Want your warehouse to operate efficiently and productively? Then you will need to make sure that you have access to all the items, equipment, services, and supplies below. Keep reading these warehouse operations tips to find out what they are and how vital they are to the smooth operation of your warehouse.
First aid kits
Warehouses often contain high racking, concrete floors, and heavy machinery, making them dangerous places full of risk. One of the ways you can reduce this risk for people working and visiting is to make sure you have a comprehensive first aid kit to hand. If your warehouse is large placing several kits all around the location is a good idea because it will allow those in need to access them with the shortest delay possible.
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Also, If you are storing any toxic or dangerous substances installing an eye wash station is a very good idea.
Forklift operators
Most warehouses also need competent and qualified forklift operators. This is because forklifts can carry heavy loads with ease, making it faster and easier to move heavier and bulkier items. Of course, anyone operating a forklift in a warehouse must have an up-to-date forklift certification. The good news is that you can allow your employees to get an online forklift certification instead of having to attend an in-person class. The benefits of this are that you get a qualified and up-to-date forklift driver for less and they have to spend less time off the warehouse floor.
The right packing supplies
There are a few packing supplies that most warehouses cannot do without. The first of these has to be packing tape rolls and cutters. Be sure to order the FRAGILE variety as well as the normal brown stuff so any delicate items can be properly packed and their handlers warned!
Stretch wrapping tools and stretch wrap. This is the see-through film that is shrink-wrapped around stacked pallets. It’s vital in that it prevents items from falling off in transit while still allowing those dealing with them to see what they contain. If possible, investing in a machine that can do this for you will save a great deal of time and ensure that the task is completed to a high standard consistently.
Dock levelers
Loading docks can sometimes be a problem for those working in warehouses because they might not always be level with the vehicles that are bringing goods in or being loaded up to take them away. The good news is that this problem can be solved with a dock leveller which is an adjustable piece of equipment that matches the height between the vehicle and the warehouse floor.
Pallet jacks
Pallet jacks are also vital pieces of equipment in the warehouse. They consist of two prongs or forks which are designed to slide underneath and be used to move a pallet. They come in manual or electric varieties, with the latter making the task a great deal easier on your staff and increasing productivity as well.
Storage bins
For small and medium storage items bins are an essential way to ensure they stay accessible and organised. Storage bins can be purchased in a range of sizes and can either be placed on shelves and racks, or even used on the floor to keep items ordered and properly sorted before they are put away.
Good temporary work contacts
Warehouse work can be hard and it’s certainly not for everyone. That is why there can be a quite high turnover of warehouse workers. Additionally, if you experience a sudden increase in stock because of the needs of your company or one of the companies you are serving you’ll need extra staff to help you quickly. This is where maintaining good contacts with temporary and trustworthy employment agencies can be very helpful. Indeed, they do all the hard recruiting and checking work for you, and in some cases, they will even bring workers to the site and pick them up in a minibus at the end of the day.
Stock tracking system
Last of all, your warehouse will need an effective stock tracking system. This means you will need both the hardware and the software associated with such a system. Hardware usually includes handheld readers and some sort of identification tags like barcodes, QR codes, and NFC tags, as well as software that will not only read them but allow you to keep track of stock, and issue an order for more when needed.
Indeed, you can save a great deal of time, and make your warehouse much more efficient by using an automated stock tracking system, rather than relying on manual stock checks.