A well-run warehouse prevents supply chain disruptions and keeps cash flowing into your business. This well-oiled, money-making machine doesn’t materialize out of thin air. However, it takes proper planning and execution to make such an operation work. Here are four top tips for better material handling and storage at your warehouse.
Train for Safety
While warehouse equipment is expensive and inventory is valuable, your most prized assets are your people. Skilled warehouse equipment operators are hard to replace, and workplace injuries cost them and your company. Prevent workplace accidents and keep your operations running smoothly by making periodic safety training a priority. The training should include how to properly store your specific materials to avoid falling objects and how to position forklifts to avoid tipping hazards.
Create an Efficient Work Site
You can hire the most skilled warehouse workers in the world, but you’ll never tap into their full potential if your warehouse isn’t set up for efficient operations. Making your warehouse layout more efficient begins with traffic lanes for pedestrians, forklifts, and other material transport equipment. These lanes ensure that equipment operators have enough room to maneuver around your warehouse without injuring other warehouse workers or damaging inventory. An efficient warehouse also has easy access points for frequently used inventory and equipment. This feature enables faster deliveries and reduces workplace accidents.
Getting the Right Material Handling Equipment
After establishing an efficient warehouse layout, you’ll want to empower your workforce with the right material handling equipment. The equipment that you’ll need depends on the materials that you handle and your facility’s layout. Some popular types of storage and handling equipment include pallet racks, shelves, and stacking frames. Growing at a fast rate? Get more storage space with a movable or modular mezzanine.
Maintaining Your Equipment
Equipment failure is a leading cause of injuries and fatalities at warehouses. Poor equipment maintenance along with general wear from constant usage are a recipe for broken machinery and tools. Besides being a hazard to your workers, equipment failures slow production. Placing your tools and pieces of equipment on regular maintenance schedules helps to reduce the chance of equipment failures during critical production times.
Warehouses are important elements of the global supply chain. Improving material handling and storage within these spaces can mean the difference between capturing more market share and shuttering your business for good.
Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700
