Warehouses have receiving processes for when they receive shipments to replenish inventory. With these processes, the inventory clerk confirms the shipment and associated paperwork.
With established receiving processes, if issues arise, they are fixed in a timely and orderly manner.
Errors in receiving processes could accumulate into huge losses. Warehouse receiving processes must be optimized to eliminate errors.
Here are the top ten techniques for optimizing receiving processes.
Compilation of Essential Metrics
Compile essential metrics that ensure the efficiency of the receiving process. The essential metrics include:
- Error reports
- Supplier shipping problems
- Total time for items to move to usability through the system
- Dock utilization
Pre-receipt
Highlight the receiving and packaging requirements and go through them before the shipment arrives.
The requirements include:
- Items per carton
- Loose or palletized cargo
- Acceptable weight and size of the package
- Label position
- Number of packages in a pallet
- Label information
Booking and Labor
Confirm the manhours needed for the shipment to be received and ensure that shifts are scheduled accordingly.
Identification of Shipments
The inventory clerk should be ready to speak with the driver as soon as the shipment gets to the unloading dock. All required details should be confirmed before the clerk signs any documents. Make sure that the clerk is well trained to go through the process seamlessly.
Counting of Products
After the inventory clerk signs the shipping notice, the warehouse staff should count the products and confirm against the invoice. Open the crates to count the products to avoid mistakes.
Inspection of Products
The inventory clerk should then inspect the products thoroughly for damages. Damaged products should then be set aside for replacement and properly documented.
Product Documentation
Assign inventory numbers for every product received before the products are shelved. The inventory clerk should then document the details.
Product Labeling
Label products accurately and according to the latest standards. Look out for any labeling changes and educate the personnel in charge accordingly.
Flexible replenishment
The replenishment process is part of warehouse receiving because it ensures that items are appropriately re-ordered.
Replenishment processes are best kept flexible to leave room for defective items or miscounts. Make room for errors so that the replenishment process is not impacted in a way that negatively affects customers.
Thorough Inspection
A thorough inspection always plays a critical role in guaranteeing the efficiency of warehouse processes. Inspect outgoing items to identify any defects and eliminate issues that could arise with vendors, shippers, and customers.
Incorporate the techniques highlighted in this article to optimize your warehouse receiving process and guarantee total efficiency.
