Sidestepping common warehouse pitfalls

Ask the man on the street to picture a warehouse, and he will probably visualize a big echoing hall with endless rows of boxes languishing on dusty shelves. But as anyone in the industry will tell you, nothing could be further from the truth. The modern warehouse or distribution centre is a fast-paced, dynamic environment. And to stand out in a highly competitive market, efficient, responsive and proactive workflows are a must. Yet many operators cling to outmoded processes, failing to unlock the potential of today’s technologies. A recent Solution Guide counts down the top 10 warehouse strategies doomed to fail – and offers tips on how to turn things around.

The paper trap looms large on the list. By insisting workers perform manual cycle counts using paper forms, operators waste valuable time and run the risk of errors – spelling trouble for order processing down the line. Moreover, printed reports are still common for pick slot management, despite the fact that stockouts and order errors inevitably follow. However, there is a simple solution: by replacing manual data entry and hard copy forms with barcode and RFID technology, operators can streamline processes and ensure access to up-to-date information.

Mobile communications, too, can be a minefield of hidden risks. It begins with the choice of device: because initial outlay for consumer smartphones and tablets is comparatively low, some operators decide against rugged enterprise devices. But any savings are soon cancelled out by the cost of repairs and replacements, as consumer solutions are not tough enough for the challenges of the warehouse environment. If devices are not suited to warehouse mobility tasks – if screens are too small, for example, or keyboards are tricky to use – productivity suffers. Plus, by ignoring the latest developments in voice picking and hands-free technology, operators make life unnecessarily complicated for pickers by forcing them to juggle handheld devices and paper lists.

Another fatal mistake is skimping on management tools for infrastructure and devices. Inadequate monitoring and oversight can result in unexpected device failure or batteries running out mid-task – creating disruptions that could have been avoided. With the right IT management, however, operators can boost performance and productivity across the board.

The guide “Top 10 Losing Warehouse Strategies and How to Avoid Them”. delivers a comprehensive overview of these roads to disaster. But it also offers an alternative route, by revealing how the latest mobile technology can slash error rates while boosting productivity, enhancing real-time visibility, and strengthening customer loyalty to boot.