warehouse efficiency: steps to identify and eliminate bottlenecks

Various strategies can be adopted to increase the efficiency and productivity of warehouses. Among them, layout and design audits, cross-training, automation, and maintenance stand out.

To accomplish warehouse optimisation you shoulder consider utilising vertical space by installing taller racks and shelving units. Adjust aisle widths to balance between maximising storage space and allowing efficient movement of forklifts and other equipment. Consider employing high-density storage solutions like pallet racking systems, drive-in racks, and mezzanine floors to increase storage capacity.

Designate clear, unobstructed pathways for the movement of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other vehicles. Optimise the layout of loading docks and staging areas to facilitate quick and efficient loading and unloading of goods. Position frequently used equipment and tools within easy reach of workstations to minimise downtime.

Install pallet racking systems that suit your inventory needs, such as selective racking for easy access or drive-in racking for high-density storage. If your warehouse handles small objects, invest in sturdy, easily accessible adjustable shelving. For long or bulky items, consider cantilever racks.

Create designated zones for different product categories or SKUs, making it easier to locate and retrieve items. Moreover, organise different areas for different operations, such as receiving, picking, packing, and shipping, to streamline processes and reduce cross-traffic. If storing temperature-sensitive items, establish zones with appropriate climate control.

In this regard, we need to be clear: there is no increase in efficiency without automation. Conveyors, guided vehicles, and robotic systems can dramatically reduce human errors, minimise labour shortages, and speed up processing times.

For instance, our conveyor systems, designed by Lodamaster, can transport goods quickly and efficiently across different areas of the warehouse, reducing the need for manual handling and decreasing the risk of damage or loss.

Guided vehicles, such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), can navigate complex environments, transport heavy loads, and operate around the clock without the need for breaks, thereby significantly reducing labour dependency and mitigating the impact of workforce shortages.

These systems can be integrated with advanced software to optimise picking routes, ensure precise inventory management, and adapt to varying levels of demand.

Identify areas where automation can have the most significant impact and choose solutions that align with your operational goals. Contact Joloda Conveyor Services to ensure that the selected technologies are perfectly integrated into your existing systems and processes.

To ensure a warehouse operates at peak efficiency, it is crucial to regularly measure and evaluate its performance. The best way to do this is by using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The KPIs you must follow are:

• Order Picking Accuracy: Measures the percentage of orders correctly picked and fulfilled without errors.
  
  
• Inventory Turnover: The rate at which inventory is sold and replaced over a specific period.
  
  
• Order Cycle Time: Estimates the total time taken from receiving an order to shipping it out.
  
  
• Warehouse Utilisation: Assesses how effectively the available storage space is being used.

We are a unique service provider, focused 100% on repairs, maintenance and refurbishment of conveyor systems. Our team of conveyor carers are experts because they are not distracted by lots of additional bolt-on services; when your equipment needs attention, we’ll carry out conveyor troubleshooting and fix the problem to get you back operational as quickly as possible.

Learn more About Us and how we can help to keep your, and the UK's conveyors rolling, by preventing and fixing common conveyor belt problems.