Copy URL to Clipboard
Poor organization can seriously stifle the operations of a warehouse. Poor inventory management and slow shipping times for bulk orders can easily become a reality. Fortunately, there are numerous organizational practices that prevent such problems and help a warehouse run efficiently.
Key takeaways:
In the following sections, I’ll go through the different ways warehouses are organized.
There are different methods that third-party logistics (3PL) providers and large retailers use when structuring their facilities.
In the following sections, I’ll explain each of these practices and explain how they keep a warehouse running efficiently.
Designing an efficient floor plan sets the groundwork for a successful warehouse. There are multiple angles that 3PLs consider when they create one.
3PLs start designing a floor plan by considering how much room they have in their facility. Once this is done, they’ll plan the layout of the warehouse by grid. This allows 3PLs to optimize available space when designing their floor plan.
Warehouses can vary in size, but I’ve provided some data that shows the typical square feet you’ll find in small, medium, and large facilities.
Keep in mind, warehouses can be smaller than 10,000 square feet, while others can be much larger than 25,000 square feet. These are just the average measurements that businesses and 3PL’s have to work with when organizing their floor layout.
Safety is an important concern in a warehouse environment. That’s why the most productive facilities leave enough room for workers and their equipment to maneuver through walkways and aisles.
Efficient traffic flows also help with movement inside a warehouse. This makes it easier for workers to access every part of the facility quickly and easily.
Equipment that isn’t in use is kept in designated storage areas. Incorporating these areas into the layout prevents clutter. Space in the facility is allocated to work stations as well.
A good floor plan ensures similar products are kept in the same vicinity. This will make storing and retrieving pallets much easier for warehouse staff to perform.
Products can come in different shapes and sizes. That’s why it’s essential for warehouses to use the appropriate storage systems to keep them running efficiently.
This can include:
For temperature-sensitive items, coolers, and refrigerators might be used as well. In many cases, warehouses utilize multiple storage solutions to accommodate the products they store and ship.
Storage areas inside a warehouse are given labels that contain information that’s used for tracking, storing, and retrieving palletized goods. There are a variety of labels that staff will use, including:
While each one has distinct advantages and disadvantages, the label a company or 3PL uses ultimately comes down to their specific needs.
Related: Inventory Tracking Technology
Inventory management systems play a critical role in the efficiency of a warehouse. Managing all the freight that comes through a facility is extremely difficult to do manually.
Thanks to this cutting edge technology, warehouse staff can easily keep track of where items are located. This and your labeling system must be able to work together. This is essential when it’s time to locate products and prepare them for shipping.
The most important part of an efficient warehouse is the staff operating it. Facilities function the best when their workers receive good training.
Many companies teach their staff the following concepts:
Well-rounded training courses gives warehouse staff the tools they need to be successful. As a result, the facility runs better.
Once a warehouse is organized and tested, specific protocols must be followed for it to maintain its efficiency.
Routine performance audits carefully analyze warehouse operations. The purpose is to identify inefficiencies and improve them with tailored solutions.
A warehouse can come to a complete standstill if its equipment begins to breakdown. Maintaining equipment and addressing malfunctions before they occur can prevent this from happening.
Efficiency is also maintained using the 85% rule. Most warehouses begin to lose their operational effectiveness when their storage capacity reaches 85%. This can cause a variety of problems.
Retailers and 3PLs keep their storage levels below 85% to prevent these problems from happening.
Making a warehouse run efficiently can be extremely difficult if you have little or no logistics experience. Fortunately, finding a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) provider to handle your warehousing needs can maximize the efficiency of your business.
Instead of taking the time to set up an efficient warehouse by yourself (a costly and time-consuming expense), you can get your logistics up a running by hiring a 3PL. They already have the experience and knowledge required to run an optimal warehouse.
They also perform services for a variety of other companies, which means you won’t have to wait long for them to start handling your storage and distribution operations.
If you’re ready to experience high-level and quality 3PL services, then Fulfillment & Distribution is ready to help. We provide a variety of storage and distribution solutions. We also have facilities located throughout the U.S. that can help you reach new markets and customers.
This includes:
Partner with Fulfillment & Distribution today by filling out a quote. If you have questions about our specific services, then give our team a call at (866) 989-3082.
