Warehouse Management Processes
1. Receiving Inventory: Before any warehouse operations begin, inventory must be received. Warehouse staff receive inventory from trucks, count the units, inspect their condition, and document the receipt of inventory.
2. Put-away Process: After receiving inventory, it needs to be stored properly. Put-away involves transporting inventory from the receiving area to the correct storage location. Different approaches to put-away may need to be explored to find the best method based on inventory type, volume, available space, and storage options.
3. Inventory Storage Strategies: Storing inventory strategically is pivotal. Typically, inventory is stored on racks in pallets or bins, with each Stock-keeping Unit (SKU) having a dedicated location. Storage decisions should align with business needs and support efficient warehouse operations.
4. Order Picking: When orders are confirmed, inventory must be picked from shelves. Pick lists are generated for pickers, who retrieve items using efficient methods like zone picking or batch picking. Pickers collect ordered products from their designated locations.
5. Packing Orders: Once items are picked, they are packed securely by packers. This involves placing items in packaging, adding packing materials if necessary, and labeling packages for shipment.
6. Shipping Processes: Shipping carriers collect orders from the warehouse based on the delivery options offered to customers. Shipping information is sent back to customers for tracking their shipments.
7. Slotting for Efficiency: Organizing the warehouse layout and inventory storage maximizes space and efficiency. Slotting reduces errors, optimizes storage space, and lowers operating costs by planning the warehouse layout strategically.
8. Reporting and Management: A warehouse management system provides operational and inventory reports. These include order fulfillment accuracy, staff efficiency metrics, on-time order shipments, and inventory forecasting for labor management. Additionally, the system tracks employee training, licenses, and certifications to ensure regulatory compliance and safe warehouse operations.