Issues like failing to implement FIFO, inventory discrepancies, long full-warehouse counts, inaccurate shipping numbers, low shipping efficiency, and high warehouse losses... In small companies, the warehouse supervisor is more important than the financial supervisor. Why? Because warehouse management in small companies is five times more complex than finance. Warehouse management covers many points and areas; you can start with simple tasks and gradually improve efficiency. Let's begin with the first technical point: the warehouse gate.

  1. Keep nothing at the warehouse gate Do not place anything related to the goods, such as promotional materials or packaging boxes, as thieves can easily identify what is stored inside. Also, avoid marking numbers like "Warehouse 1" as it may reveal the existence of a second warehouse nearby.
  2. Place heavy, low-value items at the gate Print a networked alarm icon on the door, or place heavy, low-value items (e.g., stone) at the warehouse entrance.
  3. Seal ventilation holes in rolling doors Many fires occur because cigarette butts are thrown into ventilation holes.
  4. Repair broken window glass immediately Broken glass is a test for thieves; if they see it unrepaired, they know management is lax. So repair any broken glass right away.
  5. Prepare seals from other companies in advance
  6. Set up a ramp in front of the loading dock Considering the varying heights of truck beds, install a ramp at the dock.
  7. Apply frosted film to windows to let light in but not visibility
  8. Protect hand trucks Prevent hand trucks from damaging outer packaging.
  9. Use arrival schedules Both purchasing and warehouse supervisor keep a copy.
  10. Seal off goods not to be shipped For goods clearly not to be shipped, take sealing measures using cargo nets or stretch film.
  11. Use clipboards with attached lights and magnifiers Poor lighting in warehouses can cause errors; attach a small light to the clipboard to read documents accurately, and clip shipping documents together.
  12. Use safety ladders with locking wheels This improves efficiency for high-level picking and is much safer.
  13. Notes on warehouse monitoring displays Ensure backup power (UPS) for monitors, lasting at least two hours; otherwise, a power cut renders them useless. The ratio of real to dummy cameras is typically 1:3. Use high-definition cameras at the main gate, valuable goods area, and returns processing area, with multi-angle coverage to eliminate blind spots. Have at least three monitors, using cheap second-hand computer monitors or old TVs, placed in the salesperson's office, finance, and sales clerk's office. Multiple monitors in multiple locations increase deterrence. The traditional practice of placing them only in the boss's office has limited effect.
  14. Install battery-operated motion-sensor lights in dark areas
  15. Monthly maintenance of carts and lubricant supply Inspect all carts monthly, replace wheels as needed (it's inexpensive), and keep a few cans of anti-rust lubricant (about $20 each) for direct spraying.
  16. Use fixed-position emergency flashlights Mount flashlights on walls with no switch; they light up when removed and turn off when replaced. Employees won't take them for personal use. Pan Wenfu Distributor Topic Researcher With over 20 years in the distribution industry, he is now the most prolific author on distributor topics in China. He has developed and produced over a hundred management and business tools for distributor companies to help improve sales performance. [WeChat public account: Senpan Consulting] -END- Content Selection Reply with the following keywords to search and read related articles: Sales Supervisor, Second-tier Management, Regional Manager, Distributor Management, New Channels, City Manager, Competition, 2015, Manufacturer-Dealer Game, Product Stagnation, Terminal Visit Management, Route Management, Deep Distribution, Internal Management, Sales Skills, Profit Improvement, Recruitment, Distribution, Daily Management, Team Motivation, Channel Promotion, Sales Misconceptions, New Product Launch, Township Market, New Product Pricing, Sales Target Achievement, Closing, Market Visit Inspection, Baijiu, Beer, Sales Increase, Agency Products, Cross-region Sales, KA, Terminal Merchandising, New Market, Market Operation, Learning, Book Recommendations, Inventory Management, New Salespeople, Consumer Promotion, Execution, Old Products, Expired Product Handling, Model Market, Investment Attraction, New Media, Distributor Development, Performance Appraisal, Assessment, Annual Planning, Shopping Guide, Morning Meeting, Display, Transformation, Stock Pressure, Holidays, Distributor Cost Control, Channel Operation, Marketing Theory and Laws, Brand Truth, Order Meeting, Team Management, Training, Debriefing, Debriefing Report.