Why Knowing What’s Coming and When is Crucial in Warehouse Management

In the fast-paced world of warehouse management, preparation is everything. Knowing what products are arriving, when they’ll arrive, and how they’ll be packaged can make the difference between smooth, efficient operations and complete chaos. Unfortunately, many warehouses still operate with little to no forewarning of incoming deliveries, which leads to inefficiencies, increased costs, and operational headaches.

Here’s why having clear visibility over incoming shipments is so important and how advanced shipment notices (ASNs) can transform warehouse operations.

The Problem: Unplanned Deliveries Cause Chaos

Imagine running a warehouse and suddenly receiving a truckload of products you didn’t expect. You have no idea how much staff you’ll need to unload it, how much equipment is required, or even where to store the items. This lack of preparation can disrupt daily operations, create bottlenecks, and strain resources.

During a recent interview with supply chain expert Darren Chaisty (FCILT) , they highlighted how common this issue is:

"We go to a lot of clients who’ve got no idea what’s coming. Suppliers are sending things whenever they want to, and that results in products arriving at the dock, leaving the warehouse team scrambling to figure out how to deal with it."

This scenario is all too common, but it’s also avoidable. The key to avoiding these issues? Advanced Shipment Notices (ASNs).

The Solution: Advanced Shipment Notices (ASNs)

ASNs provide a pre-notification of what’s coming, when it’s arriving, and how it will be packaged. They act as a detailed “heads-up” from suppliers or carriers, offering valuable insight into incoming shipments. These notices allow warehouse managers to plan resources, allocate staff, and ensure that the right equipment is available before the products even hit the dock.

According to Darren:

"In automotive, nothing arrived without us knowing it was coming. You get a pre-notification from your supplier or logistics carrier saying, 'We are bringing this product, and it is going to arrive in this packaging configuration.' That pre-notification allows the warehouse management team to plan their resources and be ready for when that load arrives."

The Impact of ASNs on Warehouse Efficiency

The benefits of ASNs are clear—they give warehouses the ability to plan ahead, streamline operations, and prevent unnecessary bottlenecks. Here are some key statistics that illustrate their impact:

• Up to 30% Reduction in Dock-to-Stock Cycle Times: Warehouses that implement ASNs see a significant reduction in the time it takes to unload, inspect, and store incoming goods, reducing dock-to-stock cycle times by up to 30%. This leads to faster processing and quicker availability of products for distribution.
• 25% Decrease in Warehouse Labour Costs: By knowing what’s coming and when, warehouses can plan staffing levels in advance, ensuring they have the right amount of labour on hand. This can lead to a 25% reduction in labour costs by minimizing overtime and reducing idle time.
• Improved Accuracy by 20%: ASNs reduce errors by providing clear information about incoming shipments, including quantities, packaging configurations, and specific SKUs. This improves accuracy in receiving processes by 20%, reducing the need for costly corrections later on.

ASNs also improve communication between suppliers and warehouse teams, reducing the chances of miscommunication or surprise deliveries.

Empowering Warehouse Teams to Respond

While ASNs provide crucial foresight, there’s another aspect to warehouse management that’s just as important—empowering teams to take control when something unexpected arrives.

"At the same time, you want to empower them in the warehouse to say, ‘Stop, that can’t come in.’ When something arrives that shouldn’t be there, they need to take control, reroute it, or manage it effectively," Darren noted.

This level of autonomy ensures that when exceptions do occur, the warehouse team can handle them swiftly and efficiently without causing major disruptions to the overall flow of operations.

How We Can Help You Achieve Greater Efficiency

With the right tools and processes, your warehouse can operate like a well-oiled machine. At North Star Projects , we help businesses streamline their supply chain by integrating advanced systems like ASNs, enabling better communication, reducing costs, and improving overall efficiency. Here’s how we can help you:

1. Implementing ASN Technology: We can help you set up ASN systems that seamlessly connect with your suppliers, ensuring you always know what’s coming and when.
2. Resource Planning: With ASNs in place, we’ll work with you to optimize staffing, equipment, and space utilization.
3. Empowering Your Team: We help you create protocols that empower your warehouse staff to manage unexpected deliveries and make decisions on the spot.

Don’t Let Unplanned Deliveries Disrupt Your Business

In warehouse management, knowledge truly is power. With advanced shipment notices, you can avoid surprises, reduce labour costs, and ensure smooth, efficient operations. By taking control of what’s coming and when, you’ll be better equipped to meet demand, optimize resources, and keep your operations running smoothly.

Ready to transform your warehouse into a beacon of efficiency? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business implement ASNs and improve supply chain visibility.