Warehousing efficiency in a small warehouse

Small warehouses generally have different needs than large warehouses. They usually do not have warehouse management systems that are data intensive and involve high capital investment. Operational procedures are more nebulous and management control is less rigid. Because of the difference in operational approach, different measures are needed in order to enhance productivity. This paper describes the results and insights gained from a study of the inventory control and warehouse operations at an industrial distributor of maintenance and repair items. The accuracy of the inventory and the efficiency of order picking are studied and appropriate measures are proposed in order to improve operations. Improvements are in the areas of process organization, inventory accuracy, inventory control, and order picking. Implementations and results are reported. Major improvements include lowering inventory levels and more efficient order picking.