Starting a new job or accepting a promotion to become a warehouse manager can be a significant decision in someone’s life. But it’s imperative to learn the things every new warehouse manager should know so that you can hit the ground running.
Safety and OSHA Regulations
The warehouse manager must prioritize safety regulations to prevent a loss of productivity. Evaluate equipment training programs to ensure they are up to your, the company’s, and OSHA’s standards.
It’s not unusual to discover that workers use several outdated techniques. The new manager must put their foot down when workers bend the rules on the warehouse floor. It may not make you popular at first, but it’s worth the growing pains if everyone stays safe.
Preventative Maintenance Programs
Faulty equipment, such as a conveyor system, may cause production to come to a screeching halt, hurting the chances of having an efficient workflow. A good warehouse manager can avoid this by implementing a routine maintenance program on the conveyor system.
Checklists, whether weekly or daily, assist warehouse managers in keeping track of all material handling assets. Having records allows managers to schedule check-ups before anything breaks down. Therefore, you guarantee that everything is in working order.
Logistics
Making decisions about where to store materials can help your workers pick orders more efficiently. Putting your most used items near the shipping doors is one way to ensure that product goes out the door.
Additionally, you don’t want a picker to reach too far or lift too much weight throughout the day. Therefore, never store your most valuable belongings on a mezzanine. Giving your warehouse flow and direction will make everyone at work happy.
Shipping and Receiving
Ten more mistakes follow in the chain of command for every error committed in the receiving department. Fixing these mistakes causes the distributors’ operational costs to rise. You want to have your best employees handling the most prudent jobs.
You know you can count on them to do it correctly the first time. Allow lots of space for the receiving crew to operate. After all, receivers need the space to do their duties properly. It’s vital to have your shipping department separate from the receiving team. Since shippers must pack and double-check items, they need plenty of room.
Every new warehouse manager can become a better leader by learning these common things they should know. Putting yourself in a good situation keeps the production chain moving, pleasing everyone in the company.
