Managing a productive warehouse

Published: Monday, 7 August 2023

Keeping the warehouse productive and efficient is high on the list of priorities for our Warehouse Manager, Tom Beqiraj. He discusses what sets our facility apart from others, the technology used and how to successfully manage the day-to-day operation.

Warehousing is a critical facet of top-tier freight management but is not offered by all forwarders. Our Coventry-based warehouse is ideally located given its proximity to major road routes, and is available to any customers needing emergency, short- or long-term storage solutions. The facility is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year and is operated by experienced personnel making the most of the latest goods tracking technologies. Much of our work focuses on emergency storage for our clients, so it is essential we have robust processes and accurate warehouse management system (WMS) data to facilitate the speedy tracking of goods.

Logistics technology is accelerating at a rapid rate, and we have taken advantage of this to support our staff and improve our service to customers. The WMS and other digital systems help improve accuracy and efficiency by facilitating real-time monitoring and reporting, which we can share with our clients. We have implemented handheld barcode scanners and mobile computing devices to improve the accuracy, speed and efficiency of picking orders and positively impact onward logistical movements.

As technology progresses, we envisage that digital platforms will be used increasingly for forecasting and preventative maintenance, improving warehouse efficiency. Supplementary technologies can also be used to boost productivity and, in turn, improve staff motivation and satisfaction. But technology is just a small part of our operations; the credit should be directed at our Priority People. We take pride in delivering a clean and safe working environment where our employees thrive.

Technology gives our customers a comprehensive and accurate overview of their stock in real-time. This also gives them precise tracking of fast-flow components and ensures we know exactly what is moving in and out of our warehouse.

We monitor our performance on a daily basis to help with forecasting, planning, staff rotas and productivity. We also conduct regular cycle counting as an informal audit to make sure we are fulfilling orders in a timely fashion and always performing at our best.