Want to Cut Down On Warehousing Costs? Here Are 3 Easy Methods to Consider

The logistics industry has seen an upward spiral over the last decade and the growth of eCommerce has largely complemented that. With an influx of international Shipping requirements, 2-day express deliveries

, and more, supply chains have witnessed increasing business opportunities as much as rising costs. Outdated operations or strategy often leads to inefficiency and rising expenses. On a very basic level, here are 3 things supervisors can do, starting today, to stay more organized and better plan warehousing activities.

1. Stay Updated on Market Trends

Express deliveries and bulk international shipping are factors that are usually accounted for. But what often goes under the radar is the demand and supply for a given product. Say you’re already prepared for festive seasons such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. You already expect bulk orders or express deliveries from the USA to India and vice-versa during this time. But what about the latest trends and buying patterns. How can you be certain that you won’t be met with ad-hoc warehousing or shipping requirements? Truth be told, you can’t! But you can mitigate the risk to a large extent by staying updated on the current market trends. Is there a new product that’s causing a frenzy? And should you account for sudden warehousing requirements? Charting out the current market trends can go a large way in forecasting demands and thereby enable better warehouse planning.

2. Package it Right

A few years ago, leading eCommerce brand, Amazon, made headlines for shipping customers products in boxes that were up to 10x the product size. Having customized packages for every product is not possible, and in case of an urgent express delivery, using a standard size package seems like the only option. But, that does not mean it has to be the norm. Packaging charges can make a huge dent in your everyday cash flow if not monitored. Using a few innovative strategies can help counter this problem. For example, consider using foam space blocks as opposed to stuffing polystyrene chips. This can drastically reduce the overall quantity of packaging material used. You can also opt for lightweight packaging material which not only improves ease of handling but also reduces shipping charges.

3. Strategic Storage

This cannot be emphasized enough. Maintaining a warehouse is expensive and so it’s important to thoroughly analyze if strategic storage plans are being implemented. If most warehouses were to take a stock of their storage utility, they’d be surprised to know how much sq.ft. of space is underutilized. For example, consider the ceiling space. Have you used it to your full potential or is it possible to add another row above? What about aisle space? Wide aisles can be moderated using the right kind of shelves and tools. Studying optimal floor routes and making small, but strategic changes can go a long way in increasing warehouse space and decreasing its associated costs.

We always focus on big solutions and innovations, but rarely fail to realize that a minor fix can go a long way in increasing efficiency. Apply these simple practices and let us know how it goes!