Growing a small business can be incredibly exciting, but also daunting. One of the key challenges during periods of growth is an effective warehouse and inventory management.
As stock levels increase, ineffective warehouse management may result in a negative customer experience and damage to your reputation, which is the last thing you want when trying to grow your business.
Five warehouse challenges for growing businesses
Inventory accuracy
For growing businesses, inventory accuracy is crucial for minimising human error and optimising warehouse management processes.
Delayed shipments, processing errors, mis-picks, and problems with inventory tracking not only cost businesses time and money, but they can have a significant impact on reputation, too.
Customers now have high expectations and expect a lot more in a competitive market, including accuracy, faster deliveries, and a smooth shipment process. Accurate inventory management is essential to deliver in these areas.
Advances in technology
Thanks to advances in technology, there are now more opportunities than ever before for warehouses to streamline their business operations in line with their changing business needs.
Assisting with all areas of warehousing, distribution, and fulfilment, technology such as automation solutions and warehouse management systems can not only help to improve accuracy and workflow, but they can also assist with changing stock demands.
For growing businesses, keeping up with the latest technology can be challenging, but is essential if they want to keep pace with their competitors.
Warehouse layout issues
A poorly planned warehouse layout can cause a range of issues for a growing business so it’s vital that you address any layout concerns quickly and efficiently.
A warehouse with a poorly planned layout can lead to problems with supply flow, and productivity and it can also cause accidents if products are not easily accessible or stored correctly. The good news is that a WMS system can help to improve warehouse optimisation and order processing.
Redundant processes
Redundant processes are also a huge challenge for growing businesses, leading to actions being repeated twice or storage being used when it is not required. If redundant processes are a concern in your warehouse, you should review business operations and remove any unnecessary steps.
This will not only allow you to optimise speed, agility, and efficiency but it will also reduce costs and improve client experience.
Warehouse capacity
Many warehouses are built based on the needs of the business at the time of construction, however, as the business grows capacity can quickly become a major concern for many warehouse managers.
Today, many businesses are running out of space and do not have the resources, finances, or land available to expand.
Why choose Optima?
Here at Optima, we have over 15 years’ experience in designing, developing, and implementing effective WMS solutions. Over the years we worked with a vast range of companies, across a wide range of industries and sectors, in the UK, Europe and further afield.
If you have any questions about our warehouse management systems and how we can help you overcome the challenges of growing your business, please get in touch with a member of our team today.
