Running a business requires a rock-solid supply chain to make sure your freight goes where it needs to. Any interruptions in a supply line can cause delays, which has an effect on profit and customer satisfaction. Here’s how to keep your business warehouse safe and effective:

 

Order and Sort Effectively

Filling your stock in the warehouse is a crucial first step to keeping the supply chain functional. In order to achieve your goal of ordering and sorting your warehouse effectively follow these tips:

  1. Collect data from your business locations to understand their supply needs to establish a routine of what amounts need to be supplied on a monthly basis.
  2. Be sure to account for holidays or demand spikes for your industry.
  3. Another key component is to make sure that everything is labeled and sorted so that your staff can easily prepare the materials for delivery. It would be a costly mistake to have supplies delivered to the wrong location because of sorting issues. Proper storage equipment will help with this step as well.
  4. Make items with higher demand a priority. Keep them easily accessible for quick access to boost efficiency.

 

Purchase the Right Crates

It’s a simple thing to overlook, but you need to make sure that your shipping crates are the ideal size and design, while offering the appropriate protection.

Certain industries will ship hazardous material or waste, and your crates need to be able to handle that. You’ll also need to account for what you’re shipping, the cost of shipping it and the volume of the materials being transported. A simple mistake of ordering the wrong crates has its cost amplified by the disrupted supply chain.

 

Establish Safety Protocols

Besides following regulatory protocols such as those from OSHA, it’s important to set up your own safety expectations in the warehouse. Follow these proper steps from OSHA:

  1. Establish the use of mandatory safety equipment such as goggles, helmets and non-slip shoes when appropriate. Each of your employees should have access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Some warehouse environments may also require eye and hearing protection.
  2. When handling dangerous or hazardous materials, be sure that all incoming staff are appropriately educated on how to handle such cargo. Make sure they also understand how to safely lift heavy objects.
  3. Be sure that all employees that are operating any machinery in the warehouse are trained and certified to be doing so. This not only makes sure you are compliant with industry standards, but also inspires confidence in your staff that you care about their wellness.
  4. Always promote awareness in your warehouse. Make sure each of your employees knows what safety hazards to watch out for. Thorough training will help with this step as well.

 

Have Reliable Freight Management

There are professional freight companies that specialize in running efficient supply lines for businesses. While developing an in-house system may be a way to manage costs, this isn’t always an option. Finding quality transportation companies can help to ensure supplies arrive on time, and secure the future of your business.

 

Keep it Clean

This may seem like an obvious tip for keeping your warehouse safe, but its importance can’t be exaggerated enough. Much like keeping your warehouse organized, keeping it clean will help your employees access products easily. It will also prevent any safety hazards in the first place. A clean warehouse will protect your products and your employees.

 

Operating a warehouse for your retail store is helpful for many businesses. It keeps products well stocked and secure. Follow the above tips for keeping your warehouse safe and increasing efficiency while running it.

 

 

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2