Preparing Warehouse for Automation
Preparing your warehouse for using a WMS requires some thought as to how you want to manage the facility. Consider factors such as storage media, type of product, security, and material handling equipment. Consider product velocity, replenishment strategies, and special storage needs such as refrigeration, hazardous material and high value inventory.
Here are some tips on how to prepare your warehouse for using a warehouse management software (WMS):
- If your team has never implemented a WMS, hiring professional consulting assistance can be a good investment.
- Assess your current warehouse operations. What are your current processes for receiving, storing, picking, and shipping goods?
- What are your pain-points? What are your goals for improving your warehouse operations?
- Gather data about your warehouse. This will help you to configure the WMS and to track your progress over time. You will need to collect data about your inventory, your warehouse layout, and your picking and shipping processes.
- Identify any special process needs that might require software customization.
- Make changes to your warehouse layout. If necessary, you may need to make changes to your warehouse layout to accommodate the WMS. You may have to add new storage racks, create new aisles, or change the way that your goods are organized.
- Train your staff on the WMS. It’s important to make sure that your staff understands how to use the WMS. This will help to ensure that you use the system effectively and that your warehouse operations run smoothly.