--- layout: default_v3 language: default permalink: logistics-management/warehouse-storage-ideas.html i18n_link: 1744 updated: 2020-09-03 #--- article key-values ---# collection: default_topiccluster t_keyword: Warehouse Storage Ideas tags: Warehouse Storage Ideas, Logistics Management type: supporting page_id: 1744 hreflang_id: 1744 parent_id: 1709 date_published: 2020-09-03 date_modified: 2020-09-03 #--- javascript schema ---# javascript_schema: - script: jquery_3_2_0_min - script: bootstrap_min - script: article_infinite_scroll - script: article_mix_infinitescroll - script: article_mix - script: article_mix_faq - script: article_mix_toc #--- section schema ---# section_schema: - section: nav-main_menu - section: article_body_v2 - section: footer - section: schedule_demo_cta #--- page key-values ---# meta_tags: t_meta_title: 8 Warehouse Storage Ideas to Instantly Optimize Efficiency t_meta_description: By strategically organizing warehouse storage to enhance functionality, employees can efficiently complete standard operations, such as restocking items to improve order fulfillment speed. t_meta_abstract: By strategically organizing warehouse storage to enhance functionality, employees can efficiently complete standard operations, such as restocking items to improve order fulfillment speed. i_meta_image: article_body: json-ld_article: v_date_published: 2020-09-03 v_date_modified: 2020-09-03 author: p_author_id: 113 t_author: Chloe Henderson p_author_url: chloe-henderson.html i_author: 113.jpg t_author_description: Chloe received a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication from Ashford University and is currently a digital content creator for Hubworks. In her free time, she enjoys acting, writing, and spending time with family. p_author_facebook: //www.facebook.com/HubWorksApp p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/HubworksApp p_author_linkedin: p_author_instagram: feature_snippet: p_type: text t_title: t_description: content: heading: t_title: 8 Warehouse Storage Ideas to Instantly Optimize Efficiency t_description: By strategically organizing warehouse storage to enhance functionality, employees can efficiently complete standard operations, such as restocking items to improve order fulfillment speed. image: i_image: 8-warehouse-storage-ideas-to-instantly-optimize-efficiency-1599146885-1155.png t_image_description: Organization tips v_image_attribution: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_image_license: Unsplash.com v_video: paragraphs: - t_headline: t_text: Every supply chain phase requires successful logistics management to keep operations on schedule. However, without a proper warehouse organization system, managers cannot arrange efficient product retrievals, shipments, and order fulfillment.

Cluttered storage can make it challenging to locate products, which can consequently delay deliveries and decrease customer satisfaction. Therefore, organizations should prioritize organizing their warehouse storage to ensure a smooth workflow and streamline logistics. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: 8 Warehouse Organization Ideas t_text: In addition to enhanced workflow, organizing warehouse storage enables companies to eliminate inefficiencies that cause unnecessary expenses. For example, by reorganizing stock, management can clear out obsolete inventory to make space for high-profit items.

By assessing the existing warehouse design and establishing a functional floor plan, companies can optimize floor space to enhance productivity. Businesses can start by considering 8 popular storage tactics.

1. Reevaluate the Warehouse Layout

An open warehouse floorplan is critical for ensuring a smooth workflow. Employees must be able to look up, find, and reach supplies easily. Workstations and communal areas also need to be free of obstructions to comply with safety regulations and streamline routine tasks.

The ideal warehouse layout will-

Management should do a run-through of their current design to determine if it allows employees to work efficiently. Organizations should pay close attention to work areas, including-

These workstations should be kept separate so workers designated to receive, inspect, store, prepare, and ship goods have their own locations. If different departments share a work area, employees can get in each other's way, impacting operational speed. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: 8-warehouse-organization-ideas-1599146885-3931.png t_description: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_attribution: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_license: Unsplash.com callout_text: - t_headline: t_text: 2. Utilize a Racking System

Storage racks and shelves are great tools to optimize vertical spaces and fit as much inventory into a warehouse as possible without cluttering aisleways. However, different industries call for different types and sizes of racks-


3. Organize Inventory by Category


Once the proper storage containers and shelving are installed, management needs to determine the most efficient way to store the inventory. Raw materials and merchandise that are used frequently should be easily accessible to production and order fulfillment teams.

Many businesses use the ABC Analysis as an inventory management method to group stock into 3 categories-

With the ABC method, group A would be placed near employees for quick retrieval, group B would take second priority, and group C could be kept on top of the racks or in separate storage rooms. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: 8-warehouse-organization-ideas-1599146885-5941.png t_description: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_attribution: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_license: Unsplash.com callout_text: - t_headline: t_text: 4. Label Everything

When shelves are fully stocked, every area needs to be labeled for transparency and safety. Aside from inventory, hazards, aisles, racks, and workstations should be labeled so workers can quickly grab supplies and stay aware of any risks.

For example, signs should alert forklift drivers of height and capacity restrictions to prevent accidents and break downs.

5. Streamline the Order Picking Process


Order picking is the most labor-intensive and error-prone job within the warehouse. If the warehouse is not organized and labeled to streamline this process, operations can be delayed, and employees could fulfill orders incorrectly.

Therefore, management needs to develop a layout that balances accuracy and speed within the picking process. Some best practices include-

6. Receive Shipments Efficiently


Similar to order picking, receiving incoming shipments directly affects workflow and other warehouse operations. Staff should be able to quickly check and stock goods in the appropriate storage units without disrupting other processes. Without a successful receiving process, employees could mislabel or misplace products, confusing the order fulfillment system.

Companies can enhance the inventory acceptance process by-

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: 8-warehouse-organization-ideas-1599146886-6956.png t_description: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_attribution: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_license: pexels.com callout_text: - t_headline: t_text: 7. Conduct Routine Maintenance

To keep the warehouse clean and in working condition, management should implement a maintenance schedule. Staff can begin the workday with a morning meeting to address any issues regarding cleanliness, hazards, or discrepancies.

After work, designated employees should clean the work areas, remove obstructions, and return misplaced items. By performing these simple measures daily, companies can improve their productivity and safety.

8. Review the Warehouse Floor Plan


Businesses should periodically review the warehouse to ensure the layout still promotes operational efficiency. Management can conduct walkthroughs, ask staff for suggestions, and monitor key performance metrics (KPIs) to determine how to further enhance workflow.

With a successful warehouse management system, workers can easily navigate through the facility to find supplies and complete tasks. Organized workbenches and inventory promote accessibility and efficiency so companies can maintain target production levels. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: 8-warehouse-organization-ideas-1599146886-6458.png t_description: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_attribution: Warehouse Storage Ideas v_license: pexels.com callout_text: event_body: json-ld_event: t_name: Employee Scheduling for Restaurant Managers t_description: Attendees will learn how create excellent schedules. The class teaches managers how to estimate the number of employees they need to staff their locations; how to accurately forecast their customer demand; how to quickly and accuaratly write and communicate schedules to employees; and how to evaluate the accuracy and optimization of their schedules to make adjustments. v_start_date: 2022-08-08 i_image: p_location_name: Altametrics Online Webinar Course p_address: webinar.altametrics.com?site=altametrics v_price: 10.00 t_offer_description: Priority Registration v_registration_url: webinar.altametrics.com?site=altametrics ---