The road to more than 1 million orders shipped is much more complicated than meets the eye. In part ones of our two-part series on improving warehouse productivity, we listed best practices to increase throughput using automated systems and data. However, it’s not enough to use technology and data to achieve faster order fulfillment. The way the process is managed also makes a difference. Even the best systems will have limitations, and issues may arise following any new software implementation or change in activities. Market fluctuations will affect warehouse productivity. While the previous 13 steps from part 1 focused on the use of data and technology to increase throughput per day, businesses must also focus on how they connect with their consumers, shareholders, partners, and employees. In other words, they need to rethink their management strategies, following these steps:

1. Develop Alternative Fulfillment Strategies

Achieving greater throughput per day and scaling throughput after reaching milestones depends on the ability to accommodate changes in demand. In other words, supply chain leaders need to develop alternative fulfillment strategies, such as BOPIS, to alleviate constraints on the existing warehouse.

2. Create Virtual Experiences for Customers

Since more customers today are using online shopping platforms, as well as visiting brick-and-mortar stores, it is essential for companies to create virtual experiences to increase customer service levels. Such improvements translate into repeat purchases and increased demand on the warehouse.

3. Manage Returns With Better Information Management and Customer-Facing
Platforms

Any effective plan for warehouse management and increasing throughput per day must consider the implications of reverse logistics. Failure to do so would result in unplanned inbound logistics activities, reducing the ability to handle higher demand and increased throughput.

4. Make Management Mobile

Mobile technology and systems are an excellent way for warehouse managers and workers in your operation to multitask, as well as oversee and handle needs remotely.

5. Keep Shareholders Informed With Reporting Capabilities

Utilizing reporting capabilities, supply chain leaders can also keep all shareholders informed. Informing shareholders amounts to greater interest and support when investing in new technology and processes to increase throughput is necessary.

6. Solicit Feedback From Employees/Partners

An effective plan to increase throughput per day should start with those responsible for filling orders—people. Organizations should take actions to obtain feedback from employees and supply chain partners, allowing for continuous improvement of operations.

7. Mitigate Risk of Human Errors With Incentivized Labor Management

The risk for human errors will always exist, but warehouse managers can mitigate such risks with incentivized labor management. In other words, give employees a reason to get more shipments correct, such as bonuses, paid time off, and other benefits for fewer mistakes.

8. Keep Labor Health a Top Priority

The health of your workforce must be a top priority. Problems within your facility and subpar communication between management and workers will result in decreased throughput per day, as well as increased costs associated with higher employee turnover.

9. Mitigate Extraneous Risks

External risks will always exist. Supply chain leaders need to consider external threats, including political and weather-related hazards, preparing for unforeseen issues, and creation of back-up plans.

10. Deploy Preventive Maintenance to Reduce Downtime

A high-quality preventative maintenance program is another critical aspect of increasing warehouse throughput. Preventive maintenance is also essential as new technology and systems, such as robots, are brought online.

11. Hold Vendors and Partners Accountable

Holding vendors and partners accountable for their actions or inconsistencies with defined warehouse standards is yet another way for improving warehouse productivity around-the-clock.

12. Decrease Problems in Yard and Dock Management

The best throughput in the world will fail if yard and dock management concerns are not minded. Work to reduce scheduling problems and delays in management of both the yard and the dock.

13. Avoid Ambiguity

All communications and activities should have a precise, clear set of expectations and actions to achieve the desired result.

14. Create a Dynamic Inbound Freight Routing Guide

The implementation and use of a dynamic inbound freight routing guide can assist with SKU proliferation and ensure vendors and suppliers follow the proper protocols and practices.

15. Take Advantage of Third-Party Services and Management

Third-party services, managers, and consultants, including Veridian, have access to a vast library of expertise and systems that can help your organization succeed. Consider working with a third party where possible, including when selecting the next system to upgrade and the best vendor solutions.

Increase Throughput Per Day With a Comprehensive Strategy

Increasing throughput per day with more orders filled and fewer issues depends on scaling operations to meet increased demand. Unfortunately,  making changes to your basic supply chain systems can be hard. The right set of strategic management styles, in combination with the right technologies and data-driven processes outlined in part one, will help your organization scale throughput continuously, filling more orders faster, with greater accuracy and without delay. Supply chain leaders should follow all tips outlined in this series, and they should seriously consider working with a consultant. Find out additional ways to increase throughput per day by visiting Veridian online today.