Footwear Warehousing: 5 Facts About Improving Efficiency

For 83% of warehouse managers’ their top priority is to lower operations costs. This is up 5% from 2014 according to a Peerless Research Group Survey. This is not an unusual focus when you consider the massive shift occurring from brick & mortar retail to e-commerce. The footwear industry is a prime example. No longer is going to the mall for a pair of shoes a consumer’s first choice. Many consumers now prefer shopping from the comfort of their home or the convenience of a mobile device.

Online shopping, e-commerce platforms and mobile technology have created a new and growing power for the consumer. They are able to shop when and where they like, ship to when and where they need, and have more options than ever before. These new elements of omni-channel fulfillment have forced footwear companies to respond and their existing infrastructure to evolve-none more important than the warehouse. Here are 5 facts and trends about how warehouse efficiency is growing.

Warehouse Management System (WMS) Upgrade

38% of warehouse managers plan to implement or invest in a new warehouse management system in 2015, up from 21% in 2014.

Automation

Higher velocity and more pressing demands can all be handled with automation technology. 75% of a warehouse employee’s time can be spent walking around the warehouse collecting items. Automation and conveyance can drastically reduce this time.

Increase in Supply Chain Visibility

In 2014, 28% of warehouse managers were focused on increasing supply chain visibility. In 2015 that number has grown to 59%.

Incentive Pay

With a large portion of warehouse staff having pick and pack responsibilities, an effective bonus or incentive plan can have a tremendous impact to productivity.

Optimizing Warehouse Space

The number one priority for warehouses, according to a Peerless Research Survey, is optimizing warehouse space. 91% of respondents cited this as highly important, with only 1% claiming it as unimportant.

The changing landscape that is reshaping the footwear industry will only continue to become more complex and competitive. However, with efficient practices and effective processes in place, these new demands can all be met while keeping costs manageable. Barrett Distribution Centers specializes in supply chain and warehouse management for footwear companies.