Logistics is the key in any organization.

Lack of time, knowledge or experience are often the cause that the logistics organization is not performing optimally.
But an organization where the flow of goods is perfectly aligned is essential for optimal organization.

Improve inbound logistics perfomance | improve warehouse receiving performance.

As part of the inbound logistics area of your business, the main role of an effective and efficient receiving function is to provide the highest level of speed and accuracy in processing deliveries from initial physical receipt through to final put-away stage or cross docking stage. It does not get any simpler than this, however some organisations tend to underestimate the real impact that a quality receiving function can have on customer service levels, client retention and profitability. To achieve the objectives of speed and accuracy, learn to understand the role of your receiving department and provide the following support base:

Improve processes to emiminate waste.

Every process and sub process needs to be documented, understood, and followed by all receiving personnel. Whether you are receiving a delivery, unloading a vehicle, using the right materials handling equipment, completing delivery paperwork, sorting and matching items to invoices through to putting stock into your warehouse and cross docking, the receiving function requires the highest level of coordination and discipline to be efficient and effective. Following processes not only increases productivity levels, but identifying and documenting process delays will further enhance the overall performance and move towards best practice. The following are core areas of focus to remove process waste:
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1. Over production
2. Waiting time
3. Unnecessary movement (Materials)
4. Over Processing
5. Excessive inventory
6. Unnecessary movement (People)
7. Production of defective products

Improve systems performance.

To allow for ease of use, it is important to limit how much information is not only accessible for the receiving person, but also the volume of information displayed on a screen for processing. Most systems tend to display every field on the screen which can complicate the process and only results in delaying the processing time for booking in stock. Use of radio frequency systems can streamline the process further, but again is dependent on the quality and accuracy of the barcode which is either scanned from an inbound source product or labels printed and applied internally within receiving.

The right warehouse infrastructure.

It is important to have the right layout for the receiving function that works within the physical constraints of the warehouse i.e. position of columns, clearance between aisles, clear access to warehouse door, clearance between rack and sprinkler systems etc.

The right type of materials handling equipment needs careful consideration as investing in the wrong type of forklifts can severely impact on the cycle time for receiving as well as the cost to the operation.