The optimised setup of a WMS and MHE reinforces better warehouse management via a ʻvirtuous circleʼ, writes BRUCE MYERS. Warehouse design and configuration are important but often overlooked in supply chain design and strategy. This article explores warehouse optimisation’s cost benefits and related process improvement steps, and lays out the approaches to reduce warehouse errors, ensure optimal shelf replenishment, and optimise the use of manpower, space and technology. Supply chain network planning can significantly improve margins, support expansion into new markets, enhance the customer experience, and reduce operating costs.
Warehouse optimisation help anticipate long-term demands on warehouse(s) and allocating resources, including labour and equipment, potentially cutting millions of dollars of cost out of your supply chain. Whether you manage a growing enterprise or have acquired less-than-productive warehouse assets, here are some of the many ways warehouse optimisation can improve your operational and supply chain results. Despite rapid advances in materials handling equipment (MHE) and warehouse management system (WMS) sophistication, many warehouses limp along with traditional manual picking methods. In fact, many companies lack basic warehouse planning or management. According to CBRE estimates, manual picking methods mean 75- 80 per cent of employee time is spent walking the warehouse floor.
