Warehousing Archives - Barnes Logistics

How To Store & Manage The Transport Of Palleted Goods

July 22, 2024/in News, Warehousing/by The Source Partnership

At Barnes, we have over 20 years of experience in warehousing and logistics and have developed extensive expertise in managing and transporting palleted goods for businesses across the UK. With our knowledge and experience, we want to provide other logistics companies with valuable guidance on effective storage and transportation solutions by discussing the best practices for managing and storing palleted goods.

Managing and Storing Palleted Goods

Proper management and storage of palleted goods are essential for maintaining an efficient supply chain. Here are some general best practices to consider:

1. Optimised Racking Systems

Using modern racking systems can maximise space and improve accessibility, which are critical components in effective warehouse management. Optimised racking systems involve strategic organisation and storage methods designed to make the best use of available vertical and horizontal space, allowing warehouses to store more goods within the same footprint. There are a few types of racking systems which may work best for you, these can be Selective Racking and Drive-In/Drive-Through.

2. Temperature Control

It is crucial to store temperature-sensitive items in climate-controlled environments to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage. Different products require different storage conditions, and maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is key to preserving their integrity. Investing in temperature control solutions can save businesses from significant losses due to spoiled or damaged goods.

3. Inventory Management

Implementing a robust inventory management system helps track stock levels, monitor turnover rates, and manage replenishments. Accurate inventory management reduces the risk of stockouts or overstocking. Utilising technology like barcoding, RFID tags, and real-time inventory tracking software can greatly enhance the efficiency of inventory management.

4. Safety Protocols

Adhering to safety protocols protects both the goods and the personnel handling them. This includes proper labelling, secure stacking of pallets, and regular safety inspections. Training staff on safe handling practices and ensuring that all equipment is regularly maintained can prevent accidents and reduce downtime.

Transporting Palleted Goods

Effective transportation of palleted goods requires careful planning and coordination:

1. Route Planning

Optimising delivery routes minimises transit times and reduces fuel costs, ensuring timely deliveries and enhancing efficiency. Advanced route planning software can help identify the most efficient routes, considering factors like traffic, road conditions, and delivery windows.

2. Loading and Unloading

Careful loading and unloading prevent damage to goods. Using appropriate equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and training personnel in safe handling practices is essential. Properly securing loads during transit also helps prevent shifting and damage.

3. Tracking and Monitoring

Utilising tracking systems to monitor the movement of goods in real-time provides visibility into the status of deliveries and helps address any issues promptly. Real-time tracking also enhances customer satisfaction by providing accurate delivery estimates and updates.

At Barnes, we implement Just In Time Logistics (JIT) to enhance efficiency through precise timing. This system ensures that goods are re-stocked and distributed just before they are needed, reducing the cost of carrying excess inventory and improving overall efficiency.

By accurately calculating lead times, JIT allows for more streamlined operations and significant cost savings on inventory. This method not only optimises warehouse space but also ensures that products are available when needed, without the burden of excess stock.

Barnes Warehousing and Transport Solutions

At Barnes, we offer comprehensive warehousing and stock management solutions integrated with our transport operations. Our Rochdale facility features 50,000 square feet of modern racked warehousing using wire-guided Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) trucks to maximise efficiency. This setup allows us to handle large volumes of goods with precision and care, ensuring that we make the most of the available space.

Our bespoke Warehouse Management System (WMS) tracks product locations within our facility, ensuring quick retrieval and efficient handling. This system supports both pick and pack operations and full pallet movements, allowing us to cater to various customer needs.

For transportation, our fleet handles full loads, as well as offering cost-effective solutions for smaller consignments. Additionally, our pallet network partners enable us to deliver individual pallet consignments efficiently and reliably. Whether you need to move a single pallet or an entire truckload, Barnes has the resources and expertise to ensure your goods reach their destination safely and on time.

By following best practices for storage and management, businesses can enhance the efficiency and reliability of their supply chains. Barnes state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team are committed to delivering exceptional service and support.

For expert guidance and support in warehousing and logistics, you can visit our website. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and X to stay updated on all things logistics and learn more about our comprehensive services!

How We Use Warehouse Management Systems To Streamline Our Work

April 11, 2024/in News, Warehousing/by The Source Partnership

If you’re looking at success in logistics, then efficiency is the key to achieve it. At Barnes, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve and delivering top-notch services to our clients. That’s where our Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) come into play! They are the secret to keeping our operations running smoothly and our clients satisfied.

