What is warehouse logistics? Warehouse logistics involves the detailed planning, organization, management and execution of a set of operations. This is not limited to the movement of physical goods, but the communication that’s necessary to execute a task with precision.
Challenges of Warehouse Logistics
As you can imagine, with the many moving parts that go into executing a successful operational plan, there are potential challenges that may arise. Understanding and controlling the management of inventory is essential to keeping profits high and operations smooth.
However, it should be known that even with the best controls in place, there are other potential challenges to consider. Depending on the industry, supply chain management, cost controls, risk mitigation, employee turn over among other concerns may cause unexpected challenges in the execution of warehouse logistics. So how do you stay competitive, flexible and robust in offerings for customers while maintaining complete control of operations?
Warehouse Logistics Management
Living in a digital world, the first thing to consider is an easy to use, reliable Warehouse Management System (WMS). With the help of the right system, operations and logistics can be streamlined and optimized.
Ensuring the team who will be using the product is well trained and comfortable will greatly reduce the chance of manual input errors. Warehouse considerations heavily influence your logistics and it’s important that your capable team of employees, not just your managers are able to correctly use and update your system. All changes to your warehousing, no matter how big or small must be updated and accounted for within your WMS in order to ensure no unnecessary problems arise.
Furthermore, each contractor, truck driver or transporter and other 3PL entities must successfully operate in a coordinated effort to ensure the successful operations of the warehouse system.
Warehouse logistics may change based on your inventory, the personal or physical needs of yourself or your employees or new equipment purchases, such as new racking, updated organization, or a change in fleet. Regardless of the type of change being made, everything must be updated and documented within your system to ensure expert logistical execution.
How to Improve Warehouse Logistics
You may be asking – why would I move from my inventory control system to a Warehouse Management System. WMS is the industry standard in managing and controlling warehousing today. A Warehouse Management System will not only help you control and keep track of inventory in real time but will also help you to execute and fulfill orders, combining traditional management tools with warehouse control systems (WCS) to create warehouse synergy from inventory receipt to shipping.
Depending on the WMS you choose to use, you may be able to take advantage of a mobile app or other on the go resources to offer visibility to you and your employees while on the go.
Benefits of a Warehouse Logistics Plan
What are the benefits of a warehouse logistics plan? Customers are able to ship what they want when they want and how they want! Using a combination of streamed information flow, well trained employees and networked infrastructure, results in reduced operational challenges, increased satisfaction and efficiencies.
As a result of this foundation, inventory will be properly accounted for, product delivery is accurate and on time, ample stock is available for orders, and the supply chain moves forward efficiently. There are fewer errors and fewer problems, and that means maximized revenue.
When it comes to monitoring warehouse logistics, a solid WMS implementation should give you access to:
- Accurate, real-time inventory counts: updated at the warehouse with detailed location information.
- Rapid and Reliable Shipping Capabilities: A WMS will integrate and align with demanding shipping schedules.
- Efficient Warehouse logistics program: Create a floor plan that works for employees to effectively and efficiently access goods while also maximizing capacity for storing product.
- Increase Customer Satisfaction: Precise operational control of goods helps to ensure the correct item reaches your consumers.
Conclusion
Interested in creating a more efficient, higher yield operational plan with a partner you can trust? Camelyon Group has you covered. From our unique warehouse environment, experienced operational team and diverse fleet available, we are here to take the worry out of warehouse logistics. Contact us today!