Could Improved Warehouse Efficiency Simply Be a Matter of Good Housekeeping?

Most companies understand that getting a handle on their inventory can mean the difference between making a profit or writing down a loss for the year. For those looking to improve the efficiency of their inventory and warehouse, the solution may be something as simple as improving housekeeping practices inside the warehouse.

Setting Intentional Standards

One of the first things a warehouse manager may need to do to improve the efficiency of the facility is purge the space of all of the non-essentials. Over long periods of time, a warehouse can accumulate a lot of "extra" material – things that are no longer necessary, are outdated, or are not related to the essential inventory at all. Those working in the warehouse on a daily basis often begin to overlook these items, and the items eventually just become a part of the landscape of the workplace. Being intentional about specifically observing what items exist on the shelves, pallets, and floors can bring those extraneous items to light so that they can be properly relocated or disposed of.

Maintaining an intentional standard regarding what is allowed to remain in the warehouse will not only establish a higher level of cleanliness and order, but can also help improve a company's customer service as well. Workers will be more aware of, and have more access to, where things are located, and can then be more efficient at fulfilling orders. Cleaning up the warehouse can also help improve worker safety, support effective inventory management, and even help cut costs.

The Impact of "Ick"

Unfortunately, a messy, disorganized or dirty warehouse often communicates to clients and potential customers that there is a lack of efficiency, accuracy, and low standards to which employees are being held. Sensing this, a client may choose to go elsewhere to do business.

However, by comparison, a well-kept warehouse – even down to maintaining clean floors in spite of gravel parking lots or unsealed floors – will serve to inspire confidence and pride in drop-in visitors and warehouse employees alike.

Getting a Warehouse in Order

In order to establish a cleaner, more efficient warehouse, consider taking the following first steps:

1. Look to where things are situated.
   What are the warehouse traffic patterns? Are high volume items located nearest to shipping areas so that they are not always being sought after, thus wasting time?
2. Reduce any unauthorized traffic through the warehouse.
   Are unnecessary or unapproved individuals in the warehouse? Do they tend to get in the way, damage merchandise or create a distraction for employees? Are they creating an increased liability, or causing employee mistakes?
3. Take a simple audit to locate where the messes are.
   Are pallets neatly stacked or haphazardly strewn about? Is there a designated area for returns and write-offs, or are they scattered throughout the facility? Are all aisles consistently clear of debris?
4. Establish a plan to promptly solve organizational issues.
   Are employees encouraged or required to participate in keeping their space clean, orderly, and efficient? Are there benchmarks established to track progress? Is everyone aware of management's expectations?

By making the initial leap towards establishing a manageable framework for maintaining a clean and organized space, warehouse managers may soon discover that improving their warehouse efficiency may truly be as simple as cleaning house.