There will always be opportunities for improvement within the supply chain. The best-laid plans for success require a well-oiled machine, comprised of all systems of record, your workers, truck drivers, and other business to business partners. Unfortunately, finding a way to improve warehouse efficiency can be difficult. As explained by Multichannel Merchant, supply chain leaders should follow these five tips to improve warehouse efficiency now.

View Cycle Counting as a Quality Assurance Test

Cycle counting has historically been a process involved in inventory management. Cycle counts provide a real-time view into inventory, and continuous cycle counting will enable the use of new systems and technologies to predict demand better. Unfortunately, supply chain leaders miss the mark slightly. While cycle counting does offer these benefits, it can be used as a quality assurance test, validating products ordered versus shipped to evaluate workers, processes, and more.

Consider Bring-Your-Own-Device Systems for Employees and Outsourced Workers

Everyone has a smartphone today, and while businesses struggle to buy the technologies and devices necessary to take advantage of the latest platforms, another option exists. Warehouses could leverage the personal devices of their workers, provided bring-your-own-device programs are in place. Of course, some employees will want to avoid using their personal devices, but warehouses could focus on the tax benefits associated with using a personal device for work. In other words, employees could deduct their own phone bills from their taxes, provided the device was used most of the time for work.

Adopt a Robust WMS

Adopting a reliable and robust WMS is critical to warehouse efficiency, but the WMS is only one system. Warehouses should have a comprehensive WMS that works with all other systems throughout the entire supply chain, including the transportation management system, the warehouse execution system, systems used by brick-and-mortar retailers, and more.

Tips to Improve Warehouse Efficiency Revolve Around Full, End-To-End Visibility

Automate every process that has a redundant, repetitive nature within the supply chain. No, this does not mean using robotics to handle every activity, but most processes can be automated. Manufacturers follow the same pattern, and warehouses that implement technologies to automate movements can improve the safety of their facilities. Furthermore, research has shown that companies that do implement robotics tend to achieve higher profitability, rendering the fear of mass layoffs obsolete. In reality, the likelihood of employees being reassigned to other positions within the company (including those that pay better) is much higher.

Simplify Processes, Reducing Touches

The final tip is simple. Avoid unnecessary touches within all inventory and order movements. Products should flow seamlessly from inbound freight to slots, to the hands of pickers, to the box used for shipping, and finally, to the outbound truck. It sounds complicated, but simplifying processes to reduce touchpoints will always decrease costs and risks within operations, driving efficiency along the way.

Drive Business Scalability by Following These Tips to Improve Warehouse Efficiency

Business scalability is critical in the world of e-commerce and omnichannel supply chain management. Instead of trying to manage operations with traditional, manual, and costly processes, follow the tips to improve warehouse efficiency. Also, choose an expert partner in managing the rollout, selection, and implementation of any and all technologies. Get started on your new software implementation and consultation by visiting Veridian online today.