Each warehouse layout is different and depends on your type of product, space, and process. Chapter 11, "High-Volume Product Store," explored Neeps, Inc., in detail to see how it set up its current warehouse. With more than 10 years of experience under its belt, Neeps has found a process that is efficient and effective. If you are planning on setting up your own warehouse, reread that chapter. Tip Don't be afraid to ask other warehouse facilities or online stores about how they set up their warehouse. You'll be surprised at how helpful others will be. Learn from their mistakes and successes. Setting up your warehouse incorrectly can be costly, so this will save you a lot of agony. Here are some considerations when warehousing your products at home and offsite:
Getting HelpAre you planning to hire help to stock, manage, and ship your products? If so, you need a clear and easy-to-follow process of fulfilling your orders. Your process should be easy enough that a seasonal or temporary employee can begin work immediately. Your product information should also have a location code. Just because you know by memory where all the products are located does not mean that your employee will. Having a step-by-step order-fulfillment process reduces the amount of training your new employees will need. A good check-in and check-out procedure will also reduce the amount of spoilage, missing, not shipped and stolen inventory. Warehousing positions tend to have high turnover rates. |