Setting up a warehouse can be a cumbersome task. Various factors like size, capacity, location, type of storage, material handling, etc., need to be taken into consideration. These choices depend on the type of business and capital investment you are willing to make. But, cost-cutting is crucial to any business. Reducing a fraction of this cost requires dedicated effort from every person involved in the warehousing company.
So here are 4 ways that can help you reduce your warehouse costs and also improve productivity.
1. Optimize storage to reduce cost per area
It is not essential to set up a large warehouse to ascertain efficiency. Optimizing and using a suitable storage method to utilize your available space effectively can drastically reduce land expenses.
Storage methods like racking allow you to optimize space and store inventory efficiently. Instead of increasing the number of pallets, you can consider various different racking combinations that require lesser space and have a higher capacity. The most common being, tall and narrow racking. Finding the best-suited storage method accompanied by the required warehousing equipment by Linde forklift India like electric pallet truck, electric forklift, etc. increases productivity, in turn, profits.
You can also optimize the aisle widths at the storage facilities. Aisles usually are excessively wide and cover a large space in warehouses. In order to reduce the land cost, you can implement a narrow aisle arrangement and use a very narrow aisle truck. To support productivity, you can use material handling equipment that can operate in such closed spaces.
2. Build a reliable workforce
Employees are the core of every business organization. However, warehouses especially need employees and labour in abundance making them one of the biggest expenses for the management.
So, training employees for their specific role can encourage retention. This, in turn, reduces your investments in hiring. Further, provide them with the opportunity for professional development.
Additionally, foster a positive work culture, initiate employee recognition initiatives, and ensure that everyone follows all the safety guidelines in the warehouse. These activities can further increase employee retention rates at the warehouse.
3. Increase productivity with efficient material handling
A productive and efficient process is the key to reducing warehouse costs. In order to achieve that, investing in the necessary material handling equipment is the key. There are certain ways to reduce operational costs and increase efficiency, whilst saving and choosing the right equipment is crucial to achieving a targeted cost-cut.
To begin with, consider all the possible equipment options that fit your warehouse material handling and transportation requirements. Prioritize on understanding these needs. Consider renting or buying used equipment from Linde forklift India as per your requirement.
Further, you can also consider your fuel options. Electric or battery-powered equipment can prove to be easy to charge and handle. Linde forklift India offers a range of electric forklifts, reach truck, electric stacker, electric pallet truck etc, for you to choose from.
4. Train your staff for regular preventive maintenance
Failures, repairs, mis-management and accidents can also lead to unprecedented expenses. It is crucial to understand the importance of maintenance and caretaking of resources of the warehouse. Train your staff adequately before using any type of material handling equipment to avoid damage to goods and accidents.
Further, using preventative maintenance measures, empowering the employees with the tools and safety solutions, along with regular safety training can ensure consistent performance, efficiency and productivity at the warehouse.