Efficiency in Cleveland warehousing is essential for a company to thrive. This is especially true when inventory is one of a business’s largest assets – and biggest expenses. But warehousing is a huge undertaking, which is why  so many firms outsource this crucial function to third-party logistics teams that specialize in it.

Third-party logistics companies, or 3PLs, work in varying capacities to manage your supply chain. Warehousing is a critical cog in the supply chain wheelhouse, key to the protection, packaging and delivery of your goods from the front end of production to the final consumer destination.

There can be benefit in managing in-house warehousing, but it should be understood it’s a challenging specialty enterprise all its own.

How Our Cleveland Warehousing Company Stays Ahead

One of the main secrets of successful Cleveland warehousing is flexibility and willingness to adapt to change – sudden and long-term. 3PL teams can’t assume that just because things are currently going well that they always will. Tactics can and should evolve as circumstances change, demands shift and costs fluctuate.

In part, this means keeping abreast of advancing technology, but also appreciating that the best asset of any operation isn’t the latest machinery but rather the people using it. The success of our people is key to the success of our Cleveland warehousing operations. Propagating a positive workplace culture in the warehouse is paramount to warehouse productivity.

This is especially important given the current warehousing labor market crunch, which shows no signs of easing anytime soon. The majority of those who work in distribution centers are reported to live within a 20-mile radius of the warehouse. Being centrally-located in the greater Cleveland area gives One Time Delivery and Warehouse a leg up in this field when it comes to recruiting and retaining skilled workers.

Cleveland Warehousing Functions and Considerations

Functions of Cleveland warehousing can vary depending on the size of the operation and specialties, but generally involve the purchase of goods, inventory management, storage, packaging and kitting and preparation and arrangement of timely, secure transportation. Not only is this expensive, it’s tough to track and get right.

Inbound and outbound inventory must be stocked, accounted for and traceable at all times. Processes and procedures must be vetted, clear and overseen to ensure they are meticulously followed in order to mitigate the potential for costly errors.

An effective warehousing manager must also minimize misplaced product and inventory counts, delays or damage by addressing:

• Inaccuracies in purchase orders and receipts;
• Inadequate communication between warehouse workers;
• Poor cooperation between company departments;
• Time management problems;
• Poorly organized warehouse space.

A breakdown on any one of these points can result in lost or damaged inventory, impacting customer confidence and satisfaction. Third party logistics firms that excel in Cleveland warehousing are prepared with checklists, checkpoints, rules and processes firmly in place to ensure the correct incoming product is stored in the appropriate spot, pulled for the right customer in the precise quantity and then shipped to the proper address.

Some warehouses use manual inventory tracking systems, though many are increasingly relying on automated systems. In either case, it’s mission critical that the information be reviewed and verified and the process kept transparent for shippers. Accuracy is paramount – something for which every worker in that warehouse must feel accountable and every supervisor must ensure processes and procedures are meticulously followed.

Companies that manage their own Cleveland warehousing often find difficulties arise with interdepartmental communication and transparency. Both are key to ensuring as few mistakes as possible. Some companies find that limiting the personnel who have access to the warehouse is By outsourcing that work to an established 3PL, businesses are assured that the daily rigors of the job itself as well as essential communications are expertly managed.

Meticulous record-keeping is also most important. It’s nearly impossible to maintain reliable stock records if the tasks aren’t tracked, causing issues for the warehouse but also procurement. Vigorous inventory control systems are a necessity, allowing for varying levels of authorization in secured areas is key so there is a clear line of accountability.

If you have questions about our Cleveland supply chain management strategies and solutions, contact On Time Delivery & Warehouse by calling (440) 826-4630 or sending us an email.

Additional Resources:

2018 Warehouse / Distribution Center Survey: Labor crunch driving automation, Nov. 5, 2018, Logistics Management

More Blog Entries:

The Value of Supply Chain Visibility in Northeast Ohio Warehousing & Logistics, Sept. 16, 2019, Cleveland Warehousing Blog