The first step to designing an effective warehouse layout is clearly outlining the objectives. These objectives must be in sync with the overall supply chain strategy of the company. The two major considerations that should form the base while defining warehouse objectives are customer satisfaction and cost effectiveness. These objectives also need to be efficiency-centric, which means that they should help to make maximum possible utilization of the available space, attain optimal efficiency with the available resources, and accommodate enough scope for future expansion.
Once the objectives of the warehouse are laid down, the next thing that needs to be done is gathering all the necessary details about the warehouse. This includes referring to architectural drawings of the warehouse, with an aim of enlisting all details that might affect material handling and storage in any way. You might consider using a 3D design simulation tool to get a clear picture of what to expect from your warehouse layout. Before planning the layout, it is very important to have a clear picture of height restrictions, doorways, columns, storage racks, docks, etc. In addition to these design specifications, the external factors that are likely to affect shipment, receiving, etc., must also be carefully noted.
With the analysis of details completed, the warehouse plan should not be carefully created, highlighting the major changes that need to be brought about, and breaking them down into smaller tasks. Based on the availability of contractors to execute the plan, a time limit during which the layout is to be implemented should be decided. Ideally, the warehouse layout should be worked upon at a time when there is no additional movement of materials, such as on a weekend, or after the plant is shutdown. If the regular working of the warehouse must be carried out simultaneously, additional warehouse resources might need to be employed.
Once the plan is implemented, it is important to incorporate all changes that have been made into the warehouse management system, so as to facilitate easy location of all products when needed. It is also a good idea to carry out a physical inventory of the warehouse after the implementation of the warehouse plan, to make sure that the system accurately depicts the current warehouse. Be sure to conduct regular post-implementation checks and follow-ups, to make sure that the warehouse is being operated as per the devised plan, and that there are no operational problems being caused by the new layout.
McLane Logistics Technology provides customized warehouse management software system for businesses to effectively control their warehouse processes. To know more about the services provided, visit them at 4001 Central Ponte, Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call at 1-800-989-7568.
Once the objectives of the warehouse are laid down, the next thing that needs to be done is gathering all the necessary details about the warehouse. This includes referring to architectural drawings of the warehouse, with an aim of enlisting all details that might affect material handling and storage in any way. You might consider using a 3D design simulation tool to get a clear picture of what to expect from your warehouse layout. Before planning the layout, it is very important to have a clear picture of height restrictions, doorways, columns, storage racks, docks, etc. In addition to these design specifications, the external factors that are likely to affect shipment, receiving, etc., must also be carefully noted.
With the analysis of details completed, the warehouse plan should not be carefully created, highlighting the major changes that need to be brought about, and breaking them down into smaller tasks. Based on the availability of contractors to execute the plan, a time limit during which the layout is to be implemented should be decided. Ideally, the warehouse layout should be worked upon at a time when there is no additional movement of materials, such as on a weekend, or after the plant is shutdown. If the regular working of the warehouse must be carried out simultaneously, additional warehouse resources might need to be employed.
Once the plan is implemented, it is important to incorporate all changes that have been made into the warehouse management system, so as to facilitate easy location of all products when needed. It is also a good idea to carry out a physical inventory of the warehouse after the implementation of the warehouse plan, to make sure that the system accurately depicts the current warehouse. Be sure to conduct regular post-implementation checks and follow-ups, to make sure that the warehouse is being operated as per the devised plan, and that there are no operational problems being caused by the new layout.
McLane Logistics Technology provides customized warehouse management software system for businesses to effectively control their warehouse processes. To know more about the services provided, visit them at 4001 Central Ponte, Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call at 1-800-989-7568.
