What are effective strategies for tracking warehouse shipments?

1 Use a warehouse management system

A warehouse management system (WMS) is a software application that helps you control and optimize the movement and storage of goods within your warehouse. A WMS can help you track warehouse shipments by providing real-time visibility of inventory levels, locations, and statuses. You can also use a WMS to generate shipping labels, packing lists, invoices, and other documents that facilitate the shipment process. A WMS can also integrate with other systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), transportation management system (TMS), and customer relationship management (CRM), to share data and streamline workflows.

3 Adopt a shipment tracking software or platform

A shipment tracking software or platform is a tool that allows you to track the status and location of your warehouse shipments across different carriers, modes, and regions. A shipment tracking software or platform can help you track warehouse shipments by providing you with real-time updates, alerts, and notifications on your shipments. You can also use a shipment tracking software or platform to access historical data, reports, and analytics on your shipment performance, such as delivery time, cost, quality, and customer feedback. A shipment tracking software or platform can also help you improve your communication and collaboration with your carriers, customers, and partners.

4 Establish standard operating procedures and metrics

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and metrics are essential for ensuring the quality and consistency of your warehouse shipment processes. SOPs are documented guidelines that define the steps, roles, and responsibilities involved in executing a specific task or activity. Metrics are measurable indicators that evaluate the performance and outcomes of a task or activity. You can use SOPs and metrics to track warehouse shipments by setting clear expectations, standards, and goals for your warehouse staff, carriers, and customers. You can also use SOPs and metrics to monitor, review, and improve your warehouse shipment processes, identify and resolve issues, and recognize and reward achievements.

5 Train and empower your warehouse staff

Your warehouse staff are the ones who handle, pack, load, and ship your goods from the warehouse to the destination. Therefore, they play a vital role in tracking your warehouse shipments and ensuring their quality and safety. You can train and empower your warehouse staff to track warehouse shipments by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently. You can also involve your warehouse staff in planning, decision making, and problem solving, and encourage them to share their feedback and suggestions. By training and empowering your warehouse staff, you can enhance their motivation, engagement, and productivity, and reduce errors, accidents, and turnover.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?