3 Small Workflow Changes That Contribute to Warehouse Efficiency

By



Making minor changes to warehouse workflow can have a major impact on efficiency. It comes down to identifying areas for improvement. Are the slowdowns due to suboptimal traffic flow? Do teams have the right material handling tools for specific jobs?

These kinds of issues often require simple fixes that improve efficiency across the board. For example, a team may be using the wrong material handling tool because the correct one isn’t on site. Investing in a heavy duty hand cart may solve the issue.

Warehouse worker tilting Magliner hand truck loaded with stacked cardboard boxes

If you want to improve the efficiency of your warehouse team, consider making these three small workflow changes.

Implement a One-Way System to Improve Warehouse Traffic Flow

One of the most common sources of warehouse slowdowns is inconsistent traffic flow. One team may be getting in the way of another. This can lead to wasted time and backups in different areas of the warehouse.

Man riding stacked Magliner cart loaded with beer kegs as two colleagues walk alongside in warehouse.

A simple solution is to switch to a one-way, looped system. This solution requires little to no change to the warehouse layout. It’s a matter of designating aisles for one-way, single-lane traffic. It can be as simple as putting up the appropriate signage.

Mark Specific Work Zones and Movement Paths

While putting up signage to designate traffic flow is helpful, take it a step further with clearly marked work zones and movement paths. Floor markings with high-visibility epoxy or industrial floor marking tape are ideal options.

Mark off and label staging areas (receiving, pre-packing, shipping, etc.). Designate boundaries and routes for foot traffic and wheeled equipment, including forklifts and the heavy duty hand truck. This helps improve efficiency and safety.

Utilize the Right Material Handling Tools for Your Warehouse Environment

Even something as simple as having the “right” material handling tools can help teams move more efficiently in the warehouse. A general-purpose, two wheel hand truck can be ideal for a number of jobs, from receiving to picking.

Three photos of man tilting motorized hand truck to move large red air compressor tank outdoors.

What if you need something more adaptable and stronger? A hand truck with powered propulsion may be the ideal solution for the warehouse. It’s designed to move up to 1,000 pounds on a flat surface with minimal effort from the operator. That puts less strain on the team, thereby increasing overall productivity and efficiency.

About Magline

Logistics, delivery, and warehousing businesses face material handling challenges every day. Take those challenges head-on with premium Magliner hand trucks. Magliner tools, including two wheel dollies, convertible hand trucks, and motorized options, are built to get jobs done with a higher degree of care and efficiency. When you upgrade to a Magliner hand truck, the difference is clear. You get equipment that’s built to last, move effectively, and adapt to your material handling needs. Check out the full selection today.

Improve your warehouse team’s efficiency with tools from https://www.magliner.com/

This article was originally published on magliner.com’s blog here.

Location: United States

Popular posts from this blog

3 Material Handling Tools for Sporting Goods Stores

By
Image
Boxes of clothes and soccer balls. Basketball hoops. Stacks of shoes. All of them need to be put out on the floor of your sporting goods store, but it can be a hassle without the right tools. Whether it’s removing the need for team lifts or just using dolly carts to move stacks of boxes, having the right material handling tools can make all the difference. Hand Trucks Hand truck carts make moving stock around much easier. Whether your team is organizing the warehouse or restocking the floor, your employees can stack boxes of items, wheel them into place, and start putting items on shelves. It’s fast, efficient, and saves energy compared to moving a box or two at a time. Look for a manufacturer that will let you customize your hand trucks, offering options for different wheels or ergonomic handles to make it easier to navigate the store. Heavy Duty Hand Trucks Heavier items require a different tool. If moving large, heavy items requires a team lift, try equipping your empl...
Read more

How Can University Staff Use Hand Trucks?

By
Image
University teams need to move plenty of items. Whether it’s lab equipment for the science building, supplies for the cafeteria, or furniture for the student union, hand trucks can come in handy when it’s time to move these items. From the heavy duty hand truck to the classic dolly, there are plenty of ways universities can utilize hand trucks to get jobs done faster and easier. Organizing Supplies It’s easy to move a variety of supplies around campus with a hand truck. Use a classic hand truck, and you can stack boxes and quickly wheel them into place. Universities tend to be on relatively level ground, which makes using a convertible hand truck dolly an option, too. It starts as the classic hand truck, but quickly converts into four-wheel mode, capable of handling oddly-shaped items and loads up to 1,000 pounds. This versatility makes it a staple tool for staff moving classroom or cafeteria supplies. Positioning Furniture Do you need to position couches, tables, and...
Read more

4 Reasons Business Owners Trust Magliner Equipment

By
Image
Material handling is part of nearly every industry, from customer-facing stores to full-service moving companies. High-quality moving equipment can make daily operations safer and more efficient. For over 75 years, Magliner equipment has set a new standard for the material handling industry, which is why large and small businesses trust this brand. Contact the Magliner customer support team at +1 (866)-329-4737 To learn more about the history of Magline, head to https://www.magliner.com/ Here are four reasons why business owners rely on Magliner equipment. Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Aluminum is a lightweight, strong, naturally corrosion-resistant metal, making it an incredible material for hand trucks. Thanks to their aircraft-grade aluminum frames, nose plates, and other accessories, Magliner hand trucks boast an impressive strength-to-weight ratio and are naturally rust-resistant. Without worrying about corrosion, business owners in humid climates or industries where eq...
Read more