Key Tips to Improve Warehouse Distribution

Warehouse operations are mainly focused on maximizing productivity by enhancing workflows, implementing automated processes, and reducing resource waste. Warehouse distribution handles a portion, a multifaceted one at that, of operations that include the constant use of moving equipment and other operational functions – designing an operational layout and choosing the right equipment plays a crucial role in warehouse distribution making your business more effective.  

Importance of choosing the right equipment and layout for effective warehouse distribution. 

For a warehouse distribution to be fully operational and effective, it is necessary to choose the right equipment and layout. When designing a distribution warehouse layout, the main objective is to optimize the space available based on the company’s needs. A proper distribution warehouse layout will increase the flow of the facility, customize operations, and improve overall inventory accessibility. 

After designing the layout, the necessary equipment for the proper functioning of the distribution warehouse business must be chosen. Every working station must be equipped with the correct equipment. The correct machinery will complement the staff effort and increase throughput.

The type of blueprint used in the warehouse distribution processes will depend on the design of the layout and the choice of the distribution equipment to be used. Both aspects will have a direct impact on the efficiency and productivity of the warehouse. A well-executed layout design can provide easy access to merchandise, minimize handling process time, and boost productivity.

It is also important to evaluate the type of equipment and tools that the facility will use for material handling and storage. The size of the SKU to be moved will determine what kind of equipment is needed. Choosing correct warehouse distribution equipment significantly improves the movement capacity of the merchandise from its storage zone to the loading docks, and ultimately enhances your overall levels of productivity.

Making the wrong decision when selecting the equipment and layout, can adversely affect the performance of warehouse tasks and not achieve the necessary productivity levels. That’s why its is critical that you contact a specialist and get your money’s worth with your investment. 

Warehouse distribution equipment

Buying and investing in the right warehouse distribution equipment will reduce the flow of merchandise through each process and the risk of possible injuries to personnel and damage to the product. It will also enable you to scale operations, take on new contracts, and ultimately give your business a shot of adrenaline. 

Here is a list of must-have warehouse equipment:

Dock Equipment

The right dock equipment can optimize the workflow, making it its movement throughout your warehouse, safer and less time-consuming for personnel. 

Conveyor belts

They can speed up picking, packing, and dispatching times to save time and labor. 

Storage Equipment

The proper storage equipment can help take advantage of all the available space in the warehouse and find inventory quickly.

Lifting Equipment

This type of machinery will help streamline the transportation and storage of goods.

Packing Equipment

This type of equipment protects shipping goods by helping workers in packing faster and increasing productivity.  

Factors to consider when choosing the right equipment

When choosing the right equipment for an effective distribution warehouse business, the following factors must be considered:

Material properties

The material-handling equipment can’t be flammable or polluting to the environment. 

Space and functionality

Consider the space within which the equipment will be operated and the type of operation it is expected to perform. 

Process format

The process, whether it is fixed or dynamic, in which the equipment will be used must be considered.  

Maintenance cost 

Know beforehand the maintenance costs of the equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety. 

Safety of workers

The equipment must be high quality and safe to work with. 

Distribution warehouse layout

Here are some tips to optimize a distribution warehouse layout for maximum efficiency and profits:

– Use every available space in the facility. 

– Create well-flowing pick lanes.

– Keep shipping and receiving areas separately. 

– Pick the right equipment/technology.

– Emphasized safety. 

– Leave room for future expansion.

– Create a well-organized storage area.

The FLOW tip — how to design a killer blueprint

A commonly mnemonic known as F-A-S-T is used to consider how to design a successful distribution warehouse layout: 

Flow

There has to be a fluid flow of the tasks that workers follow while performing the logistical operations. 

Accessibility

The warehouse design should be focused on providing easy and quick access to items.

Space

The dimensions and characteristics of the warehouse infrastructure are essential to calculate the total capacity of the facility and the circulation of the goods inside the warehouse. 

Throughput

Accurate throughput data will determine the speed at which the inventory moves through the warehouse system. 

Improving warehouse distribution is an important process in the supply chain and logistic system. In the long run, an effective distribution will benefit proper inventory management and reduce order fulfillment times – and give you a competitive edge over your peers.