilizing the right technology is inaccurate inventory. The more outdated your technology is, the more likely your inventory will be incorrect. Manual updating of inventory can lead to improper stock information with items stored incorrectly or in unusual places.
It can also lead to obsolete inventory when workers cannot find merchandise for the picking process. Workers may also spend time looking for lost inventory and correcting them through.
Such less-than-optimal supply chain management practices can end up wasting a lot of valuable time and money.
Poor Picking Process
Picking is one of the most critical processes in any warehouse and also one where most problems occur. Inefficient picking hinders your fulfillment processes if 50% of a picker’s time is spent looking for items.
Picking done in a hurry can lead to errors like incorrect fulfillment that ultimately cost more money. Accurate data capture and storage and automated systems will help identify where products are stored and enhance the picking and fulfillment process.
GFS Logistics uses our WMS to perfect our picking process, ensure accurate item location, and guarantee your fulfillment order leaves our facility 100 percent complete.
Adapting to Seasonal Demand
Many factors, like changing customer demands, are out of warehouse management’s control, but learning how to adapt to them is.
Maintaining a balance between supply and demand is essential. Warehouse managers face challenges like:
- Economic cycles
- Trending products
- Annual seasonal changes
Working with supply chain management professionals to adapt to changing demands can help maintain year-round efficiency.
GFS Logistics actively tracks your industry’s marketing trends and can help you forecast and prepare for increased or decreased demand on particular products.
Labor Management and Costs
Warehouse workers are essential to your operation, comprising nearly 65% of warehouse costs. Improving automation and other processes allow you to effectively maintain and retain quality workers that make your warehouse more productive.
At GFS Logistics, our supply chain team has specific roles during warehousing and distribution. We streamline the supply chain process and help you save time on money on each shipment you schedule.
GFS Logistics Solves Your Dallas Warehouse Management Needs
Warehouse and supply chain management problems faced by companies today can appear overwhelming. Instead of struggling with picking, packing, and shipping items to your customers, let the supply chain experts of GFS Logistics devise a plan to make your fulfillment process more efficient and your customers more satisfied.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
