Many talks about the need to optimize logistics processes to become a more competitive company. Therefore, there is nothing more natural than considering the organization of the warehouse as an essential part of this optimization. It is the basis for everything that happens in the company and can determine if the movement on-site is fast and efficient or if there is slowness.

It is in the warehouse that raw materials are stored for use, from where they are transported to production, and where the finished product begins its journey for the consumer. That is, when it is disorganized, no logistical process occurs as it should. Therefore, we have separated fundamental tips for the organization of the warehouse that will help you.

Steps to Improve Warehouse Organization

Whoever wishes to be more competitive in the market must not forget the organization of the warehouse. So, let’s start our journey to improve your processes, make moving faster, and everything well organized.

1.   Survey of the warehouse

The warehouse survey is a way of knowing what the processes are like today and how to improve them. It is the thermometer that determines what to do during the next steps to organize your items.

This process begins with an inspection of the structures used for storage. Its objective is to identify the volume supported by each one in order to determine the best layout later. It is also important to have information about the places where products are allocated, characteristics, and special needs, as well as stock quantities.

Remember that the information must be accurate. It is through them that you will be able to prepare the rest of the plan.

2.   Signaling in logistical addressing

Addressing is a way to divide the warehouse into blocks, streets, columns, and levels. That is, a way to quickly identify where each product is to facilitate its transportation. But it is only a facilitating item when it is done well; otherwise, it only causes confusion among the employees responsible for the warehouse.

It begins to be elaborated in the previous item, with the survey of where each thing is. Then, it must become a mapping that aims to make better use of space and provide a more efficient movement.

Many companies work with logistical memory addressing. Thus, the organization of the warehouse depends on the operator’s memory of where each item is located. Despite being efficient for small spaces, it can cause problems in the future. The ideal is to work with storage systems where each item is registered with its location when it enters the stock.

3.   Warehouse layout

The layout is the structure adopted to divide the warehouse space. Unfortunately, even with the best warehouse organization, it is impossible to use 100% of the available space. But you can optimize space utilization to the maximum in order to reduce costs.

Define the layout using existing shelves and pallets, maintaining adequate space for movement. Remember to consider the warehouse doors, distribution center, among other items that can decrease the amount of space available for goods.

To start, make a “plan” of the warehouse with your measurement, as well as the doors and other fixed items. Then, distribute the shelves throughout the space, always keeping aisles for movement. Repeat the addressing process to ensure that the layout does not differ from the address determined for each product.

4.   Space optimization tools

To be able to optimize the layout, even more, you should invest in tools that reduce the use of space. The industrial shelving is the most recommended because they are sturdy and allow storing items in levels without stacking them need.

When choosing the shelf, take into account its cost-benefit and resistance. Whoever needs to store heavier items, for example, should always consult with the manufacturer what the weight limit is on each one. This way, it is possible to avoid accidents and problems with later use.

If you need to stack pallets or boxes, it is also important to check how much weight each supports. It is common to lose raw materials or even finished products by stacking several units without paying attention to the weight limit.

5.   Separation of products

Separating products in a warehouse often wastes time. For the company to keep space always organized, it must define a separation pattern and adapt it to all items. There are several ways to do this, and everything will depend on the sector, type of product stored, among other characteristics.

Separation by characteristics

In such cases, each item must be registered when entering the warehouse and stored with similar items. They can be separated according to type, size, or even special needs. Whoever works with delicate raw materials needs to be very careful not to mix them with products that can cause damage.

Separation by volumes

Here the warehouse is organized mainly by size and weight. During the registration of the merchandise, it must be stored on properly categorized shelves and for its type of volume. The layout must be designed according to the size of the pieces that will be stored on site.

ABC Grouping

During the survey of materials, the manager is able to identify items that have the highest output. In the ABC separation type, these products are categorized in group A, those with a little less output in group B and those that rarely leave in group C.

This method is widely used to organize the warehouse to ensure speed in transportation. Items belonging to group A should be located in easily accessible places. They are usually close to the door, at the front of the warehouse, and never too high on the shelves.

Those in group B have a lower priority, so they can stay in intermediate spaces of the warehouse, such as further back in the corridor. Group C should be located at the back of the warehouse and in places that are more difficult to access. As they are rarely used, this grouping should not hinder movement. 

6.   Cleanliness and organization

To continue with your well-organized warehouse, it is important to repeat these steps cyclically. Depending on the business, the warehouse should be organized every semester or at the end of the period. Everything varies according to the movement of materials and stocks.

However, keeping the place clean should be a periodic task. The lack of cleaning is behind the appearance of pests that harm your material or product. Leaving it aside can even make you lose money through wasted material.

Through a good warehouse organization, your business transforms your entire logistics area. With easier material handling, costs also drop, and efficiency increases. That is, it is time to start investing in an organization so that your business is even more successful.