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How to Manage Warehouse Storage?
Managing warehouse storage effectively and efficiently is the strategic management of day-to-day operations in a warehouse that every logistician needs to know in order to promote, improve and ensure operational excellence.
The stock in the warehouse acts as a regulating buffer between stock entries and stock deliveries. Warehouse storage management involves managing the level of stock in the warehouse for regular needs.
The stock has a cost-the price of items plus the warehousing charges (rent, human resources, and materials). A good stock management system requires the right balance between costs and response to needs.
Storage can be short-term for goods in transit or long-term to build up work stocks that can be used for long-term planning and distribution, or as a contingency.
Managing a warehouse is not easy and requires a lot of work and commitment.
However, there are some tips that will help ensure effective warehouse management and they are:
Plan the Layout of the Warehouse
Planning the layout of your warehouse space is one of the main elements for optimizing your warehouse storage and helping keep track of your inventory.
Organize the Warehouse
After establishing the layout of your warehouse, keep your warehouse properly organized by putting items in the correct places.
Use Labeling and Bin Locations
The use of bin locations and barcode labeling will make it easier and faster to find what is needed.
Ensure Safety
Providing safety equipment for picking items, such as forklifts, dollies, and ladders.
Train the Staff Properly
Training warehouse staff on safety protocols and how to use equipment safely.
Useful Guidelines for Storing Materials
Here are some useful tips you must follow while storing items in the warehouse:
- Store for short periods only (days or weeks), especially when optimum conditions cannot be provided.
- Use a ‘first-in, first-out (FIFO) stock rotation system, so that no goods are stored for a long time.
- Record expiry dates on the bin cards and on the packaging of the goods themselves.
- Keep goods dry. Do not store goods against walls (i.e. not touching walls).
- Good hygiene and pest control are essential.
- Clear/clean any spillages immediately.
- Control who has access to the warehouse and keeps a visitor's book.
- Implement basic health and safety procedures. At a very minimum, the Warehouse must have fire extinguishers, first aid kits, sand buckets, and protective gear (gloves and overalls) for people handling materials.
- Leave space to walk around the edge of each stack of goods to allow inspection for rodent droppings.
- Use insecticides to eliminate pests prior to using the warehouse especially if you are storing for foods or seeds. Surfaces must be clean before being sprayed, as dust will absorb the chemicals used. the warehouses must be ventilated well after treatment.
- Care must be taken while using hazardous materials such as chemicals and fuel following specific storage instructions.
Alternative storage options
There are many alternative storage options when there is no warehousing available such as:
- containers,
- rub-hall,
- and emergency storage.
Conclusion
To manage warehouse storage, you need to plan the layout of a warehouse, put items in their correct places using labels bin cards, and stock cards, provide safety equipment as well as use the guidelines for storing items.
