Lean logistics are becoming a prominent part of the business model. They help companies in reducing costs and maximizing efficiencies. Beyond these gains, improving warehouse logistics can also reduce accidents and make for a safer workplace.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fall and slip incidents result in 15% of accidental deaths and contribute 25% towards injury claims. Not to mention, this all culminates in 95 million lost working hours each year.

We need to prioritize productivity in the workforce but not at the cost of safety. Here's a look at some ways to improve your warehouse operations.

Boost Labor Productivity

Whether it is by using automation or employee incentives, labor productivity is crucial to the improvements of any warehouse. Since labor often contributes the most towards warehousing costs, organizations should understand production rates and work accordingly.

Here’s how you can play your role: use the latest advances in technology. One such way is using Flange Mount Bearing. Helpful in moving heavy loads, it can make tasks easier and add much needed convenience. Processes can also be made safer when using the right equipment designed to handle the right loads.

Go for Automation

It sounds logical to have all your business processes automated. The great thing is, as technology and software advance, it’s not that difficult to employ automation. According to a research by Boston Consulting Group, as many as 1.2 million robots will be utilized in U.S. manufacturing facilities by the year 2025.

With the help of robotic automation, not only can you boost productivity, you can also contribute to your cost savings in a huge way. You can move workers to lighter and less dangerous tasks, furthering your health and safety goals with all the associated cost savings.

Make the Most of Vertical Space

In a warehouse, the proper use of space can prove to be one of the major challenges. Tackle this challenge head on and use up the vertical space - from the floor to the ceiling. According to a piece by Occupational Health & Safety, pallet racking can be a safe solution while also providing increased efficiency of the warehouse.

Pallet racking is increasingly being used around the world to store pallet loads safely. This method is used in storage facilities, commercial warehouses, as well as manufacturing plants.

Have Organized Workstations

Musculoskeletal disorders are said to be one of the foremost causes of work-related injuries and illnesses. To reduce the incidence of such injuries, workplaces should be designed while keeping in mind the requirement of the workers and specific tasks to be performed. For example, work surface heights should be set in accordance with any conveyor belt heights.

Profile Your Warehouse

For a comprehensive analysis, you need to ask questions such as the following:

What is the number of pallets coming into the warehouse in any given period or day?

Are there any seasonal shifts in the product mix?

When you start asking these questions, you can start building a profile of your warehouse. With the help of this profile, you’ll be better able to sort out any issues related to labor, layout, and equipment. Hence, you can develop an accurate profile of your warehouse operations. To improve your warehouse operations, you can keep updating the profile by identifying if the product mix changes.

You can also slot and zone the warehouse in accordance with the profile. You’ll be looking at locating the products on an optimal basis and maximizing the efficiency of your operations.

MBW

If you believe the job of a manager is only to sit prettily in a magnificent office overlooking the entire manufacturing facility, you should do away with this rationale. MBW means management by walking. MBW includes coaching and learning. This provides you real-time insights on improving your workplace. 

Unless and until you visit the workplace and see for yourself how work is done, you’ll not be able to suggest improvements in time. Only by closely looking at the layout, you can figure out what will reduce travel time and how many times a product needs to be touched during the whole movement.

Analyze Storage Equipment

You should also allow storage systems to scale according to your business requirements. Start off by doing a thorough assessment of current storage needs. If there’s a need for more storage, think about expanding your warehouse.

From automation to safer workplaces, to profiling your warehouse, there are several ways to make a warehouse more productive and efficient without compromising on safety. In line with of the above tips, there are definitely some valuable lessons to learn in terms of enhancing productivity levels at your warehouse.

Josh Brady has worked as a warehouse operations manager for several years. He enjoys the work, otherwise he would not be writing about it! Outside of work, he is a family man who loves spending time with his family.