The holidays are right around the corner and that means the seasonal demands for warehouses are about to start picking up. The yearly burst of seasonal demands can be a stressful time, especially if you haven’t planned ahead. So here are some tips to keep your warehouse ahead of seasonal demands.
Set goals
Establish specific seasonal goals. Use the SMART goal acronym to get the best results. Warehouse goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound.
Communicate these goals clearly to everyone at the warehouse. Setting goals helps you and your workers to know specifically what you are trying to achieve.
Do your homework
Study historical data and sales insights to help forecast the expected demands. Looking into past years of demand gives you specific insights into what to expect. If you don’t have any historical data, consider developing a method to start collecting data. Talking to sales can also help you forecast the expected demands.
Make a plan
After setting goals and forecasting the expected demands, plan ahead on inventory. Inventory planning is tricky as you don’t want to over stock but you also don’t want to understock and fall behind. So it’s important to study past data and plan ahead carefully.
Find Staff
One of the most difficult pieces to the warehouse seasonal demand puzzle is finding the workers to actually get things done. Many warehouses utilize temporary workers to source the staff they need during the busy season. The best way to find quality temporary warehouse staffing is with on-demand staffing platforms.
With on-demand staffing platforms, warehouse managers simply post the shifts they need filled. Workers view the posted shifts on the app and apply for the shifts that work with their schedule. On-demand staffing app BACON gives warehouses the flexibility to match their staffing to their immediate needs.
doTERRA’s Lindon Fulfillment Center utilizes BACON to meet their unique needs. They have increased orders for the first two weeks of the month, but see a drop in orders the last half of the month.
With BACON, they are able to post the shifts they need at the beginning of the month. Then when orders slow down, they don’t post shifts for the end of the month.
Seasonal demands can be a stressful time for warehouse managers who don’t plan ahead. But with specific goals, inventory planning based on data, and a flexible and reliable staffing solution, the busy season can be a resounding success.
