For many businesses, a warehouse is an important point of contact for customer orders. To optimize the efficiency of operations, organized systems and warehouse racks are crucial. Here are a few tips to keep your facility running smoothly.

How to Organize Your Warehouse 

1. Assess the Floor Plan

Your floor plan should have designated areas for receiving, storage, packing, and shipping, plus an office space. Determine if you have maximized the space and if traffic can easily flow through the work areas. Tools and equipment should be within reach. Ask your staff for their input on how processes can be improved.

2. Install Warehouse Racks

The type of warehouse racks needed will vary with the industry. Select shelving that is appropriate for the weight and size of your inventory. Warehouse racks will maximize the vertical space, which is why many businesses prefer them over pallets. Racks also allow more room for forklifts or other warehouse equipment to maneuver.

3. Label Everything

Everything in the warehouse should be labeled, including goods, work areas, and safety hazards. Racks and aisles should be numbered clearly for safety, efficient operation, and communication between warehouse staff.

4. Optimize the Picking Process

To fulfill customer orders, you’ll have to locate a product within the warehouse and remove it from its storage place. Picking is the process that is most prone to error, but has major implications on customer satisfaction. By minimizing travel time within the warehouse, placing items that are most frequently shipped nearest to the packing area, and investing in order picking technology, you can greatly optimize warehouse functionality. 

5. Enhance the Receiving Process

Receiving is a critical warehouse process for organizing incoming shipments. To optimize efficiency, make sure there is adequate space to receive, sort, and store incoming items. Use a real-time inventory system to allow for better monitoring of inventory levels. Label and identify damaged goods as soon as they are received and have a designated rack for those items. Invest in pallet jacks, forklifts, or conveyor belts to quickly unload stock.

For warehouse organization and material handling goods, contact AJ Jersey in South Plainfield, NJ. They offer top-notch equipment, from forklifts to pallet trucks to stackers, including leading brands such as Doosan® and Crown®. Call (908) 754-7333 for more information or visit their website to see a full range of products.