Companies that handle vast inventory need help managing the stock in their warehouse. Warehouse management solutions help such businesses optimise their inventory management.  

Businesses such as e-commerce platforms use several warehouses to store their inventory. An efficient system that can manage the inventory in multiple warehouses is necessary in such cases. Multiple warehouse management allows managers to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer experience. 

This blog provides an ultimate guide for installing an inventory management system in multiple warehouses. 

Understanding Inventory Management System 

An inventory management system (IMS) streamlines inventory flow in and out of the warehouse. It helps track the goods stored at the warehouse and automates routine tasks. A good IMS provides solutions to track the inventory through the supply chain.  

The inventory management system covers all stock elements, from buying goods to production and sale. It also helps document the inventory and reduces the manual labour of data entry. 

Tips to Run Inventory Management for Multiple Warehouses 

Here are the best practices you need to follow to enhance your warehouse capabilities. They will guide you in maintaining multiple warehouses and to improve productivity. 

1.Install Fixed and Movable Tracking 

Tracking the inventory is of utmost importance when installing an effective IMS. Combining both fixed and movable tracking makes the owner aware of the status of goods.  

Fixed tracking helps you monitor stock at your warehouse continuously. This type of tracking uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags or barcodes. 

Movable tracking ensures the safety of goods in transit. It gives real-time status updates of the shipped goods. Combining them will ensure your inventory is in the right place at the right time. 

2.Focus on Bestsellers 

Monitor the top-selling products across your warehouses closely. An inventory management system will alert you when stock levels are low, enabling timely replenishment and preventing stockouts. Additionally, it will recommend optimal stock levels for each warehouse. 

3.Do not Store Every Product at Every Warehouse 

Understanding the location’s demographics helps to know which goods to store at which warehouse. For instance, keep the bestsellers in every warehouse to reduce costs. Check the slow-moving goods according to their needs. Keep such goods at those warehouses where there is more demand. 

4.Real-Time Data Updating 

Maintaining up-to-date data for all warehouses can be crucial at times. Use cloud-based solutions in inventory management to keep real-time updates of all the locations. This will help centralise the data and make informed decisions. 

5.Strategic Warehouse Placement 

Choose the location of your warehouse, considering the ease of approach. Your warehouses should be in a cost-effective location, and quick transportation options should be ensured. This enhances the delivery speed and reduces shipping costs. 

6.Training Staff 

Train your staff to handle inventory at many locations. Educate staff on the use of software and other automation processes. An informed staff will be ready to handle peak situations and provide proper documentation. 

Conclusion 

Running multiple warehouses requires a sound inventory management system (IMS). The IMS allows the warehouse owner to track and maintain stock at different warehouses. If installed strategically, it also reduces the chances of stock-outs and overburdened staff. 

Managing multiple warehouses simultaneously can be challenging—partner with industry leaders like Quinta, who offer comprehensive warehouse management solutions. Our experienced team ensures seamless implementation of an efficient IMS across all your warehouses. Our cloud-based software consolidates data for informed decision-making, empowering your business for long-term success.