Ask any warehouse operations manager the key to their success, and you’ll quickly find the answer is efficiency. Inbound Logistics agrees, commenting on the dangers of an inefficient warehouse:
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When efficiency lags, products may not arrive at customer destinations on time, orders can get lost, and low inventory levels can result in stockouts.“
Warehouse operations managers have many moving parts to juggle on a daily basis. Their duties include ensuring a constant flow of products, optimizing warehouse layout, keeping a steady inventory stock, and much more. Without the right technology, operations managers may find process efficiencies falling to the bottom of their to-do list.
Fortunately, managers can turn to a CMMS to help optimize warehouse operations to boost team efficiencies. Continue reading to learn how managers can maximize operations with the help of a CMMS.
1. Introduce barcoding for data collection
The trend of barcoding for inventory control is popping up all across warehouses. In a warehouse, a barcode may be placed on inventory or assets, and then scanned into a database that houses an organized list of objects.
Barcoding boosts efficiencies, improves stockroom visibility and makes data collection easier. In addition, barcoding reduces the chance a stockroom operator incorrectly enters inventory information.
Also, barcoding creates an accurate database of inventory, so managers can pull data on:
- Frequently purchased inventory
- Costs by product or vendor
- Lowest used stock
- Average times of delivery or shipments delays
Pair this data with a CMMS to easily and efficiently track what inventory is in stock and what may be due for a reorder. Plus, you can sync your hand-held barcode device with your CMMS to replace keyboard entry of items numbers to boost accuracy and productivity on the floor.
2. Track inventory levels with ease
Your warehouse revolves around your stock of inventory. Without properly organized inventory, products cannot properly flow between your warehouse and the customer. That’s where an inventory control strategy comes in.
Effective inventory control means lower storage costs, more satisfied customers receiving items in a timely manner and lower overhead for operations.
CMMS can be used in two ways for inventory management:
- Require stockroom attendants to continually update new stock (description, SKU, vendor name) into the CMMS to keep accurate tracking of inventory.
- CMMS alerts you via text or email when inventory levels are critically low or reach a minimum level.
Pair your inventory control strategy with your CMMS to track costs, view the minimum or maximum order values and produce monthly, quarterly or annual inventory reports.
3. Automate reordering for speedier shipments
As a manager, your day is packed with tasks that drive the success and efficiency of the warehouse. It’s important to devote your time to the most important factors like inventory control or technician scheduling. But when you spend your day on a tedious to-do list that takes away from your ultimate goals, it may feel like you’re moving backwards.
Luckily, a CMMS helps automate some tasks, so you can focus on what’s really important to driving warehouse success. For example, use your CMMS to automate reorders for the inventory your team relies on the most. Plus, with CMMS auto reordering, you can forget about the reams of paper orders that clutter your desk.
Benefits of automated reordering include:
- Shorter shipment times
- Quicker payments to the vendor
- Improved customer service
Are you ready to optimize your warehouse for success? Take a test drive of our CMMS to see how it will benefit your warehouse operations.
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