To keep a warehouse running efficiently, one has to have very high standards when it comes to staying organized. Imagine if Amazon or Barnes and Noble operated sloppy warehouses in which they couldn’t locate items when they needed them? There is no way they would be as successful as they are now. Even if you are operating on a much smaller scale, it’s imperative to stay on top of your warehouse organization and make sure that it doesn’t become the least bit messy or disorganized. Here are some tips to help you keep your warehouse better organized.
Use the 5S Method
The 5S method is a centuries-old way of maintaining organization and efficiency. Here are the five steps:
- Sort – Clean out inventory that isn’t useful or profitable to reduce clutter.
- Set in order – Come up with a strategy to make your inventory organized and easy to find.
- Shine – Deep clean your whole warehouse before you put stuff in order to make sure that it’s polished and easy to navigate.
- Standardize – Make certain that employees and people using the warehouse understand how things are organized and how to remove/replace them.
- Sustain – Keep your warehouse clean, and stay on top of your organizational habits; otherwise, it will fall into disarray!
Pallet Racking Systems
Pallet racking systems are super-helpful in warehouses. They help to reduce expenditures, keep things neatly stacked and easy to find, and save tons of space. Your warehouse will look more organized and also be much safer, as pallet racking systems are made of reliable materials that can withstand the weight of your products.
Wire Containers
Wire containers are also of great help when it comes to staying organized. Some items don’t fit well on pallets and are better stored in wire. The benefits of wire containers are that they are easy to collapse when you’re not using them, they are durable, and they can safely store 1,500 to 4,000 pounds of product. They are excellent space savers and a great way to make sure your warehouse stays neatly organized.
Recycle
Reduce, reuse and recycle. These are three key components of maintaining a well-organized warehouse. You can start by cleaning out unnecessary garbage and clutter. You can also reuse pallets, wire containers and other organizational units to save money and cut down on the amount of waste you are producing. And, you can recycle most types of wood, metal, iron, glass and other storage materials to both clear your space of waste and be gentler on the environment.
Rethink Your Design
Take a look at the big picture of the design of your warehouse. Does it make sense? Is it laid out in an effective manner? Does it have a functional flow path? Are you meeting all facility requirements?
Conduct an audit of your warehouse space every three to five years to determine that you are using it to its maximum capacity. This can be incredibly helpful in getting you the most for your money and keeping your warehouse running smoothly.
Following these tips will ensure that you keep your warehouse organized and running smoothly. A well-organized warehouse is essential to the operation of a successful business. Reach out to us for help with getting your warehouse all cleaned up and organized!