Strategies for Overcoming Warehousing Challenges

Managing a warehouse is no simple task, especially when you’re a growing company focused on continuous improvement. At EQI, we’re always looking for ways to align our warehousing operations with our growth to efficiently fulfill our customers’ precision machining and casting needs. Read on to discover five warehousing challenges we’ve faced over the years and the strategies we’ve used to overcome them.

 

Space Utilization

Optimizing space usage is critical in any warehouse setting. A Warehouse Management System (WMS) can help you identify the most frequently picked items and arrange storage locations to minimize the distance traveled for picking. New racking and storage technology, such as high-density automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), can also help you utilize your space more efficiently.

 

Inventory

Not surprisingly, the most significant challenges in a warehouse involve inventory. Knowing, storing, and using what you have at the right moment can be complex. At EQI, some of the processes we use to ensure inventory accuracy include:

• Using FIFO (First In, First Out) to rotate material
• Utilizing an A-B-C Cycle Count Process
• Auditing inventory frequently
• Completing yearly inventory counts
• Adhering to revision control standards

 

Product Picking

Inefficient product picking is a significant waste of time and money. To combat this, EQI documents and reviews current processes to highlight sources of inefficiencies and improve warehouse operations. Then, we relocate products to allow for more efficient picking and packing. We’ve also added automation and barcode technology that quickly identifies where a product is stored, reducing the time it takes to locate and move items.

 
Communication

One of the biggest challenges in a logistics chain is improving communications. If everyone involved in supply chain decision-making is aligned, planning and executing shipments can be seamless. You can also empower warehouse staff—many of whom are constantly on the move—to better communicate by integrating smartphones, two-way radios, wearable GPS devices, and Manufacturing Execution Software into your operations.

Although EQI utilizes communication tools and technologies, we believe face-to-face communication is still the best practice. Our teams hold daily warehouse meetings to discuss priorities, share concerns, and solve logistics issues.

 

Customer Experience

Superior customer service is a top priority for EQI. That’s why we have an extensive global network of warehouses to serve more clients in more places. We’ve strategically positioned these locations to provide same-day, customized services that help customers keep their costs low. To streamline efficiencies, we also offer value-added services, such as painting (wet and powder), machining, kitting, assembly, inspections, and rework/repair. We aim to provide a comprehensive warehousing service that takes the complexity out of managing multiple vendors for our customers.

 

Interested in learning more about our warehousing capabilities? Contact us today to get started.

616.850.2630
info@eqiltd.com