Managing a distribution centre can be a nightmare.

Glitches in supply chain management have been blamed for everything from Apple’s ‘Bendgate’ to the quality of Lululemon yoga pants.

As a distribution centre, your business is right in the middle of the standard supply chain. Therefore the processes that control your business has a knock-on effect on other parts of the chain; especially the most important part; the customer.

Businesses have garnered terrible reviews because of glitches in their supply chain. From delaying parcels marked next day delivery, to goods arriving in pieces, the warehouse has been blamed for many issues. This leads to loss of revenue for the retailer as the customer returns the goods and a potential loss of a client for you. Does the thought give you nightmares? Me too.

As suppliers of warehouse equipment, we have seen first hand how a poorly run warehouse can lead to major supply issues.

Over the years, we have found relatively simple holes that you can quickly plug and boost the performance of your section of the supply chain.

In our little corner of the supply chain world, we know pallets, pallet racking and forklifts. The following are tips to help your warehouse fit into a supply chain.

• Did you know that wooden pallets can cause more problems than they solve? Sure they are easily repaired, recyclable, can carry much more weight than plastic ones. They also splinter, are susceptible to moisture, can harbour insects etc. Plastic pallets, generally, are more durable, easier to clean, (and reuse) and are weather-resistant. The point here is to know what type of freight you handle and have the right pallet in place.

• Always check the cost versus benefit. As a small operation, can you afford to invest in expensive plastic pallets from the onset? Again, it depends on the products you are carrying. Large but fragile products are usually placed on individual pallets. Is the cost of careful handling on plastic pallets greater than potentially damaging the goods, leading to upset customers?

• Whilst most warehouses can comfortably handle different goods, some are more specialised with their freight. The equipment required in a warehouse distributing pharmaceuticals or food will differ from that used in an auto parts distribution centre. Using specially designed equipment for climate control and employing tight security for monitoring, all require the use of trained personnel.

• While we don’t advocate buying brand new top of the range forklifts (not at first), but buying a model over a decade old is also not acceptable. Your forklifts should have modern features, such as wireless communication to allow easy recording of vital data, advanced safety features such as adjustable operator compartment and controls, operator steps, audible and visible parking brake warnings etc.

• Ensure the fork lift supplier provides prompt after-sales support. Buy from dealers with their own dedicated technicians and parts inventory. A good dealer should alert you when trucks are overdue for maintenance repairs. They should also be clear on the level of warranty coverage they offer.

• The storage capacity of a warehouse is directly related to the type and amount of racking installed. Using the wrong type of rack for a product can lead to under utilisation of space, damaged goods. accidents etc. Pallet racking is one piece of equipment you can buy in a used or refurbished condition, as long as the appropriate pre-purchase checks are carried out.

Being a reliable part of the supply chain can lead to more business and profits. But if your building, it’s equipment and processes fall short, you can easily find yourself at the wrong end of a lawsuit and lost profits. Monarch Shelving is a leader in the supply of new and refurbished warehouse equipment, pallet racks (all types), workbenches, work stations etc. Contact us today.