packaging and paper products Challenge
THE CHALLENGE
A growing packaging and paper products supplier were managing a large and varied stock range, from cartons and boxes to paper products, packaging materials and specialist items. With hundreds of SKUs, multiple pack sizes and regular deliveries arriving and leaving the warehouse, keeping track of stock was becoming increasingly difficult. The warehouse team relied heavily on spreadsheets, paperwork and their own knowledge of where products were stored. As the business grew, this approach became harder to manage and increasingly dependent on individual members of staff.
THE PROBLEM
Stock was not always where the system said it should be. Products could be stored in different locations depending on available space, while similar-looking packaging products and different pack quantities made picking errors more likely. When customers placed urgent orders, warehouse staff sometimes had to spend valuable time searching for stock or checking whether the quantity shown on the system was available. This created several problems:
- Time wasted searching for products
- Picking and dispatch errors
- Difficulty maintaining accurate stock levels
- Too much reliance on individual employees’ knowledge
- Increased risk of overselling stock
- More time spent on stock checks and stocktakes
- Difficulty tracking fast-moving and slow-moving products
- Less visibility across the warehouse
THE SOLUTION
A Warehouse Management System gave the supplier greater control and visibility over its stock. With THINK WMS, products could be assigned specific warehouse locations, allowing staff to quickly see where stock was stored and how much was available. Barcode scanning helped warehouse operatives identify products accurately during goods-in, picking and dispatch, reducing the risk of selecting the wrong item or quantity. The system also provided real-time stock information, giving the office and warehouse teams a much clearer picture of inventory levels. Instead of relying on spreadsheets or one employee’s memory, the business had a central system showing what stock it had, where it was located and what needed to be picked and dispatched. The result was a more organised warehouse, fewer picking errors, improved stock accuracy and a team that could process orders more efficiently as the business continued to grow.
Are you worried that a warehouse management solution will be too expensive, or that you will be trapped in a long contract? To arrange a demo or discuss your requirements contact THINK; give us a call on 0330 350 0715, email enquiries@tkinv.com or complete the enquiry form below. We can work with your business to help save you money and drive down costs.