How can you manage a high-volume material handling operation?

1 Plan ahead

The first step to managing a high-volume material handling operation is to plan ahead. You need to forecast the demand, inventory, and capacity of your warehouse and align them with your business objectives and customer expectations. You also need to design and implement a layout that maximizes the flow and accessibility of materials, minimizes the travel and handling time, and reduces the risk of errors or damage. Additionally, you need to establish and communicate clear and realistic goals, standards, and procedures for your staff and stakeholders.

2 Automate and integrate

The second step to managing a high-volume material handling operation is to automate and integrate your processes and systems. You need to leverage the power of technology to streamline and optimize your material handling activities, such as receiving, storing, picking, packing, and shipping. You can use various tools and solutions, such as barcode scanners, RFID tags, conveyor belts, robots, or software, to automate repetitive or manual tasks, reduce human intervention, and increase accuracy and speed. You also need to integrate your warehouse management system (WMS) with your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and other external platforms, such as e-commerce or logistics, to ensure data consistency and visibility across your supply chain.

3 Train and motivate

The third step to managing a high-volume material handling operation is to train and motivate your staff. You need to invest in the skills and knowledge of your warehouse workers, supervisors, and managers, as they are the key to your operational success. You need to provide them with regular and relevant training, feedback, and coaching to enhance their performance, safety, and compliance. You also need to motivate them with incentives, recognition, and empowerment to boost their morale, engagement, and retention.

5 Adapt and innovate

The fifth step to managing a high-volume material handling operation is to adapt and innovate your strategies and practices. You need to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs and expectations of your customers, suppliers, and competitors. You also need to be proactive and creative in finding new ways to enhance your material handling capabilities and performance. You can do this by exploring new technologies, markets, or partnerships, or by developing new products, services, or solutions that can add value to your material handling operation.

7 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?