What are the top inventory accuracy practices for multi-channel warehouse operations?

In general, inventory control can be reviewed and commented on in three groups. Sales through branches, agency or a combination of branch and agency (hybrid). If the inventory are kept and distributed only through the company's sales channels, integrated systems (centralized management) are the first and obvious suggestion. But in the second case, where sales are made through sales representatives at the country level, due to the use of different software systems with the allocation of incentives, it is possible to receive inventory and round information from the representatives. The third case , hybrid , inventory control will be like working with agents. n.

If your warehouse inventory is as reliable and accurate as possible, there is no other way than regular and daily counting and auditing cycles. It is possible to use different people on different days to be more accurate (the person who counts today will count two days later and will be with another person on the second day). The result and probably the discrepancy in the count compared to the inventory in the system is the beginning of a way to find the reason for the problem and prevent it from happening again. In no case, do not convert the daily count to a larger period of time, as it will be difficult and sometimes impossible to find the reason for the discrepancy (in the annual count)

Training and empowering - YES. However, there is much more to it. Importantly, shop floor employees should be working in relatively small (8 people) teams, with clearly defined, achievable goals, including inventory accuracy (challenge to upper management to define properly). The daily/weekly work results should be displayed against the goals. Other teams should be able to see and compare. Daily a short after shift team meeting should be held with issues recorded (if appropriate) to higher management to consider and solve. Apply so called Mission Directed Work Teams. In addition assure friendly working conditions: temperature during winter months, tea breaks, etc. And as a top manager be there in monthly MDWT meetings on management level.

In team work and successful implementation with high efficiency and precision, it is handled by trained and capable employees. And the selection, training and improvement of their knowledge and skills is with the manager, the organization and themselves. Regarding having a reliable inventory control system and warehouse inventory circulation, this issue is important.

One of the lean and agile principles is the deployment of bulk and piece picking zones in the warehouse. This is a basic feature in most WMSs which allows efficient operation. Another key principle is the ability to assign balance shelf life requirement by customer/channel which defines product availability plan to meet service level.

In order to have optimal stock in hand, in addition to training, it is necessary to have knowledge about the following methods and techniques: Just-in-time (JIT). Kanban Kaizen. In addition, it is necessary to record and control and assign incentives for optimal inventory maintenance.