Warehouse logistics have many moving parts that, when aligned well, translate to a streamlined operation and improved warehouse inventory management. 

From the layout of a warehouse to material handling and storage methods, there are six core standards to meet when optimizing your warehouse for speed and efficiency.

For the past 25 years, Pyramid Logistics has helped countless companies safely store inventory and fulfill their products. Thanks to our network of warehouses, which are strategically placed in select locations across the country, our team is uniquely positioned to provide transportation, safe storage, distribution, and fulfillment services anywhere you may need them. 

Discover the standards for efficient warehouse logistics and save our warehouse inventory management checklist for reference. If you have warehousing needs that aren’t currently being met, don’t hesitate to contact Pyramid Logistics with an online form. 

 

What Constitutes “Efficient” Warehouse Logistics?

Operating an efficient warehouse begins with a strategic layout and thorough space planning, among a handful of other aspects to optimize. 

The warehouse design should optimize workflow and item movement based on three factors: order volume, inventory turnover rates, and product characteristics that signal how they should be packed, handled, and shipped. Another key contributor to an efficient warehouse operation is having “high-velocity” fulfillment and replenishment zones located in close proximity, to reduce the time it takes for retrieval. In other words, putting fast-moving products or items closer to replenishment zones rather than constantly racing across the warehouse.

To establish an efficient warehouse logistics system, ensure that these components are streamlined and well-optimized:

 

A Strategic Layout

It all starts with the layout. A warehouse layout should align process flow with order fulfillment so that items are processed and fulfilled in tandem. We also suggest positioning inbound and outbound staging areas near shipping docks, which helps to cut back time on the flow of goods. As previously mentioned, placing fast-moving products in prime pick-up areas is another way to improve picking efficiency and streamline the fulfillment process.

 

Efficient Storage Methods

In order to keep cargo organized and easy to retrieve, warehouses should use storage methods such as pallet racks, cantilever racks, and bin shelving that are suited to the size, shape, and weight of the inventory at hand. Dedicating space for specific products or items can also help organize the warehouse so that you can make the most of your layout. 

 

Material Handling

Damage can still arise even while items sit in a warehouse or move between load-in, storage, and outbound delivery. For this reason, warehousing logistics professionals will invest in the right material handling equipment such as forklifts and conveyors, which significantly boost efficiency while improving safety. 

 

Transportation Management

Coordinating inbound supply deliveries and outbound order shipments is another core factor when optimizing warehouse inventory management. From route planning and load optimization to consolidating LTL shipments, ensuring these elements are aligned can help to manage transportation costs. 

 

Real-Time Item Tracking

Most warehouses, including ours at Pyramid Logistics, are governed by a warehouse management system (WMS). These systems provide real-time inventory visibility through barcode scanning, RFID, and other tracking methods, after which the data is used for forecasting, inventory control, and identifying areas for improvement.

 

Inventory Management

Inventory management is the ultimate umbrella term for the above standards, concerning how your inventory is stored, packed, and handled while it sits in storage. With strategic inventory management, you can optimize how you utilize warehouse space for quicker identification and retrieval. An example is the ABC classification, which can greatly help to dictate storage plans. “A” products with high order frequency are placed in easily-accessible areas, while slower “C” items can be shelved in more distant zones. Another example is the first-expired-first-out (FEFO) practice, which ensures effective stock rotation. 

 

Your Warehouse Inventory Management Checklist

To meet the above standards, warehouse managers can reference this checklist to ensure that they’re following today’s best practices for efficient fulfillment and product flow:

• Determine specified areas for storage, sorting, office space, and shipping
• Take measurements of your warehouse’s layout and available space
• Settle on shelving solutions suited to the types of products or cargo
• Make aisle and product labels to clearly identify locations
• Map efficient routes for moving materials through the warehouse
• Limit overstock of slower-moving products to conserve space
• Position top-selling items in accessible areas for quick retrieval

 

Optimize Storage & Fulfillment with Pyramid Logistics

Although these standards are the expectation when working with a warehouse logistics provider, not all warehouses are equal. At Pyramid Logistics, we’ve been storing and fulfilling client inventory for the past 25 years, offering all of the standard warehousing amenities plus a fully-secured file protection system and vendor-managed inventory tracking programs. Rest easy with Pyramid Logistics, knowing that your cargo is in safe and capable hands.

Located in Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada, Pyramid Logistics is equipped to deliver warehousing and logistics services near our facilities and nationwide. If you’d like to learn more about partnering with us, request a consultation by filling out a form on our website.