A productive warehouse relies heavily on several key aspects – proper shelving, proper storage, proper packaging, well-trained staff and reduced risk. The goal in any warehouse is to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Typically improving efficiency does reduce overall costs.
Warehouses are an integral part of the modern supply chain, involved in sourcing, producing and distributing goods. However, due to the complexities of warehouse operations, they can often be one of the most costly parts of the supply chain. Their efficient management is therefore critical for minimizing cost and contributing to an effective and efficient supply chain.
Objectives
On completion of this course you should be able to:
Gain a wide knowledge and a valuable companion to the modern warehouse.
Determine the aspects of warehouse management, including cost reduction, productivity, people management, performance management, outsourcing, resourcing and costing a warehouse,
Define the role of the warehouse and its manager, equipment, storage systems and health and safety.
Demonstrate how to apply new technology, minimize spending, and create efficient, streamlined operations.
Understand the best practice in warehouse operations.
Apply the latest technological advances to current environmental issues.
Methodology
This session will explore areas for best practices and will examine Typical Costs involved in warehouse Operations, KPI’s and the importance of Setting Productivity and Cost Targets
• Fixed and Variable costs
• Utilisation and Performance
• The Importance of Metrics
• Performance Indicators
• Setting Productivity and Cost Targets
• Assess Labour Needs
Course Outline
The role of the warehouse
Types of warehouse operation
Why do we hold stock?
Warehouse location
Number of warehouses
Supply chain trends affecting warehouses
The growth of e-fulfillment and its effect on the warehouse
Specialized warehousing
Role of the warehouse manager
Warehouse trade-offs
The warehouse manager's challenges
Lean warehousing
People management
People challenges
Attracting and retaining warehouse employees
An ageing and constantly changing workforce
Operating hours
Training
Warehouse audit
Quality systems
Warehouse processes: receiving and put-away
Receiving
Pre-receipt
In-handling
Preparation
Offloading
Checking
Cross docking
Recording
Quality control
Put-away
Warehouse processes: pick preparation
Preparation
Warehouse pick area layout
Picking strategies and equipment
Picker to goods
Goods to picker
Types of automated picking
Examples of automated picking systems
Handling equipment
Storage equipment
Order-picking methods
Paper-pick lists
Pick by label
Pick by voice
Barcode scanning
Radio frequency identification
Pick by light/pick to light
Put to light
Comparisons
Cost of errors
Deciding on type of picking system and equipment
Warehouse processes from replenishment to dispatch and beyond
Replenishment
Value-adding services
Indirect activities
Stock management
Stock or inventory counting
Cycle counting or perpetual inventory counts
The count itself
Security
Returns processing
Dispatch
Role of the driver
Warehouse management systems
Why does a company need a WMS?
Choosing a WMS
The process
Selecting the right WMS
What to look for in a system
Selecting a partner
Before the final decision
Implementation
Software as a service
Cloud computing
Warehouse layout
Data collection and analysis
Space calculations
Aisle width
Other space
Warehouse layout examples
Finding additional space
Storage and handling equipment
Storage equipment
Storage options
Shuttle technology with a difference
Very high bay warehouses
Other storage media
Warehouse handling equipment
Vertical and horizontal movement
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
Specialized equipment
Recent technical advances
Resourcing a warehouse
Processing activities
Other factors
Warehouse costs
Types of costs
Return on investment (ROI)
Traditional versus activity-based costing systems
Charging for shared-user warehouse services
Logistics charging methods
Hybrid
Performance management
Why do we need to measure?
What should we be measuring?
How to choose the right performance measures
Traditional productivity measures
New performance metrics
Hard and soft measures integrated performance models
