The Complete Guide to Warehouse Distribution Assessments and Training
Late last year, US warehouse vacancy reached a record low of 3.6%, or basically zero. There was no space for new shipments coming in.
It was a direct result of the supply chain crisis that saw a backlog of shipping containers at many ports. A problem exacerbated by already inefficient warehouse and distribution operations.
US warehouses can avoid these issues by conducting an assessment of current operations. Warehouse managers need to know why and how to conduct a warehouse operations assessment.
Knowing this can help them use relevant tools. This includes a warehouse assessment checklist. It can help to ensure all workers have proper OSHA warehouse certification.
But this is only the start. This article will provide answers to many pertinent questions. These include – How can you improve performance in distributing and warehousing? and How do you assess a warehouse? Read on to learn the answers.
How Can You Improve Performance in Distribution and Warehousing?
You’ll first need to know what your shortfalls are. The best way to determine this is by doing an assessment. Doing this will help you to identify the areas that need improvement.
How Do You Assess a Warehouse?
The warehouse assessment process should evaluate four key areas. These key areas include:
Labor
This is usually the area you’ll spend the most on. Evaluating labor entails looking at its cost as well as overall productivity levels. Your turnover rate will affect both, as well as your investment in training.
This should also include warehouse safety training. This helps to reduce injuries and worker downtime. It’s also good to assess the current labor market.
Facilities
Is your space adequate for your needs? Evaluating your facilities will help determine this.
Your cost to occupy the building, and how effectively you use the space will also play a factor. Use is also affected based on seasonality.
Systems
An effective warehouse management system can provide optimal flexibility and functionality for your facility. This can help you to better manage your inventory. This includes packing, tracking, and replenishment.
Procedures and Workflows
Improvements in these areas are usually easier to make. It measures the number of steps during product handling. The aim is to lessen these where possible.
Why and How to Conduct a Warehouse Operations Assessment
There are many benefits of warehouse assessments. Increased productivity is a major one. It will also help you use your space more effectively. It means getting products to customers faster.
An operations assessment will involve:
- Observing operations
- Gathering information
- Interviewing key members of staff
- Analyzing current service and productivity levels
- Using external benchmarks to determine potential areas of improvement
You must use companies close to your own for realistic benchmark comparisons.
Warehouse Assessment Checklist
One of the tools you can use to do this is an assessment checklist. It should cover specific areas to ensure your company adheres to OSHA regulations and standards. This includes up-to-date safety training for workers.
Proper Training for OSHA Warehouse Certification
How can you improve performance in distribution and warehousing? Now you know the answer.
An inefficiently run warehouse can cost you a lot of money. If left unattended it could even lead to you losing your business.
You can avoid this with a warehouse assessment. This article provides you with the answer to How do you assess a warehouse?
It even delves further into why and how to conduct a warehouse operations assessment. There are many tools you can use, including a warehouse assessment checklist. This will also help to ensure up-to-date training of staff for OSHA warehouse certification.
You can meet these requirements with training by experienced personnel from Phase Associates. We help all types of companies in various industries. We can help your company too! Contact us to learn more.