The management of any warehouse needs an effective labelling and identification system, stock needs to be identified and in its rightful place in order to maximise order picking and minimise costly errors.

It is understood that many order pickers working in an environment where an in-effective system operates waste a large proportion of their time trying to pick goods that are not in their rightful place. This also leads to an increase in picking errors these errors hurt every aspect of the business as not only does it lead to having to re-process the order sometimes involving credits, re-invoices and re-despatch taking up lots of precious time it could also lower customer retention.

For many SME’s having a full blown barcoded order picking isn’t feasible due to the costs and as a result most business retain their existing systems which often become antiquated as a result of changes in product, market fluctuations and warehouses practices. A small outlay to produce a labelling system can help in achieving lower picking times, lower errors and often help in increasing customer satisfaction and retention.

As well as having an effective labelling system, legislation states that you must warn staff/visitors of hazards within the premises. According to statistics one worker is killed every six weeks and many more injured as a direct result of forklift accidents. Having set pedestrianised routes/areas and visible forklift warning signs will help reduce the likelihood of any incidents occurring.

Over the last few years there has been a significant growth in companies adopting 5S and LEAN manufacturing policies, The 5S focus is on Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain. Companies adopting these policies achieve higher operational results by sustaining a productive work environment, reduce waste, help lower accidents and lower un-planned downtime.

To further aid demarcation products such as floor signalling can be used which help highlight walkways, traffic flow, pallet positions and general marking on the warehouse floor. Available in a choice of 6 coloursthese floor labels are a simple but effective solution for floor marking.