Companies in eCommerce rely heavily on their warehouse operations for order fulfillment and delivery. With thousands of SKUs and hundreds of orders going out daily, warehouse organization and risk management are crucial. This is especially true as eCommerce fulfillment needs scale up rapidly.
By implementing proper warehouse storage procedures and utilizing an experienced logistics team like GFS Logistics, eCommerce companies can greatly reduce the risk of errors, damages, and delays in order fulfillment. Here are some key ways a logistics team can help optimize warehouse storage and minimize risk.
Implementing Layout Optimization
The layout and organization of the warehouse can have a big impact on operational efficiency and risk reduction.
Your warehouse’s logistics team should regularly analyze picking routes, storage locations, and inventory turnover to optimize the layout. High velocity items should be stored near packing stations, while slower movers can be stored in more distant locations.
Proper layout improves picker productivity, reduces travel distance, and minimizes mistakes and costly returns.
Utilizing Inventory Management Software
Inventory management software provides critical oversight of all warehouse operations. It tracks SKU locations, order fulfillment, stock levels, and turnover. The logistics team should use warehouse management software data to identify risks like misplaced inventory, excessive storage times, and out of stocks.
Advanced software can even automate warehouse processes like replenishment to further reduce manual errors.
At GFS Logistics, we keep ourselves up-to-date with the latest iterations of WMS so our eCommerce customers never have to worry about where a product is on the supply chain.
Establishing Proper Storage Procedures
The logistics team needs to establish and audit proper storage procedures for the warehouse staff. Storage solutions like proper pallet stacking alignment, labeling, package handling, and more. Preventing small errors in storage and handling is key to reducing product damages and returns.
In order to keep storage procedures in check our logistics team provides ongoing training to reinforce best practices as they evolve.
Implementing Regular Cycle Counts
Cycle counting involves regularly sampling and counting select inventory in the warehouse to identify discrepancies with the inventory management system.
Cycle counting your products every few months helps correct errors and provides better accuracy for inventory tracking. In order to make this process easier, our team is always available to schedule and oversee regular cycle counts to reduce inventory record errors and out of stocks.
Coordinating Cross-Docking
For high velocity products, cross-docking can greatly reduce storage time and risk. With cross-docking, items are immediately unpacked from inbound trucks and prepped for outbound shipping without going into storage.
Upon request, our team coordinates cross-docking to ensure proper staging, temporary storage, and sequencing so items are shipped promptly.
Enforcing Safety Standards
Warehouse safety should be a top priority for any logistics team. They need to establish and enforce proper safety standards to avoid injuries and OSHA violations. This includes things like requiring steel-toe shoes, enforcing forklift protocols, providing safety gear, and keeping walkways clear.
Maintaining high safety standards protects workers, reduces operational risks, and minimizes downtime.
Keep eCommerce Supply Chains Flowing With GFS Logistics
Working with an experienced logistics team like GFS Logistics can help keep your eCommerce supply chain moving in sync and ensures timely deliveries and happy customers.
As the demand for eCommerce fulfillment grows, your brand will need a logistics team that can grow with it. Put your trust in GFS Logistics to ensure state-of-the art warehouse management, shipping planning, and more. We are your partner in success. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
