Easy to Implement Warehouse Optimization Tips

Generally speaking, it's not easy to achieve a high level of productivity in a warehouse.  One way to approach such a goal, however, is to implement measures that encourage a consistent level of focus and organization throughout your operation.  By doing so, your operation will be more productive, less costly, and provide a better working environment for employees and management alike.

Reduce Error Rates

An operation that suffers from high error rates is bound to suffer from lower productivity levels and excessive labor costs.  To help eliminate these issues, accurately track frequent errors, inform employees about which mistakes are made most frequently, and provide the training necessary to avoid those mistake in the future.  To encourage commitment and accountability, you can offer an incentive by posting a monthly commendation for employees who commit the fewest errors each month.

Promote a Clean and Tidy Workspace

Having a dirty and disorganized warehouse is not only bothersome, but it also reduces productivity and presents a safety hazard.  The first step to maintaining a clean warehouse is ensure all the necessary tools and equipment are easily available to all employees.  Be sure to take a quick stock of your cleaning supplies and make sure these are readily available when needed.  Potential cleaning supplies include mops, sweepers/brooms, cleaning supplies, squeegees, oil cleanup kits, and trash bins. 

Next, make sure each employee is aware of their individual responsibilities and encourage them to take ownership and accountability for their area of responsibility.  You can take this a step further by posting a monthly list of cleanliness awards, given out to those employees that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to their cleaning duties.  Finally, be sure to review the overall importance of maintaining a clean working environment with all employees so that they understand the benefits and dangers associated with their responsibilities.

Facilitate Organization

Without the proper organization, a warehouse operation are likely to become chaotic and counterproductive, so it’s important that all employees know where and when they should be at all times.  Begin this process by posting proper signage throughout your warehouse to help pedestrian and equipment operators navigate the warehouse in a safe and efficient manner.  Clearly labeling and assigning designated paths for pedestrians and equipment helps to streamline the flow of products and people, thereby eliminating potential safety hazards and increasing productivity. 

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www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

How to Get the Most Out of Your Equipment

At this time of year, everyone's bank accounts are starting to feel a little tight as the holiday season fast approaches.  With that mind, let's look at a few ways you can save your business some money and make your account happy by getting the most out of your forklift heading into 2017:

Improve your fuel efficiency 

Checking Tire Pressure 

One of the simplest ways of boosting your fuel efficiency and improving safety is to ensure your forklift’s tires are properly inflated.  With under-inflated tires, a forklift can suffer from poor traction, a hazard which increases the chances of workplace accidents and reduces productivity.  On the other hand, over-inflated tires may result in blow outs that cause injury and product/property damage, and increase downtime.

Reduce Fuel Waste 

For many businesses, a lack of standardization and an inefficient floor layout are the primary causes of wasted fuel.   Here, lack of standardization causes additional idle time while waiting for loads while an inefficient layout causes operators to drive further between loads than necessary.  To address these issues, examine day-to-day work processes and consult with your employees to determine an effective means of standardizing work flows and optimizing your layout to minimize unproductive actions and wasted fuel.

Improve Productivity 

Software Options 

Through fleet management software, employers now have access to detailed information on equipment usage and productivity.  This information allows employers to identify process inefficiencies, eliminate idle time, and make more accurate labor and inventory projections.

Regular Maintenance Schedules 

By following a regular maintenance schedule, managers can schedule work to accommodate for unavailable equipment and minimize disruptions.  Additionally, regular maintenance protects against unexpected downtime due to equipment breakdowns and extends the service life of the equipment.

Equipment Options

For some equipment owners, there’s a great deal of confusion about the difference between a forklift’s functional life and its reasonable economic life.  Even though a well-maintained forklift can remain in operation for over 20 years, its economic life is far shorter as it becomes harder to justify the expenses required to maintain the unit or the opportunity costs associated with lower levels of productivity.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please remember to +1, like, share, comment and follow if you enjoyed this post!

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352