Warehouses are responsible for managing and organizing the flow of goods and materials. Inefficient warehouse management can lead to increased costs and longer lead times.
With the amount of warehouse space for online orders increasing to 330 million square feet in the U.S. alone over the next five years, it’s not a place where your company can afford to be inefficient. In this article, we look at the five reasons to integrate warehouse management software into your daily operations.
1. More Services on the Go
Improved warehouse efficiency comes through the integration of technology. This would include things like real-time inventory updates, mobile bar code scanning, and cloud-based services.
The use of technology allows for workers to have real-time information about inventory levels and updates. This ensures that workers are able to keep track of what is going on in the warehouse.
They are able to make sure that items are being processed and stored efficiently. Mobile bar code scanning allows workers to easily scan items through an app on their phones instead of yet another device. And cloud-based services mean data access is unlimited.
2. Route Optimization
Another important warehouse productivity factor that software delivers on is this. It’s able to facilitate last-mile delivery by providing the best routes for the fastest service. Furthermore, good software can consider traffic conditions and construction when providing these routes.
This means avoiding any areas that may cause delays. As a result, your company can improve customer service and make sure orders arrive on time.
3. Reduce Administrative Chores
A warehouse management system with systems like 3PL software takes a lot of the administrative hassle out of running your logistics. You reduce paperwork, repetitive actions, and the potential for human error.
Your system should automate as many processes as possible, so you can focus on other areas of your business. This includes things like tracking inventory, processing orders and managing shipments.
4. Keep Your Employees Safe
Working in a warehouse can be a dangerous job. There are heavy objects, moving machinery, and forklifts. A sound warehouse management system will have features in place to help you keep your employees safe.
For example, you could track inventory locations. This way, you can make sure that items are not left in areas where they could pose a potential hazard. You should also be able to create safety reports.
Ultimately, benefits like these will lead to the ancillary benefit of reducing expenses. This allows you to improve warehouse management overall.
5. Minimize Waste and Stock Discrepancies
The robust inventory management features of warehouse management software should mean the ability to reduce your waste loads. You can also more easily verify that the number you have on hand is accurate. (No more ordering too much of a part or product you’re well-supplied on.)
Warehouse Management Impacts Your Bottom Line
Warehouses are an important part of any business. Don’t believe it? Just see what inefficient warehouse management can mean to your bottom line over the course of one month (if you can survive that long as a business).
Using warehouse management software optimizes your operations. This will improve customer service, reduce administrative tasks, keep employees safe, and minimize waste. For more logistical information and articles, check out some of our additional posts!
