8 Common Warehouse Challenges and Potential Solutions

Obtaining the maximum warehouse efficiency is a hugely ambitious aim. You may not always have the best tool for every task; however, you are getting the job done with your current systems and equipment. Meanwhile, the warehouse issues – great and small – don’t always have the attention that they deserve as the work needs to get done.

But sometimes it is helpful to narrow down things step back and take a good look at the big picture. It turns out there is an easy solution to several of materials handling headaches and those recurring warehouse issues.

Here, we’ll examine a range of common warehouse challenges and discuss potential solutions – a few that may sound obvious among others that you may well not have thought about.

1. Inaccurate Inventory

Inaccurate or incomplete records show themselves if a warehouse worker attempts to retrieve the product, and it is not there, or chances are, they directed to store product to some location, which is already full. Time and effort wasted seeking to improve mistakes and making physiological tests, frequently resulting in delayed shipments and miss-picks.

A number of these issues are a consequence of less-than-optimal, debatable manual processes that result in producing incorrect data in the computer system. One solution is the incorporation of warehouse implementation system (WES) software as well as other methods that help to automate data-recording pursuits.

2. Redundant Processes

Usually, warehouse employees have been apt to manage a product numerous times because of the nature of the warehousing procedure. This propensity stays on in current methods. A notable redundant method in warehouses is where warehouse employees pass a similar ticket through various hands.

Such laborious processes are time-consuming and also boost the cost of labor while necessary in certain instances. Using barcode technology streamlines the warehousing process while optimizing resource usage removing procedures. Automated systems are evolving fast, a tendency which pushes warehouse supervisors to maintain systems that are up to date to accomplish the desired outcomes.

3. High Elevation

Some warehouses need workers to put themselves High-elevation conditions, creating a need for stable, mobile work programs.

Personnel lifts might help employees get their job done in scenarios that are high elevation. By way of instance, means of an operator can expand the reach that is vertical and controls telescoping boom lifts from beneath the job stage. Boom lifts may accomplish places the telescoping lifting cannot and are drivable at full altitude. Scissor lifts are an excellent option when you want to lift capacity and more workspace simply because they will handle heavy loads also feature larger work platforms.

4. Warehouse Space

Warehouses and departments usually require perpendicular reach. Logistics workers tend to set part of services and products on shelves that are distinct and sometimes leave them on the ground. This type of arrangement that is messy is likely to make it difficult for the products to discover and reach. There is a possibility that the services and products will be damaged as a result of poor management.

Make use of multipurpose storage sheds might help reduce malfunction. You also can optimize storage and make use of space economically to stock goods that are essential by using a vertical lift module. To access your merchandise from multiple floors, it is possible to build an opening from inside your warehouse or on each floor (side racks). Moreover, by using vertical space, you’ll be able to diminish picking on errors and thus increase productivity.

5. High Cost

Warehouse managers might desire to increase productivity while minimizing labor expenses. You might be reluctant to purchase costly tools, and despite the fact, it will allow you to reach better efficiency and productivity.

The alternative to the labor force is by hiring skills for smoother logistics operations and developing the expertise that is right through workforce preparation. Meanwhile, to decrease fuel costs, hydrogen could be the right solution.

6. Poor Layout/Space Utilization

Achieving great space utilization has brought on the new necessity with the development of eCommerce. In satisfaction centers, there’s picking, increasing the cost of poor layout, and more movement. Additionally, warehouse locations near population centers frequently occupy high priced land, which drives costs up.

Using WES statistics to spot the picked items and afterward, rearranging storage locations to minimize space traveled for picking these. Also, explore what brand new racking and storage technology may do to affect usage favorably. For example, a high-density automated storage and recovery system (AS/RS) may considerably increase space usage.

7. Seasonality in Demand

Fluctuations big pose challenges for warehouse managers. The dip in earnings as a result of the recent financial meltdown resulted in cost issues for warehouses due to higher inventory levels. The situation highlights the question of changes in demand as a result of forces beyond the control of the warehouse, although it failed to affect all businesses equally.

Managing seasonality accessible requires accurate and timely information regarding manufacturing, retailing, and the industry. Information gaps between other entities or the market and the warehouse limitation the distributor’s ability to monitor and react to changes in demand effortlessly. Warehouses need to use information in providing supply chain visibility and forecasting requirements in addition to planning.

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8. Relying on Automation

Your operation may run effortlessly; however, also you haven’t maximized using automation. It can lead to workers’ burn out. Because of this, they might have stress in the work environment.

Optimizing technology such as robotics warehouse to boost employee productivity is just a win-win solution as their activities may facilitate since your workers could be happier from the workplace and reduce anxiety. New technology allows you to decide on a robot to perform tasks while working with employees. This program permits bots to know exactly where and if to select a product and move it towards the locations you would like.

Current technology also makes it possible to get the ideal place for goods. Not only can it minimize the chance of employee burnout, however additionally, but it also maximizes a blank space in the warehouse.

Conclusion

Widespread warehouse challenges such as redundant procedures, poor facility plan, seasonality in demand, high labor expenses, and incorrect inventory data need robust structures that keep managers notified about changes and gaps that need attention.