One of the things that an experienced warehouse manager can tell you is that process is paramount. You should have a process for everything that happens in your warehouse, from how the pallet racks are loaded to how end products go out the door. Standardizing your process for everything that happens in your warehouse can actually help boost your bottom line, as well. Here is how:

• Helps keep your workers safe. A standard process should be written and integrated with worker safety in mind. This can help lower worker injury rates by training them to do things safely every time. This reduces accidents, lowers worker’s compensation claims, and reduces the number of days of work missed by your team.
• Reduces damage to products. Not only will your team stay safe, but so will your products. Write your process so it takes into consideration your merchandise and the products you are moving around. Doing the same thing every time eliminates many of the chances for accidents that damage merchandise, reducing your waste costs.
• Keep mistakes to a minimum. Returns cost your warehouse money. You have to process returns, refund money to customers, and often damage our merchandise. A process can help eliminate errors and ensure that the right products are going out the door to the right people, lowering your error rates.

So how do you integrate an effective process? It isn’t hard and it doesn’t take much time. Here are some tips:

• Have everyone involved. From senior management to team leads to shift workers, you should get input from every level on your process. This does two things for you: first, it encourages “buy in” from every level in your organization and makes them more likely to follow the protocol; second, it gives you more insight into what’s actually happening in your warehouse and how to develop an effective process.
• Do the same thing every time. Once the process is in place, make sure that every employee follows it every time. If you find they are taking shortcuts or making changes to the process, your process may need adjusting. A great process should allow your team to work without feeling the need to cut corners.
• Automate as much as possible. Using automation, whether it’s a light-up pick system or a simple conveyor belt, eliminates human error and helps you keep everything in your warehouse moving more efficiently. Where it makes sense for your space and your budget, automate your process.

Whether you are writing a process for your pallet racks, conveyor systems, or even on how to work on your mezzanine deck, you’ll see the benefits quickly. RMH Systems can help, too, with our CAD modeling and project management services. We can help you design a warehouse that’s more efficient for your team, making the most out of every inch of space that you have and setting up efficient workflow. Then you’ll be able to easily write a process for everything that you do.

Interested in learning more about what we can do for you? Give the RMH Systems team a call or contact us through our website and let us help you get your warehouse set up with the processes you need to maximum your profits.