Three Simple Solutions for Improving Warehouse Operations

 

In today's fast-paced market, the efficiency of warehouse operations is more crucial than ever. As companies face increasing pressure to deliver products quickly and accurately, optimizing warehouse processes without compromising employee safety and comfort becomes a top priority. To improve warehouse operations, many businesses turn to intelligent automation, flexible workstation options, and versatile tools to gain an advantage.

Warehouse Operations Challenges

Current warehouse operations face many challenges that can impede efficiency and increase operational costs. According to Bloomberg, warehouse owners and operators waste approximately $163 billion annually due to inventory problems, with the bulk of the waste attributed to damaged and excess goods taking up valuable space. While the numbers are alarming, inventory isn't only to blame. 

The employee turnover rate for warehouse labor is staggering at 49%—much higher than the 17-18% average. Pay is a factor, along with a stereotypical dull environment, unconventional work hours, lack of advancement opportunities, and dwindling employee comfort. Thankfully, many of the issues outlined are easily solved with innovative airflow solutions and smart tools designed to streamline daily tasks.  

Solution One: Improving Warehouse Automation 

Warehouse automation solutions encompass technologies designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in inventory management, order fulfillment, and operations. If you're thinking about automation, you've probably explored common solutions such as automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and software for warehouse management systems (WMS). However, savvy owners and operators should also look to automate their air circulation. 

Modern high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans "speak to each other," providing automatic configuration with each new fan addition. They are operated from a straightforward wall-mount controller. Even better, business owners and operators can mix-match HVLS fan products to a degree.

Let’s say, for example, a warehouse operator has two existing Hunter Industrial Titan models and would like to expand their offerings to include three smaller-diameter XP HVLS fans. All fans will pair seamlessly and are operable from one wall controller. To push the automation capabilities further, the 500 and 700 E-model controllers can run up to 30 fans each at variable speeds, while the 700 E wall-mount controller intuitively senses and automatically regulates the humidity and airflow within the building, which in turn can reduce mold, mildew, safety hazards, and airborne pollutants.  

Precise control capabilities and smart design are clever ways businesses can be more competitive and retain employees simply by extending their warehouse automation to include HVLS fans.

Solution Two: Flexible Employee Workstations

While many business owners relentlessly pursue agility and flexibility, they often provide one-dimensional warehouse workstations that lack maneuverability. Flexible workstations include more than wheeled workbenches or ample fulfillment and assembly areas. For truly flexible workstations, think reconfigurability. 

According to PLS Logistics Services, peak shipping and receiving season is mid-August, which coincidentally is also one of the hottest times of the year. Workstation fans prioritize employee comfort and can direct airflow where it is needed most. Moreover, mounting options like articulating arms and wall mounts help keep the added equipment out of the way, reducing safety hazards and workstation clutter. 

Solution Three: Smarter Dock and Door Receiving 

For many warehouse employees, shipping and receiving can literally be a shot in the dark. Overnight is prime time for restocking inventory, and limited exterior and interior lighting isn’t enough when navigating packed tractor-trailers and delivery vans. To make matters worse, the temperatures inside a trailer can exceed 130 degrees, leading to unbearable heat and stagnate air. 

The Jan Fan 12’’ and 18’’ workstation fans and 20’’ and 24’’ air circulators are extremely versatile. They can easily be mounted on articulating arms within the warehouse or tractor-trailer to provide critical airflow. A high-powered LED light that’s cool to the touch and runs on the fans’ power source further provides the versatility today’s warehouse employees need to stay safe and efficient during the workday.

In today's competitive landscape, warehouse owners and operators must explore every opportunity to optimize their business. By focusing on efficiency and employee retention, warehouse owners can achieve a robust, adaptable business model that excels in customer satisfaction and market resilience. 

Hunter Industrial's industrial fans and air circulators offer a combination of energy efficiency, environmental control, and operational cost savings, making them an excellent choice for business owners looking to improve their facility's environment and bottom line. Contact us today for a free site evaluation and quote.