Warehouse managers play a vital role in the overall success of supply chains. The way in which a manager operates their space could make or break a fluid process. It is important to ask the right questions when deciding who to work with, and to have continued dialogue that will help you determine if changes need to be made.
An inefficient or poorly-operated warehouse can have a negative effect on your bottom line. Without proper data in place to evaluate how processes in a warehouse are running, or a knowledge of the correct questions to ask to determine success, you can end up in an unfavorable situation.
Here are the top three questions that you should ask your warehouse manager today:
How are you using your warehouse space?
It is important to understand how warehouse space is being used and if areas are underutilized. An effective warehouse manager will be able to give you up-to-date, real-time inventory numbers. If not, your warehouse manager may not know where inventory is stocked, or if any inventory is missing.
A strong follow-up question to this is, “what would help you optimize this space?” An involved warehouse manager will be able to quickly come up with new storage and stocking solutions.
How many warehouse employees are cross-trained?
When employees are not being utilized effectively, labor, money, and time put a large strain on the warehouse, and the rest of the supply chain. Because of the ever-changing nature of warehousing, there is no “normal” day for employees. This is why having workers who are trained in stocking, pulling, and counting inventory is key for success.
Did you know that an average of 15 minutes per day, per worker is lost because of workflow inefficiency? If your warehouse employees are cross-trained in multiple areas and can shift tasks with ease, you can then gain back that time, which in turn could earn you 3,000 hours every year.
How do you control your inventory?
Ask for examples of lost stock situations: “If you are only able to find 75 units of a product that is supposed to be 100 units, who is doing what in order to find the other 25?”
When control of inventory is lost, the supply chain starts to unravel. An efficient warehouse begins with organized inventory management. Work with your warehouse manager to create an inventory management system to gain control and understand when it’s time to schedule new stock orders.
Our expert team provides total solutions for warehousing, fulfillment, and distribution. Our knowledge of the industry ensures that warehouse management is optimized, organized, and efficiently run.
Not sure where to start when assessing your current warehouse? Do you need help with storage, distribution, inventory management, or foreign trade zones? Our team is ready to help you strengthen your supply chain. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.