My Internship Experience at Polymershapes

As I continue my internship experience at Polymershapes, I reflect on the journey that has not only sharpened my skills but also given me deep insights into the processes of the supply chain. I have worked closely with three other interns and set out on an objective to optimize warehouse operations for this leading plastics distribution company. The experience has been both demanding and exciting, far surpassing my initial expectations.

Integrating into Polymershapes' Supply Chain

From my first day, I was welcomed by a team of extremely friendly and helpful coworkers, whose guidance and support have been very useful. As an operations intern, my main responsibility was to manage and enhance warehouse efficiency—a crucial piece of Polymershapes’ supply chain. This position allowed me to apply my knowledge of the supply chain in a real-life setting, closing the space between academic learning and real-world application.

Key Projects and Tasks

1. Inventory Cleanup and Management

One of the first tasks I was given was inventory cleanup and management. This involved making sure that there was the correct quantity of material in the warehouse, as well as confirming that the received material was up to our companies’ standards. I also implemented strategies to streamline inventory levels. By categorizing inventory, I minimized disorganization and increased the overall efficiency of warehouse operations.

2. Barcode Placement in the Warehouse for Improved Efficiency

I wanted to focus on the importance of accurate and quick data entry because many of the bin locators were mis labeled and out of reach of our scanners, so I started a project focused on the strategic placement of barcodes throughout the warehouse. This involved:

• Identifying and removing misplaced barcodes.
• Generating new correctly labeled barcodes.
• Installing barcode labels on the lower part of the shelves, ensuring that they are in reach of our scanners.
• Training staff on the use of barcode scanners.

This project notably reduced the time taken for inventory tracking and order fulfillment, increasing the accuracy of data and decreasing human errors.

3. Reorganizing Item Storage

To further raise efficiency, I started a project to reorganize the item storage in the warehouse. I tracked the frequency of item usage and strategically transported frequently used materials closer to the shipping dock. This not only decreased the time and energy required for order picking but also streamlined the workflow within the warehouse.

4. Internal Audits

Conducting internal audits was another crucial piece of my internship. These audits ensured conformity with industry standards and helped determine areas for improvement. By thoroughly reviewing processes and documentation, we guaranteed that operations were both efficient and cooperative with regulations.

Expectations vs Reality

Coming into this internship, I had a certain set of expectations. I hoped to gain hands-on experience in the operations side of the supply chain, learn about supply chain logistics, get some experience in the plastics industry, and develop practical problem-solving skills. The reality, however, exceeded my expectations in many ways:

Growth:

• I acquired a large amount of warehouse operations and supply chain experience.
• Gained knowledge in inventory management and barcode systems which provided valuable skills that are directly applicable in the industry.

Team Collaboration:

• Working with other interns and coworkers fostered an inclusive environment where suggestions were shared freely, and teamwork was highlighted.
• The mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals were influential in my growth.

Challenges and Solutions:

• Encountering and overcoming obstacles, such as streamlining inventory processes and increasing data accuracy, honed my problem-solving skills.
• Implementing new processes and seeing tangible advancements reinforced the significance of innovation and adaptability.

Reflecting on My Journey

My internship at Polymershapes has been an enriching adventure that has largely contributed to my personal and professional growth. The opportunity to work on significant projects, along with the support of an amazing team, made this experience incredible.

Conclusion

As I advance further in my career, the lessons learned, and skills gained during this internship will most definitely be valuable assets. I am grateful to Polymershapes for providing such an energetic and supportive environment for progress and learning. This experience has reinforced my passion for supply chain management and has set a solid foundation for my future endeavors in the field.

Thank you, Polymershapes, for an unforgettable internship experience!