Page 112 - FoodFocusThailand No.216 MARCH 2024

STORAGE, HANDLING & LOGISTICS

execution with minimal errors. The principles of 5. Monitoring the progress of the processes continuously
efficient warehouse space management, Entrepreneurs should closely monitor work processes to prevent potential
embodied in the 5S system, include: problems and swiftly adapt solutions to warehouse operations.
• Sort: This method involves in identifying
and categorizing products into their respective How WMS system can streamline issue resolution
categories in order to prevent storage or picking • Optimizing the storage process (Put-away) with the WMS system:
errors before delivery to customers. Leveraging WMS systems to streamline put-away procedures provides
• Set in order: This involves in well-organized recommendations for optimal storage locations and confirms correct
within the warehouse space to ensure that items placements for convenient monitoring. Additionally, barcode scanning
are easily accessible when required. In a bustling during storage and warehouse management enhances product picking
warehouse environment, quick access to efficiency.
necessary items is crucial for maintaining • Addressing challenges in product picking: Solving problems in
efficiency of operations. the product receival process is made possible by the ability to reserve
• Shine: The area within the warehouse should storage location in advance. This capability helps in efficiently planning the
be cleaned immediately upon completion of work utilization of warehouse space.
to prevent the accumulation of dust as well as • Solving problems in the picking process: Enhancing the
help reduce pollution while working. convenience and efficiency of product disbursement, the system helps to
• Standardize: Efficient warehouse automatically search for products. These features can be applied to various
management necessitates establishing systematic picking methods, including First-In First-Out (FIFO), Last-In First-Out (LIFO),
work standards and emphasizing employee First-Expire First-Out (FEFO), or other customized formats.
compliance with relevant regulations. This means
operations should adhere to establishing protocols, Guidelines for applying technology in warehouse
prioritizing machinery over individual actions, to Warehouse technology serves various purposes, encompassing smart
enhance safety and operational efficiency. warehouses, automated operations, and supply chain management.
• Sustain: Sustain emphasizes the importance Implementing technology can increase cost effectiveness and provide
of conscientious work habits. Entrepreneurs insights into strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement,
should remain attentive and personally oversee fostering sustainable growth. However, selecting the appropriate system
warehouse operations, promptly addressing any is crucial for successful integration. The following guidelines aid
issues that arise and finding timely solutions. entrepreneurs in choosing the most suitable technology for their warehouse
3. Ensuring equipment readiness on a needs:
regular basis Work-related delays in the 1. Choose a system that suits your needs: If the objective is to
warehouse may arise from issues with material increase efficiency in product picking or reduce operational errors, consider
handling equipment (MHE) or deteriorated implementing robotic technology for product picking instead of humans.
machinery, leading to reduced efficiency. 2. Select a system tailored to the type of warehouse: For storage
Therefore, it is necessary to check the readiness facilities, fulfillment centers, or distribution center, consider implementing
and condition of equipment on a regular basis to WMS technology or technology supporting product barcode systems
ensure work safety and prolong the lifespan of (RFID). These technologies can effectively address the unique requirements
the machines. of each warehouse type.
4. Enhancing work efficiency through 3. Choose a system that aligns with the scale of your business
employee training Entrepreneurs should arrange operations: For newly established or small-scale businesses, consider
training sessions for their employees to enhance utilizing the Excel spreadsheet models to monitor incoming and outgoing
work efficiency. Clear and organized training on products. However, for larger enterprises managing a significant volume
internal systems prior to starting actual work of products, adopting appropriate technology is essential to effectively
enables employees to perform their tasks more managing warehouse operations.
efficiently and improve communication between 4. Choose a system that is consistent with the budget or investment
them, ensuring alignment of understanding. This capabilities: If your enterprise has budget constraints, option for technology
reduces the chance of errors and associated within the allocated budget. However, if your business has a large budget
delays. Alternatively, it can also be provided as a and wants to increase work efficiency, consider investing in an automated
document or portable manual for reference. warehouse solution that offers various customizable options.
Implementing technology in warehouses has several benefits, including
enhancing work efficiency, mitigating overall costs, and improving
operational speed and accuracy. While it requires significant investment
in setting up various infrastructures conducive to its utilization, its cost-
effectiveness can be evaluated using the rule-of-thumb principle. For
instance, investing stock in a warehouse worth 100 million baht with 90%
stock accuracy poses a risk of losing up to 10 million baht. However,
investing approximately 2-3 million baht in technology to increase accuracy
to 95% could yield a high likelihood of payback within a year. Additionally,
an alternative option is to utilize online warehouse rental services with a
fulfillment system, facilitating product storage, packing, and shipping, along
with a WMS system for internal warehouse distribution operations.

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