Organizing your warehouse isn’t just a good idea — it’s a means to a more efficient and effective operation. A good organizational strategy can help you keep track of inventory, find stock easier, and maintain a safer work environment. LEAN means cost effective
Of course, if it’s been a while since your warehouse was organized, getting started may seem like a daunting task. Warehouses are typically huge — where do you even start? Check out these five tips to help you declutter and organize your warehouse.
1. Maximize space with a pallet racking system
Using a racking system will allow you to store your inventory more vertically, which can free up a tremendous amount of floor space. Implementing a racking system implicates investing money on racking equipment, but the time and money you save thanks to the efficiency it provides make it a cost-effective move.
2. Go green
You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Now, it’s time to apply this philosophy to your company’s warehouse to reduce clutter, save money, and run a more environmentally-friendly operation. Reduce your consumption, reuse as much as you can, and recycle things that are just taking up space. Wooden pallets, for example, can be reused and recycled to save both materials and money.
3. Invest in employee safety education
Good safety training means employees are more likely to use equipment in the correct manner and keep things tidy in an effort to prevent accidents. Additionally, when employees have a deep understanding of warehouse safety procedures, they’re less likely to be involved in accidents, which means you won’t have to train new employees who come in to take their place.
4. Also invest in ergonomic equipment
This may not seem directly related to warehouse organization, but it is directly related to employee morale. When your warehouse team has quality, comfortable, and ergonomic equipment to help them do their jobs, they’re more motivated and efficient, both of these qualities definitely influence how well they maintain an organized warehouse.
5. Revisit your strategy on a regular basis
Companies change, employees change, and the needs of your warehouse will change. The effective organizational strategy that you employ today may not be as effective in the coming years. Therefore, it’s essential to re-evaluate regularly and adjust as necessary to make sure your warehouse organization is effective, efficient, and safe.
Need Pallets? Let Us Help!
Whether you’re in need of new wooden pallets or recycled pallets, look to HWP Herwood for all of your pallet needs. We’re an industry leader in supplying wooden pallets and crates, and we can work with you to provide the exact products you need for an optimized and organized warehouse. Get in touch with us today, and let’s make 2016 the year you get your warehouse in LEAN condition.
