The Most Common Mistakes Faced in Warehousing and How to Avoid Them
To ensure overall customer satisfaction managing warehouse and logistics efficiently. Yet many warehouse facilities face many problems from the start itself no matter how efficient or innovative they are. They make the most common warehouse mistakes which are avoidable from the start itself.
Below mentioned are some of the commonly made mistakes in warehousing:
Docks are small
Receiving docks often face an area crisis which brings many inaccuracies even though the shipping and receiving are entirely different processes. Receiving process involves most of the critical functions in a warehouse. That is why errors and inefficiencies while receiving may affect the profits and developments of the warehouse
Same docks for shipping and receiving goods
Mistakes can occur when there are inefficiencies in allocating locations for shipping and receiving docks. And matching locations to function helps the warehouse function smoothly. Getting the same area for both shipping and receiving may lead to many problems including improper workflow and mistakes
No perfect order picking paths
Order picking becomes more dynamic and smooth with well efficient paths. If the moving time to the warehouse is less than the preparing time for the order can be increased. And if the travel time increases that can lead to excessive and unnecessary labor charges.
Not meeting the safety requirements
Same as in any industry meeting health and safety requirements are unavoidable in warehousing and logistics too. Lacking safety standards not only heightens the workplace risks it will also reduce employee credibility and workability.
No scope for future developments or change
Leaving no scope for future developments foreseeing the technological developments and changing market place is the biggest mistake made in warehousing. It will deprive the warehouse of any possible growth in the future. Which can even lead to the stoppage of business.
Lack of separate areas for deadstock or returned items
Deadstock management is something that most companies do not include. However, it is essential as there are always stocks that cannot be shipped like returned items or products that have been recalled and so on.
Complicated shelf labels and signs
Every stock in a warehouse should be recognized. So that the employees can differentiate each area and item in the inventory which will make the warehouse work smooth.
Unused technology
Many small-scale warehouses still use paper works to document their works. And this makes it outdated. There are plenty of technologies available all around the world to make warehouse works smooth and efficient by using them to the core and developing the work in their organization makes a warehouse business the top and efficient in the industry.
These mistakes can be avoided with simple measures as follows:
- These mistakes can be avoided by giving the right attention to the works happening in the warehouse.
- Making sure of enough area for not only shipping and receiving but also for labeling area, deadstock area, and for staging the items and so on.
- By storing the items that are purchased together in the same place the picking paths can be optimized.
- In the case of deadstock make sure to make them noticeable so it is not mistaken for livestock and reshipped.
- Always be updated on the relevant technology.
- No complicated technology or high cost needed in warehousing and distribution services.
Warehousing and logistics companies noticing and rectifying these mistakes can avoid financial losses to a great extent. And such companies can build a smooth and developing working environment for their customers and employees.