Must-Have Features When Setting Up a New Distribution Center
You’ve selected your niche, obtained a business license, and signed contracts with retailers. Now, you’re ready to join the supply chain! Your new distribution center cannot function without these must-have safety features and advanced technology.
Find a Central Location for the Building
A well-placed distribution center ensures faster delivery and higher customer satisfaction. That’s why selecting a central location is ideal. It will minimize shipping times and costs with easy access to major highways, transport hubs, other suppliers, and your clients.
Choose a Supply of Advanced Security Seals
You don’t want your distribution center to contribute to one of the biggest supply chain issues of the year—theft! Robbery and tampering negatively affect distribution centers and the transportation of goods, so security seals are must-haves.
Electronic seals with RFID (radio frequency identification) technology are the best options. You can track shipments at every stage and receive immediate alerts about their status. Plus, people are less likely to steal with these tags in place, so you guarantee that every product is safe for distribution.
Invest in Material Handling Equipment
The efficiency of a distribution center largely hinges on the material handling equipment. With ongoing labor shortages impacting supply chains, investing in advanced equipment is essential for maintaining productivity and reducing reliance on manual labor.
Automated systems such as conveyors, forklifts, and sorting machines accelerate the movement of goods while minimizing the risk of injury to employees. Equipping your distribution center with these tools positions you to manage inventory, adapt to staffing challenges, and maintain a seamless flow of operations.
Form a Reliable Electronic Inventory Tracking System
Manual inventory tracking methods lead to inefficiencies and mistakes. Implement an electronic inventory tracking system to maintain real-time visibility of your stock levels. Automated systems reduce the risk of human error and streamline replenishment processes. Integrate IoT sensors and AI for improving customer experiences and enhancing predictive analytics.
Establish a Detailed Labeling System
An effective labeling system increases product organization and the efficiency of teams in your distribution center. Implement color-coded labels to simplify identification and categorization and help employees quickly locate items.
Each label should also include details such as product names, quantities, and storage locations. This well-designed labeling system enhances accuracy and boosts operational efficiency across the entire center.
Enact Safety Features for the Staff
A new and successful distribution center cannot function without safety features for employees! Here are a few must-haves when setting up the facility.
Wear Reflective Gear
Equipping employees with reflective clothing is an important safety measure. This apparel enhances visibility in busy environments or low-light conditions. Employees operating machinery will clearly see their coworkers walking about the facility and steer clear of them.
Establish Walkways
Painting walkways or using LED paths will establish clear spaces for pedestrian traffic. They’re easy to navigate for people on the ground. Plus, staff operating machinery will have a clear view of the path and know when it’s safe to pass.
Install Collision Barriers
Accidents in the workplace occur when moving vehicles and equipment intersect with pedestrian areas. Establishing collision barriers is an additional precaution to restrict machines from accessing these spaces. The barriers will establish a work environment where your team feels safe.