Warehouse managers cannot improve what they cannot measure, and by the same token, they cannot manage what they do not understand. In the modern world, warehousing entails much more than just moving products; it involves countless transactions, thousands of people, systems located around the globe, and information being used through big data to derive additional insights, while using intelligent supply chain management strategies. As a result, warehouse managers can lose sight of the most important questions they need to be able to answer at a moment’s notice to truly stay informed and focused on continuous improvement.

The Problem: Too Much Information Creates Upset

Warehouse managers have plenty of responsibilities, but answering certain questions about the use of data and status of activities in a warehouse can act as a roadmap for managers attempting to navigate the complexities of new systems, processes, and industrial standards. As a result, warehouse managers suffer from old information overload, trying to manage too many things, and using information sparingly. However, a solution exists.

The Solution: Use a System That Provides Information in Digestible Bits

To avoid the pitfalls of information overload, warehouse managers should use a system that makes reporting and collaborating with supply chain partners easier, as explained by Aero Fulfillment. It sounds incredibly complicated, but warehouse managers can boil all questions down to how they can affect the performance of the warehouse and its employees. In other words, they revolve around a more basic question: “Am I tracking the right warehouse metrics?”

The Reward: Look for a System That Makes Tracking Metrics and Answering Quality Questions Easier

The push toward reinvestment into new technology and warehouse systems, including an order management system and a warehouse management system, should not be a fly-by-night process. Warehouse managers should ensure the chosen system is able to track some specific metrics that have some key qualities, prerequisites to developing To make sure you are asking the right questions, here is the definitive list:

• “Am I tracking the right key performance indicators (KPIs) for my warehouse?”
• “Do my metrics reflect accurate information, like true cost of inventory management?”
• “Are people doing their jobs, and how do I know they are working efficiently?”
• “How relevant (read: current) is the information used in calculating metrics?”
• “When and how will stocks arrive?”
• “Is my warehouse management style indicative of a good leader?”

The right system will allow warehouse managers to answer these questions by revealing the necessary steps to improve operations, like scheduling additional freight pickups, reviewing employee performance, developing a new, inbound freight routing guide, using feedback from employees to improve as a leader, and tapping into the value of real-time analytics and metrics.

Start Asking the Right Questions Now

Being a manager can be a challenging task, but you can grow more efficient and effective in your role. By knowing which questions to ask about your operation, you can identify strengths and weaknesses, and make continuous improvement a reality.

Veridian can help you realize your supply chain success. Fill out the contact information below in order to schedule a consultation call with one of our supply chain professionals.