The steps at the base of the warehouse flow are:
However, to be able to implement an optimized management of logistics processes, it is essential to carry out an in-depth analysis and know every detail of the warehouse flow.
Receipt of goods
The best way to receive the products is through an advanced shipping notice (ASN) from the supplier. With this information in the system, operators can scan the shipping barcodes and be updated on their status and compliance with the requirements.
When the goods arrive in the warehouse it is essential to have a dedicated space for unloading and checking that what is received is correct. The flow of goods must be clear and well defined visually, to allow the activity to take place without slowing down and in a safe manner.
Storage
The phase prior to storage is quality control, in the absence of which there is a risk of non-compliant material that results in waste for the company. After verifying that the goods received are compliant, you can proceed with storage, taking care that the goods are stored in the right place and that their location is recorded. Having a computer system that records everything, so that no data is lost, is of the utmost importance.
Picking
Picking is one of the fundamental steps in logistics. In order to guarantee a fast and time-saving service, it is necessary to analyze the warehouse requirements in depth and intervene accordingly to optimize the picking phases: in this article we have explained how to do this.
Order preparation
This phase must be carried out with the utmost care and preferably with the support of automation tools, in order to reduce possible delivery errors to a minimum. Furthermore, it is useful to compact the goods in order to reduce the units and optimize space.
Exit of goods
The art of successful shipping lies in the ability to have the goods ready just before departure, so that hauliers can load their trucks without wasting time. If the goods are ready too soon, they clutter up the staging areas, while shipments that are late slow down the loading process and potentially cause late deliveries.
Identifying the operational flow of your warehouse is the first step in the logistics reorganization and optimization project: if you want to know what we can do for your logistics area, contact us now!
