If you store a large parts inventory in a sprawling warehouse, you'll want to ensure that your staff are working as efficiently as possible as they access and collect each part. You may deploy these staff throughout the day and worry about their work, as any delays could cause productivity issues. But are you sure that your warehouse is set out with maximum efficiency in mind? Should you introduce a new product storage policy that takes into account operational needs?

Seeking Greater Efficiency

Many warehouse operators in your position will implement a strategy known as "cluster" picking. This follows a process where individual staff members collect parts at certain times or in a very distinct order based on operational criteria.

Much of this process is down to accurate timing, and you may need to align collection with carrier schedules and drop-off times. You should also consider storing products of a similar type together based on their dimensions, bulk, temperature requirements, etc.

Why Cluster Picking Could Work

If you are able to implement cluster picking, you'll find that each staff member will spend less time travelling back and forth through the warehouse. They may be able to pick multiple orders from a single area or according to a specific product type instead. Consequently, this will help reduce downtime or the intervals when a worker may be waiting to pick up new orders and unable to do other duties. So this could lead to a much faster and more productive picking operation. Your staff should be able to gather higher quantities over much shorter time periods, and this may actually increase your business efficiency in the long term.

Implementing a Better System

Talk with your warehouse operator to see if they can help you initiate a picking system like this through better planning and overall management. Conduct a test run where you measure the efficiency of the orders picked one day and compare records once you have gathered enough new data. The warehouse operator can use an integrated WMS (warehouse management system), which should help you create the optimal picking strategy.

Moving Towards Greater Productivity

Cluster picking is also known as "wave" picking and should allow you to fulfil orders in that warehouse in far less time. So don't accept the status quo simply because you are used to a certain method, but see if you can markedly increase efficiency instead.

For more information, reach out to a local service, such as a 3PL logistics warehousing service.