How can operators improve warehouse efficiency without resorting to huge financial outlay on new technology?
At PALLITE® Group, we believe we have the solution…
Warehouse efficiency: Why tech isn’t always the answer
The technological solutions are out there; automated warehouse picking is becoming increasingly popular. Humans are sharing the warehouse floor with robots – if they are even needed at all. The evidence for the operational efficiencies that new technologies bring is indisputable.
However, investing in automated systems isn’t always possible. Not everyone has the budget. And, fortunately, it isn’t always necessary.
Because improving warehouse efficiency starts with realising that efficiency is not an end state. It isn’t a destination you can arrive at one day – it doesn’t stand still. Being efficient is about always doing what you can to work as cleverly, as correctly, and at the maximum capacity that is reasonable at any one time, given the resources at your disposal.
If you can’t afford the same whizzy technology as the retailer next door, it doesn’t mean you can’t run a warehouse operation that’s just as efficient.
Let’s start by looking at what warehouse efficiency really means…
Warehouse efficiency: A definition
What makes a warehouse efficient? An efficient warehouse:
- Pick, pack and dispatches orders quickly, without making any errors
- Processes returns efficiently and without any delay
- Demonstrates good inventory management.
Each of these areas may be influenced by numerous contributing factors. For example, orders can be picked more quickly if warehouses employ sufficient staff, and if pickers don’t have to walk far between SKUs to fulfil orders. Similarly, good inventory management is helped by good organisation of the physical warehouse space.
To succeed, good warehouse efficiency must also require operators to:
- Choose the best storage solutions for their space, focusing on capacity and organising for efficiency
- Locate different products in such a way as to reduce walk sequences and enable faster picking
- Ensure products are clearly segregated, safely stored to preserve their integrity, and easily identifiable
- Maintain appropriate staff numbers to fulfil demand
- Encourage a workplace culture that promotes smart working
- Practise good customer service
- Look after their workers
- Process paperwork quickly, ensuring good communication all round
While we can’t help warehouse managers with their staff engagement, customer service and workplace culture, we can help them to create a calm, organised, efficient physical workspace that will help to facilitate those things.
Improving warehouse efficiency with PALLITE® PIX®
Our innovative range of warehouse storage bins, PALLITE® PIX®, is designed to maximise warehouse efficiency with its flexible, convenient design and impressive storage capacity.
Whether operations managers choose to install PIX® units, opt for our lighter weight PIX® SLOTS storage solutions, or choose PIX® XL Bin Box shelving units for larger SKUs, they benefit from shortened walk sequences, faster pick times and fewer picking errors.
Which is the best PALLITE® PIX® storage solution for you? Find out in our handy guide.
As an all-in-one pick face, PIX® units are designed to consolidate multiple pick locations into the footprint of a single pallet space. By doing so, additional, under-utilised floor space is freed up to store extra products, while slower moving SKUs and over stock can be stored overhead, making use of the vertical space within any given warehouse.
Find out more about how to design a well-organised warehouse space.
Each PALLITE® PIX® unit can hold up to 500kg across a maximum of 400 pick locations.
Made from our signature honeycomb paper cardboard, all our PIX® units slot together with ease, without the need for any tools or fixings.
Moveable dividers enable individual pick bin storage spaces to be flexed to suit the size and shape of different SKUs. Meanwhile, the option of rearward-angled shelves with PIX® SLOTS angled allows for better retention of small, lightweight and/or slippery items, such as apparel wrapped in cellophane. Flat shelf edges give space for labels and barcodes to aid product identification during picking.
What’s more, they are a sustainable solution for businesses concerned about their impact on the environment. Made from recycled paper and PVA glue, they are fully sustainable.
Improving warehouse efficiency without new tech
PALLITE® PIX® is proof that you can improve the efficiency of your warehouse without needing to invest in expensive technology or a long onboarding process.
PIX® isn’t complicated – in fact, it is about as simple as it gets. It just does the job you need it to do, very well.
Intrigued? Find out more in our blog: Warehouse storage – Why PALLITE® PIX® is best fit.
How does PALLITE® PIX® compare to other warehouse storage solutions? Find out here.
If you’ve already invested in automated warehouse picking and want to further improve efficiency, PIX® could be the answer. Discover how in our blog on, ‘how our warehouse storage solutions are supporting the next wave of warehouse innovations’.
FAQ
| 1. What are some non-technological approaches to improving warehouse efficiency? | Non-technological approaches include process optimisation, workflow analysis, lean principles, standard operating procedures (SOPs), effective training programs, and performance evaluation systems. |
| 2. How can process optimisation and workflow analysis contribute to warehouse efficiency? | Process optimisation and workflow analysis can identify bottlenecks, streamline operations, eliminate waste, improve task sequencing, enhance resource allocation, and reduce unnecessary movement or handling. |
| 3. Are there any employee training or performance evaluation methods that can help enhance warehouse efficiency? | Employee training programs, cross-training initiatives, performance metrics, continuous improvement practices, and regular feedback and coaching can enhance employee skills and drive warehouse efficiency. |
| 4. What role does effective communication and collaboration play in improving warehouse efficiency? | Effective communication and collaboration promote information sharing, coordination between departments, accurate task assignment, and timely decision-making, resulting in improved workflow and overall efficiency. |
| 5. Can you provide case studies or examples of businesses that have successfully improved their warehouse efficiency without relying on new technologies? | Examples include companies that have implemented lean methodologies, improved process flows, enhanced communication channels, and empowered employees to contribute to efficiency improvements. |
