8 Ways to Lower your Materials Handling Costs in Time for EOFY

We’ve put together 8 ways you can lower your materials handling costs in the lead up to EOFY.

1. Error reduction:

Prior to EOFY implement a focus on reducing error within the warehouse. By collecting data on error rates and setting specific targets to reduce these rates, improvements in the overall quality of operations can be achieved. A reduction in error rates improves efficiencies and more importantly reduces unnecessary expenses.

2. Maintain storage conditions:

Ensuring storage conditions are appropriate such as temperature and humidity can guarantee the goods stored within the warehouse will be maintained to a superior standard. As uncovered areas of storage can subject goods to weather damage it is important to ensure the coverage and secure storage of goods to avoid unnecessary costs especially during peak periods such as EOFY when the movement of goods will increase drastically.

3. Reduce touch labour:

Reducing the number of times employees are required to handle material contributes to an increase in productivity and profit. Production creates value and every minute spent moving, sorting, preparing or storing material equates to lost productivity. Implementing a productive touch labour management plan can save your business time and money in time for EOFY.

4. Save energy:

Timers and sensors which ensure lights turn off when no one is around an area of the warehouse is not only energy efficient but will save money on electricity bills and can cut costs in the lead up to EOFY. Alternatively, replace existing light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs. A long term strategy to reduce energy consumption requires painting walls white and installing windows to introduce more natural light.

5. Optimise space:

Land is one of the largest contributors to overhead costs in warehousing. Cost per pallet stored should be constantly reviewed to ensure space is always optimised. The type of racking within your warehouse should utilise the height of your warehouse. Aisle space is also a consumer of space and having the right equipment to optimise this space can contribute to cost savings in the long run. Reviewing space for the start of the new financial year is an important factor in the contribution to long term strategy and profits.

6. Assess new technology:

Investigate new lower-energy systems for your warehouse which can contribute to saving costs for the following EOFY. Replacing older equipment at the optimal time is one way to significantly improve productivity and maximise profit within the warehouse.

7. Employee suggestions:

Employee suggestions can play a key role in reducing costs and improving productivity within the warehouse. Employees have hands-on experience regarding daily operations and can come up with easy-to-implement cost saving ideas. This also ensures employee commitment to implement the cost saving strategies is greater as employees feel more engaged in the initiative.

8. Continuous improvement program:

Reducing wasted motion, wasted time and wasted inventory can be controlled through the implementation of a continuous improvement program. The program should include visual communication of information, process mapping, process control, and identification and elimination of defects. By implementing such a program within the warehouse, efficiencies can be improved and costs can be minimised which aids in a successful EOFY result.