From parcels to business-to-business transactions, organizations across the globe are ramping up in anticipation of peak season. Supply chain peak season prep includes optimizing inventory, rethinking distribution center strategies, and keeping a strong focus on preparing warehouse laborers for the change in demand and pace. To ensure maximized productivity and performance throughout this busy period, supply chain leaders need to follow these steps.

Automate Repetitive Processes

Identifying repetitive processes may seem like an afterthought or benefit to logistics-only processes. However, automating repetitive processes has a direct impact on labor by reducing the risk of safety violations and helping employees get more accomplished by gaining efficiency.

Generate More Accurate Forecasts

Generating more accurate forecasts through the application of data will allow for better workforce planning and ensure orders go out on time. Of course, that is not the only way to apply data.

Apply Data to Understand Customers and Enable Supply Chain Peak Season Prep

According to Supply Chain Brain, the use of data makes a huge difference in planning and responsiveness throughout peak season. Data can be valuable when it’s manipulated to generate forecasts, but it can also be used to understand what customers want before customers even know they want it. It sounds like something out of a science fiction film, but applied data can give supply chains a leg up as peak season progresses.

Set Realistic Work Expectations

Setting realistic work expectations for peak season employees is another critical factor for a successful season. This goes for temporary workers as well as permanent employees. Failure to set realistic work
expectations will lead to a perception that employees cannot meet their
obligations. This perception can lead to employee attrition.

Use Technology to Track Performance

Aside from data, technology can be used to track and encourage better employee performance. For example, augmented reality can help employees validate SKU values against order requests, and wearables can improve employee health. These devices will enable better monitoring and management of performance.

Emphasize Safety as Part of Performance

Safety must be in-focus for any performance improvement program. Safety violations can have lasting consequences for both employees and companies, including financial repercussions and legal effects. By emphasizing safety, warehouse leaders highlight the importance of employees in achieving corporate goals without risking bodily harm or injury.

Hire Temporary Workers With Options for Long-Term Employment

As noted by Parcel Magazine, hiring temporary workers with long-term options for employment will increase the sense of ownership of their positions. Of course, this also helps justify the costs of training for temporary workers. Speaking of training, always train all workers, including seasonal workers, on how to use systems and follow pre-defined workflows to encourage better productivity.

Create a Comprehensive Strategy to Laborer Supply Chain Peak Season Prep

Like customers, today’s employees have access to more information than any other generation. They will find the weaknesses in enterprises, and they will opt to forgo working with companies that do not embrace sustainable hiring, employment, and fulfillment. Unfortunately, the demands of peak season will only grow, and supply chain leaders need to apply the above-listed tips to improve workforce preparation for peak season. Find out more about how your organization can improve labor productivity and elevate peak season operations by connecting with Veridian online today.