A 3-step guide for warehouse managers
As a business grows, so too does its cleaning needs. Whether the business has just started to upsize or has already scaled up, the impact will be felt in all areas of the business. The requirements for keeping a clean and safe operation are going to change alongside the business’ growth.
For a warehouse manager, when scaling up warehouse’s operation, it will take time to decide exactly what is needed. Ask:
- Can the space in the current warehouse be better optimised to keep products in order?
- What is the potential impact on safety?
- Are there any adjustments needed to continue meeting work health and safety (WHS) requirements?
- What changes will staff need to make?
By reflecting on the warehouse’s cleaning needs and maximising existing resources, a warehouse manager may not need to increase the size and quantity of their cleaning equipment just yet, helping them avoid an expensive capital purchase. But if they do, the following framework will make the best decision for their warehouse.
Follow a 3-step framework to scale warehouse cleaning for a growing business
Using the following simple 3-step framework, a warehouse manager can decide how they will scale their cleaning alongside business growth.
The 3-step framework covers:
- Designing a flexible warehouse layout for efficient cleaning.
- Renting or buying specialist cleaning equipment.
- Refining operational processes to ensure the smooth running of cleaning operations.
1. Create flexible layouts that work for cleaning efficiency
When a business grows, the impact on a warehouse typically means it needs to house a larger product range and will need to serve an increased consumer base. This means the warehouse manager needs to make sure the warehouse can easily store and access new and extra products. Having the products stored in the right way leads to a neater, less hazardous and more efficient warehouse operation.
The warehouse layout should be designed in a way so that it’s not only easy for staff to pick complete orders, but also to keep it clean and safe and meet those all important WHS requirements.
How stock is stored is usually up to the warehouse manager. Some will opt for a system where the location of stock is not fixed, and items can be placed in any available location according to operator choice. Others have pre-defined system rules, like placing fast-moving stock close to packing areas and slow-moving stock further away.
Warehouse staff often know the best way to configure a warehouse and where to locate stock for easier picking, so talking to them can identify the optimal warehouse layout. Also talk to the staff who clean the warehouse to find out optimal routes and typical hazards.
The benefits of getting the layout right can mean a significant increase in productivity. It reduces the number of steps operators must take. It also allows warehouse space to maximised for operational and cleaning efficiency.
Talk to staff, question the existing layout, and make changes as needed.
2. Rent or buy specialist cleaning equipment
As a business scales, a warehouse or operations manager usually finds that existing problems and challenges largely remain the same, only they become much bigger issues to wrangle. To avoid the problems currently increasing alongside business growth, the key is to tackle those issues before significant growth occurs.
A warehouse manager will need to consider how they can solve cleaning issues as the business grows. Whether to rent or buy specialised equipment — like a scrubber or sweeper to keep the warehouse clean and operational — will need to be addressed.
While there are pros and cons for renting and buying, with the uncertainty that comes with business growth, having a flexible solution is critical.
Technology changes so quickly, so a rental solution may make the most practical sense, especially if the rental arrangement allows for the flexibility of swapping the machine for a larger and more powerful one. Renting also means the warehouse manager does not need to convince finance or procurement managers of the long-term value an upfront capital expense.
Beyond the rent or buy question — a warehouse manager needs to consider if they have the specialised knowledge and skillset to train and support the equipment to maximise uptime and productivity. Questions to ask include:
- Are spare parts readily available?
- Is same-day service available?
- How likely is an extended downtime period?
- Are emergency back-up machines available?
- What impact will a breakdown have on the warehouse?
Never enter a lock-in contract. The contract should provide the flexibility to allow for cancellations and changes without penalty. The best rental arrangements allow a business to switch to a more appropriate, specialised equipment solution as its needs change.
Conquest offers Flexible Purchase Plans. Learn more.
Refine processes for smooth-running cleaning operations
If a business doesn’t address problems in its processes before scaling, those problems will escalate. A bigger warehouse will magnify process problems as the sheer volume of orders shipped and inventory all increase.
To avoid amplifying existing problems, the business should audit its cleaning workflow process to identify what needs to be changed to ensure optimal efficiency. It is just as important to understand how the people assigned to cleaning tasks operate as it is to understand what the machinery offers.
By understanding the ideal cleaning workflow process before moving to a bigger warehouse, a warehouse manager will have the advantage of knowing how to address any issues, minimising growing pains.
Decide whether to rent or buy floor cleaning equipment
Contact us to learn about the merits of renting or buying a tailored floor cleaning equipment solution for a growing warehouse.
Every warehouse is unique. Each has specific cleaning requirements. A one-sized solution will not work for all warehouses. We offer tailored solutions that start with an in-depth site assessment and plan.
We offer short-term hire, long-term rental and outright purchase. Conquest is behind you all the way and can help you make the best decision for a growing warehouse operation.
Book a FREE site assessment today to receive a tailored recommendation from one of our cleaning solutions experts.
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