Warehouses are crucial components of today’s supply chains. They keep products moving from suppliers and manufacturers to retailers and customers. That’s getting increasingly difficult considering the fact that product sales have nearly doubled over the last five years alone and are expected to surge even more in the years to come. Warehouses are under significant pressure to receive shipments, fill orders, and keep expenses manageable while handling ever-growing volumes of goods.
One of the most effective ways to meet those swelling demands is to boost efficiency. One of the best areas in which to bolster efficiency is material handling. With assistance from Connell Material Handling, warehouses can do just that. Take a look at some of the most effective smart material handling practices to help improve efficiency.
Taking a Closer Look at Material Handling
First off, it’s important to fully understand material handling in general. It’s the movement, protection, storage, and control of goods. It can be as simple as moving a box with a hand truck or as complicated as coordinating automated stocking and order-picking systems. It affects nearly every aspect of warehouse operations, which is why it’s such an integral factor in warehouse efficiency.
Efficient material handling helps keep goods moving smoothly. It ensures warehouses can keep up with their customers’ needs and expectations and can even improve safety in the workplace along with many other advantages. On the other hand, inefficient practices can have the opposite impacts.
Improving Warehouse Workflows
Improving warehouse workflows is one of the most important steps in boosting efficiency. That entails ensuring warehouses are set up to minimize product handling and movement. It can include placing high-demand products closer to shipping areas, creating clear paths for equipment, and many other factors. Many warehouses can benefit greatly from changing their layout to eliminate bottlenecks, safety hazards, and other issues. Even minor adjustments can have major impacts.
Having the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment to work with is also helpful. Forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, and many other machines can come into play here. Each one serves as specific purpose. Not all warehouses need all types of material handling equipment, but it’s important to ensure they have the right ones to do their jobs properly. Using that equipment effectively is equally crucial. Furthermore, routine maintenance and prompt repairs are the keys to making the most of it.
Taking Advantage of the Latest Technology
Yet another way to maximize material handling efficiency is to take advantage of the latest technology. Warehouse management systems can go a long way toward streamlining processes, keeping track of inventory levels, keeping stock organized, and filling orders to name a few of their benefits. Information gleaned from these systems can help warehouses understand areas that need improvement as well. Additional examples of advanced warehouse technology include moisture sensors, mechanical lift-assist devices, robotic picking systems, and mobile racking systems. Each one can do its part to foster efficiency.
Maximizing Efficiency in Material Handling
Warehouses need to keep up their speed without sacrificing accuracy and safety. Improving their efficiency is one of the most effective solutions in this respect. When they increase their efficiency levels, the rest will naturally follow. Smart material handling practices can make a significant difference. They can help warehouses operate more smoothly, which will have a positive impact on the entire supply chain.
