Warehousing And Logistics Play Critical Roles In Successful Distribution

By Dina Wright, Vice President of Operations, ACTION Chemical (dba) ACTION Janitorial Paper Safety

Customers prefer to do business with companies that are “easy” to do business with. Being a company that’s “easy” to do business with can be accomplished by keeping a keen focus on how efficient the warehousing and logistics departments are managed daily.

Not all processes, procedures or information systems are effective for every distributor. Company size plays a big part in finding the most effective S.O.P’s (standard operating procedures), KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators), and all other daily operating procedures. Finding the right mix of available technology for your company is key.

Those who manage the warehousing and logistics departments are equally important. Warehouse and logistic managers should have the insight and ability to make changes or improvements in any daily operating activity (if needed). “When or If” changes are made, managers should also possess the skill set to become a change agent for their teams; to ensure that any new process is understood and carried out so that the desired outcome is produced.

The key to success within warehousing is organization. Any facility operates more productively and efficient when the following are in place:

• No inventory overstock;
• Proper labeling;
• Employee training;
• Safety training; and,
• Housekeeping and measuring performances.

These are just a few key components to help make a successful warehouse department. Warehouse organization can also help in identifying problems within logistics.

Warehouse management errors can have a negative effect on logistics. Some of the most common areas of opportunity for improvement within logistics departments are: delivery delays, transportation cost, and lack of communication between departments.

Successful logistics departments have implemented the most appropriate information systems that provide routing capabilities, fleet in-use road behavior reports, maintenance reporting, etc. Use of the proper information system is the key to success.

Dina Wright has been a team member at ACTION JPS for five years. She was promoted to VP of Operations three years ago. Dina has over 12 years of experience in the jan/san industry. She manages ACTION JPS’ customer service team and purchasing department. The company’s warehouse manager and distribution department also report to Dina.

ACTION JPS is a full-service distributor that provides janitorial supplies, industrial chemicals, cleaning equipment, food-service disposables, PPE, office supplies, furniture, and safety products. Its vast product line gives customers choices. The company’s sales team provides quality service after the sale and has extensive product knowledge of the products that ACTION JPS sells. Visit www.actionjps.com.