5 Ways to be a Leader in Your Warehouse

Posted June 6, 2014

If the goal of your warehouse is greater efficiency and profitability, it needs strong leadership. How can you step up to the challenge? At the recent National Conference on Operations & Fulfillment, attendees agreed on five actions that can help you lead the way:

1. Actively collaborate with other departments in your organization.

Too many teams only care about their own goals and operate in isolation as they work toward those goals. Keep in constant communication with every department—including sales, merchandising and IT—to make sure you’re all working toward the same goals.

2. Reduce walk and touch times by:

• Slotting products where they can be picked most efficiently. Put your best-selling products where they can be reached quickly and easily.
• Make sure your pick lists as legible as possible—use a large, clear font and ensure the ink is dark enough. These changes sound minor and basic, but they truly do increase productivity.
• Use clear labeling and signage to make finding products easier, Rider said.
• Identify the speed of SKUs and slot products according to how quickly they sell.
• Don’t rotate employees in a fast-pick module—keep your fastest pickers on your fastest moving products at all times.

3. Implement continuous training.

Ever-changing technology means that operations and fulfillment change constantly, too. You’ll want to evaluate the need for training at least every three months. Regular systems training is a must for both new and experienced employees to help them be as efficient and productive as possible.

4. Embrace new technology.

From web and transportation management systems to paperless picking to robotic palletizing, there are solutions to most of your warehouse problems. Just make sure it makes sense from a ROI perspective—don’t spend the money just because the technology exists.

5. Develop talent within your organization.

Always remember, your employees are your most important asset. To keep them working for you:

• Communicate the goals and focus of the company, to remind them that they are part of its success
• Empower them to make certain decisions on their own
• Provide public recognition of a job well done when appropriate.

There are managers, and there are leaders. A leader stresses the importance of execution to his or her employees. We hope you’ll use these tips to step up your leadership game! But if you’re looking for a new place to use your leadership skills, call Team Ambassador today.