The proper and consistent flow of the entire supply chain depends on efficient warehouse management. 77% of owners acknowledge that their warehouse operations need to be modernized for seamless processes. Any glitch or little hiccup in your warehouse can disrupt the entire supply chain. 

According to 72% of professionals, the number of tasks they perform at work has increased over the past two to three years due to supply chain interruptions. 

However, with prior knowledge about the potential obstacles, you can prevent them and ensure smooth operations. 

This article will explore four common challenges of growing warehouses and how to address them with a warehouse management system (WMS). 

Tackling Warehouse Challenges with a WMS 

Issues With Maintaining Inventory Records  

One of the primary hurdles growing warehouses face is maintaining inventory records. Inaccurate information about inventory levels because of manual processes often leads to stockouts or overstock situations.  

A large stock of products that stays on the shelves affects your warehouse ROI. Alternatively, insufficient stock of a product in demand will reduce orders, impacting customer satisfaction.  

The majority of supply chain management experts—75%—want to enhance their inventory control procedures. Pen and paper inventory tracking is used by 24% of small enterprises. This increases manual errors. 

Companies must invest in advanced warehouse management solutions that track inventory levels in real-time to tackle this issue. These systems use technology such as barcode scanning and RFID to track your inventory – They do this when a product enters and when it leaves in real-time.   

Inefficient Use of Warehouse Space  

Warehouse space inefficiency is another potential challenge that businesses face. Properly utilising your warehouse space leads to better stocking of goods, which causes congestion, longer travel times, and increased handling time.  

On average, only 68% of warehouse space is used, highlighting inefficient utilisation. 

Putting together an optimal layout for your warehouse can solve this issue. This involves optimising the vertical and floor space while leaving ample room for staff to walk through easily. It also includes categorising the inventory systemically. 

Luckily, this is possible with a warehouse management system. Some WMSs offer a 3D model of the most optimal warehouse arrangement aligned with the dimensions of your warehouse. 

It also suggests strategies for the best space usage depending on the type of goods you deal with. For instance, fast-selling products should be placed in the most easily accessible areas, while fragile goods should be placed in areas where there is less scope for damage. 

Time-Consuming Pickup Process  

The picking process is a significant aspect of warehouse operations, influencing timely shipping and accurate product delivery. However, most businesses need more efficient picking, where considerable time is spent looking for orders. This leads to delays and sometimes errors in pickup, impacting customer satisfaction.  

It’s essential to optimise the picking process to minimise search and ensure correct order pickup. 

With a warehouse management system, you can speed up the entire picking process as it enables you to track the exact location of every SKU. It guides the pickers to the precise place where the product is placed. If multiple items are to be picked, the optimal route alongside the necessary equipment is suggested to minimise travel time.   

Difficulty In Meeting Regulatory Requirements  

Regulatory compliance is a crucial aspect of warehouse operations, and it comprises labour laws, health and safety standards, and product handling guidelines.  

Failing to abide by them results in legal issues, several fines, and damage to reputation.  

However, a WMS system supports you to maintain regulatory compliance. It comes with various functionalities enabling warehouses to adhere to government regulations. With WMS, you can track inventory levels, maintain proper temperature control, monitor expiry dates and enforce adequate storage practices.  

As a result, a warehouse management system reduces the risk of non-compliance, protecting your company’s reputation and ensuring product safety. 

Final Words  

The warehouse is a critical part of any supply chain and is prone to many problems. From overstocking and stockouts to non-compliance and extended pickup processes, many things can cause your warehouse operations to fail.  

However, you can ensure your warehouse runs smoothly by understanding these challenges. Then invest in efficient warehouse management solutions.  

If want to invest in an efficient warehouse management system, Quinta provides a robust solution. It empowers you to manage multiple aspects of warehouse operations and enhance efficiency.