QC Software's Guide to Managing a Successful Receiving Operation in the Warehouse

CINCINNATI, OH, May 17, 2012 (Press-News.org) For the warehouse or distribution center, fast and accurate processing of inbound inventory is the first step in achieving efficient order fulfillment. Without the right amount of inventory on hand and in the proper place, the volume of back orders and the cost per order can quickly skyrocket.

"The warehouse should be optimized for efficiency. You need an effective layout to avoid congestion, dynamic slotting to enhance put-away, and automation to simplify the process. In addition, make sure your vendors and work force comply with company policies and procedures," states Rich Hite, President of QC Software, a nationally recognized leader in warehouse control software.

Guidelines for managing a successful receiving operation:

Accurately process inbound inventory. An effective inventory management application identifies inventory, verifies receipts against purchase orders, and makes automatic adjustments in the system to provide accurate counts in real-time. As operators scan labels with RF scanners, built-in computers quickly and accurately verify and update records, thereby eliminating manual data entry.

Make sure vendors provide advance ship notices. With prior notice of delivery, you can more effectively allocate resources and improve put-away procedures.

Implement effective slotting. Slotting optimizes item placement for more efficient put-away, replenishment, and order fulfillment. It makes distribution operations more agile, safe and accurate, thereby reducing costs and increasing throughput.

Ensure efficient put-away. Your inventory management software can be configured to provide the operator with the proper storage location, and can accurately track the inventory as it is moves from one location to another. The software should accommodate both system directed and operator directed put-away for flexibility.

Review vendor compliance practices / policies. Compliant vendors improve the receiving process by scheduling shipments to arrive at the right time, with the right inventory, at the right amounts to fill orders. Make sure vendors provide the proper packaging, labeling and documentation to speed up the receiving process.

Cross dock your orders. When possible, cross dock inventory to reduce the holding time at the dock and expedite shipping. This will lower storage and handling costs and improve customer service.

Use robotics for loading, unloading and palletizing. Robotic devices can stage and transfer inventory quickly and safely.

Employ experienced people. Make sure your work force is trained on your computer system and equipment and understands company procedures.

With agile inventory management software, you can quickly and accurately process, update and track inventory, optimize storage, reduce put-away time, and improve order fulfillment rates. Use advanced technologies such as RF devices and robotics to speed up the time needed to verify and transfer inventory. Ensure vendor compliance for proper documentation, packaging and scheduling. Finally, you need a well trained staff to properly execute the process.

QC Software is recognized as an industry leader in providing innovative and adaptive software solutions for order fulfillment and distribution centers. Their warehouse control system provides advanced management capabilities for inventory control, resource scheduling and order management. For over 16 years, these solutions have enabled customers throughout North America and in Europe to streamline their warehouse operations with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.

For more information, contact Jerry List
Phone: 513.469.1424
Website: http://www.qcsoftware.com
Email: info@qcsoftware.com