The QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team has some advice and a few general rules which, if followed, should help you along a far smoother path to success
“One size fits All” is definitely not the case when it comes to Warehousing and Supply Chain management. We know very well that every warehouse, although similar in many aspects, has its own unique ‘characteristics’ and dynamic elements such as staff experience, staff changes, warehouse layout, supply chain,and so on, which all need to be considered in the managing of things and which come with their own challenges and problems.
There are, however, some rather common mistakes or pitfalls which most companies battle with and although there’s no “bog-standard” answer or solution to these, the QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team have some advice and a few general rules which, if followed, should help you along a far smoother path to success.
Mistake no. 1 – Rushing things under pressure
Rushing things is generally never a good thing and when it comes to goods in process it’s NEVER, EVER a good thing. Warehousing is, in theory, a fairly simple, straightforward process, right? It’s just a case of ‘Goods in and Goods out’ but when the pressure is on, things go wrong – for instance when there is an increase in the number of orders to be filled within a certain time. Ensuring you have the right processes and skilled staff in place to deal with the pressure efficiently and effectively can make a difference. Going a step further and having a QWIX Warehouse Management System in place can make ALL the difference.
Mistake no. 2 – Piles of paperwork
Paperwork, paperwork and more dreaded paperwork… guaranteed to go missing, slow down processes, cause delays and even result in lost stock. Larger warehouses tend to avoid this one by realising the need for and value in implementing a WMS to reduce or eliminate paperwork. Smaller warehouses, however, often fall victim as they are either seen as ‘too small’ to warrant implementing WMS technology or they want to avoid the ‘huge’ cost and effort involved in going digital. A warehouse management system need not be expensive or complicated. In fact, our QWIX WMS systems are suited to all sizes of operations, easy to use, integrate well with existing processes and cost effective.
Mistake no. 3 – Stock overload
While we all hold on to things for ‘just in case’ moments or for a ‘rainy day’, the slope to becoming a hoarder is a slippery and steep one. Warehousing is no different and, despite knowing full well it’s better to reduce stock in order to run a ‘lean’ operation, we still find that an overload of stock is still one of the most common mistakes made, overall.
Our advice – don’t fall for discounts which are “too good to be true” or bulk discounts that could result in tons of stock you cannot move and a negative impact on your cashflow by weakening it with having large amounts tied up in stock. Need some advice or pointers on what your optimum stock holding levels should be? The QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team are on hand to help.
Mistake no. 4 – Avoiding the ‘picking path’ gauntlet
Figuring out a clear, straight, efficient, picking path or run can be a lot like ‘running the gauntlet’. Tripping up along the path results in inefficient pick paths and a lower picking rate. All of which have a knock-on effect on timing throughout your supply chain and inevitably on the company’s bottom line. Taking the time to plan and optimise picking routes to be efficient is key to avoiding this common mistake. Don’t have the time? Do not fear – the QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team is here! Give us a shout and we can help you optimise the life out of (or into) your picking paths.
Our QWIX team of supply chain consultants, armed with our very own QWIX management systems software, has years of experience and the knowledge to help you avoid common pitfalls and to streamline your warehouse and supply chain.
Experience the QWIX difference – contact the QWIX team today.
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