Labor management in the warehouse might seem like another trivial task. At its core, labor management in the warehouse refers to scheduling and planning of team member shifts. The reality is that labor management has evolved in tandem with the rise of new supply chain software solutions and advancements in technology. Meanwhile, warehouses that use old labor management standards and provide limited access to information for employees creates a zone of distrust between management and the workforce. The problem only grows worse concerning inbound logistics, which include reverse logistics management and returns. Supply chain leaders need to understand the critical challenges of labor management in the warehouse, how it contributes to supply chain success, and a few tips to improve it.

Problems with Labor Management in the Warehouse of Today.

The problem with labor management in the warehouse today a two-pronged issue. Laborers do not get the recognition or information necessary to succeed, and labor management systems are out of date. As with any supply chain process, your workers cannot improve what they do not understand, and recognizing their limitations and areas of low performance begins with tracking the right data. Unfortunately, the software revolution in warehouse management has created another problem; supply chain leaders devote so much time to systems that they overlook the human element in the warehouse. Even the most robust of automated systems and solutions will require a human element at some point.

Effective Labor Management Contributes to Supply Chain Success.

Regardless of your industry, effective labor management in the warehouse is an integral part of supply chain success. The right workforce and a high level of employee morale will contribute to improved profit margins, reduced risk of errors in order fulfillment, and more. In fact, happy employees amount to satisfied customers. Unfortunately, failure to maintain control over your laborers will result in higher employee turnover, decreased performance on KPIs, and delays in order fulfillment. Meanwhile, laborers expect respect, a dignified workplace, safe conditions, and a committed management team.

Best Practices for Improving Labor Management in Your Facilities.

Supply chain leaders that want to become thought leaders and stay competitive with Amazon need to follow these best practices.

• Inventory your current labor management supply chain systems and software.
• Recognize the challenges of implementing new technology, especially robotics.
• Work with team members to understand their challenges and concerns.
• Create a cross-functional change management team, formed from members of all departments, to oversee changes.
• Deploy wearables and augmented reality systems to streamline operations.
• Track performance of laborers.
• Provide meaningful feedback to workers.
• Lead by example ensuring you are utilizing change management practices to increase overall adoption of any new supply chain technology or system.

Kickstart the Implementation of Your New Systems

The right combination of people and technology will augment your operation and empower scalability, as well as improved customer service. Give your team members and managers the resources they need to succeed by integrating supply chain systems, taking advantage of data, and working with an experienced, third-party consultant, such as Veridian. Find out what you need to do to achieve success and effective labor management by scheduling your consultation with Veridian online today.