Invest in the most appropriate material
handling tools that help reduce the physical toll of
warehouse operations. If your business involves
heavy or highly repetitive movement, there may be
cost-effective ways to implement automated or
semi-automated equipment that reduce the lift and
twist burden that many employees face. A reduction
in worker injuries, coupled with higher productivity,
translates to better employee retention.
Commit to process improvement. Without
change, everything stagnates. Unfortunately, you
can see that being played out in the warehouse
setting today, with many organizations facing large,
disruptive upgrades or replacement of their legacy
systems just to survive. It doesn't have to be that
way. If you invest in your team and value their
opinions, they will come up with new ideas that will
incrementally improve your processes. Brainstorm
with them and remain open to new ideas.
All Things Considered
The common thread here is that warehouse
employees do their best work when they are
engaged and have the right tools at their disposal.
Not only can they prove their value in the day-to-
day operations of the warehouse; they can shine
some much-needed light on practices that will bring
greater efficiency and profit to the business.
Tapping into their knowledge and rewarding their
efforts is an excellent place to start. But it's also a
recipe for long-term success.
About the Author
Eric Allais, President and CEO of Washington-based
PathGuide Technologies, Inc., has over 30 years of
experience in marketing, product management and
sector analysis in the automated data collection
industry, including warehouse management
practices in wholesale distribution. Contact him at
eric@pathguide.com.
About PathGuide Technologies
PathGuide Technologies, Inc., a privately held
company founded in 1989, is a leading provider of
warehouse management solutions for industrial and
retail distributors across North America. PathGuide's
software and services help suppliers increase
productivity and order accuracy, improve customer
service and lower labor costs, ultimately driving
greater profitability.
www.pathguide.com ● clientservices@pathguide.com
