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In the warehouse and logistics industries, productivity is king. Every step of every process can be broken down and measured to ensure that the client is getting the most for their investment, the customer is happy with the products they receive and the warehouse staff are reaching their maximum potential because they use a warehouse cart with portable power.

At least, all these factors should be measurable and regularly checked. In the increasingly analytical, technical world of today, any company not hitting all cylinders will soon be left behind for a more efficient alternative.

The digital age that we live and work in provides each of us with a host of easier ways to get the daily ins and outs accomplished. This, of course, includes the day in the life of a warehouse manager and employee. From the receiving dock, to the lift operator putting the goods away, the picker, and the outbound department, WiFi has virtually eliminated the paper trail. 

This does not mean that WiFi does not present a unique set of challenges in the warehouse environment. What are the difficulties that can arise with WiFi in the warehouse, and is there a solution?

Most people, regardless of the industry they are in, are fearful of two prospects. They are change and staying the same. A paradox of sorts, and confusing to management who have developed a growth mindset.

When presented with the idea of a lean operation, rather than the status quo, most team members, and some members of management, recoil from the notion. They are afraid of the change, yet they are quick to point out the flaws in the current workflow. See, this is the paradox.

The perception that many have of the simplicity of warehouse operations merits consideration. How simple is it? We receive goods, put them away, pick them upon order, ship, and then maintain the overall operation. On it’s face it appears simple. Yet, let a novice manager in training step into the shoes of an existing warehouse manager and they may soon find themselves overwhelmed. 

When proposed with the option of stand alone warehousing versus an integrated operation of warehousing and distribution, many managers today shrug at the notion of added responsibilities. So, they continue on with their typical approach, and the end result is profit reduction and dissatisfied customers.

While this is not an across the board occurence, it is commonplace enough to bear consideration of a new way to view housing and distributing inventory. The profit reductions can occur as a result of one segment, i.e. the warehouse or distribution, focusing their attention on what only they can control at the expense of other functions of the supply chain. This creates an avalanche of cost increases ultimately impacting the end customer, thus lost revenue.

Managing an efficient and effective warehouse requires seamless workflows and timely execution from dock to dock. Here is a comprehensive overview of common mistakes and solutions for a more profitable distribution center.

Over the last few years, warehouse technology has seen some major shifts. Some of these have entered the scene with a bang, and others have been more subtle but will have major effects in the future. As warehouse managers adjust to the new mobile, connected world, they have to consider many different aspects including cost of the technology, relevance to their business and how it will improve any or all parts of the process.

Orders to be pulled. Orders to be put away. Vendors backed up at the docks. The electrician is over there working on a problem with one of the charging stations. The life of a manager in a warehouse is one that requires the ability to wear many different hats at any given point in time. If only we could operate at a higher level of efficiency, you begin to say to yourself, most of these problems would not occur with such frequency. 

Supplying your products on time and with multiple channels can be quite challenging. You receive constant pressure from various buyers and store locations. It is a challenge to keep up with inventory demands while monitoring the inventory process and the needs of your workers and your customers or buyers. 

Running an inefficient warehouse is a costly mistake no growth-focused business should endure. Unlike an under-performing salesperson or a poor quality product, the signs of an inefficient warehouse aren't immediately noticeable. When a salesperson consistently doesn't meet their sales targets, you know it is time to cut your losses.

When the returns of a product closely match its sales, you know you have a problem product on your hands. But how do you know when your warehouse is being run inefficiently? What are the symptoms of a warehouse in distress and how do you remedy those problem areas? If any of the following five symptoms are present in your warehouse, you just might have a problem on your hands.