This month, we’re going to dive into how we use our Warehouse Management Systems to streamline our work and how they keep us at the top of our game.

Why We Use Warehouse Management Systems

Maximising Space

Our main warehouse (located in Rochdale) spans an impressive 50,000 square feet, which is optimised for maximum efficiency. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art technologies and implemented strategic layout designs to ensure every square foot of our space is utilised effectively for our clients. From innovative storage solutions, to streamlined workflows, our warehouse is a well-oiled machine designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Precise Tracking

Our bespoke WMS plays a crucial role in tracking product location within our warehouses. With real-time visibility into inventory levels and locations, we can efficiently manage stock levels, minimise stockouts, and ensure accurate order fulfilment for our clients. Whether it’s pick and pack operations or full pallet movements, our systems provide the necessary tools to streamline these processes and maintain optimal inventory control.

Flexible Fulfilment Options

At Barnes, we understand that every client has unique needs. That’s why WMS are designed to offer flexible fulfilment options. Whether you require full loads, groupage, or individual pallet deliveries, our own fleet and pallet network partners are at your disposal. This flexibility enables businesses to tailor services to meet the specific requirements of each client, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery solutions.

While our focus remains on optimising warehouse operations at Barnes, it’s worth exploring the diverse range of features offered by various Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) beyond our own. Let’s take a closer look at some key functionalities that are commonly found across different WMS platforms.

Types Of Warehouse Management Systems Used Across Logistics

1. Automated Material Handling Systems

Ever wonder how things move seamlessly in a warehouse? This is where Automated Material Handling systems comes in. From conveyor belts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and robotic arms, they are widely used in warehouses to automate repetitive tasks such as picking and packing. These systems enhance efficiency, increase output, and reduce labour costs by eliminating the need for manual intervention in material handling processes.

2. Barcode and RFID Technology

Barcode and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is another essential tool used in Warehouse Management Systems. These sophisticated tools play a vital role in WMS, facilitating precise and efficient inventory tracking across the supply chain. Through the simple act of scanning barcodes or RFID tags, warehouse staff can swiftly identify and locate products, streamline order fulfilment processes, and significantly reduce errors associated with manual data entry. Overall, these technologies serve as essential assets, ensuring the smooth and accurate operation of warehouse facilities.

3. Batch Packing

Batch picking is a really smart warehouse management technique that’s all about efficiency. Instead of picking items one order at a time, batch picking allows our team to fulfil multiple orders simultaneously by grouping together items that are located close to each other in the warehouse. It’s like hitting multiple hurdles with one leap, saving time and energy while ensuring orders are processed swiftly and accurately. With batch picking, companies are able to streamline operations, reduce picking times, and enhance overall productivity in the warehouse.

4. Cross-Docking

Cross-docking is a savvy logistics strategy that’s all about efficiency. Incoming shipments from suppliers are unloaded and seamlessly loaded onto outbound trucks for direct delivery to customers, skipping the storage step in the warehouse altogether. This approach isn’t just about saving space – it’s a game-changer for cutting down on inventory holding costs, slashing order processing times, and speeding up the flow of goods through the distribution network. In essence, it’s like a fast lane for getting products from point A to point B!

Warehouse Management Systems play a crucial role in optimising warehouse operations and enhancing efficiency in the logistics industry. At Barnes, our bespoke WMS allows us to maximise space, track products with precision, and offer flexible fulfilment options to meet the diverse needs of our clients. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and best practices, we continue to lead the way in delivering trusted and timely logistical support to businesses across the UK and beyond. Contact us to find out more about our warehousing solutions and how we can support your business.

What Kinds Of Businesses Do We Service Here At Barnes Logistics?

November 29, 2023/in Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, Warehousing/by The Source Partnership

In the fast-paced world of logistics, Barnes stands out as a seasoned player with decades of expertise. Our commitment to delivering trusted and timely logistical support has made us a go-to partner for a diverse range of industries, particularly those relying on ‘Just in Time’ (JIT) solutions.

We offer a range of services to many clients across the UK, embodying our core values of precision, efficiency, and reliability. In this blog, we delve into the specifics of the industries we serve and the tailored solutions we provide at Barnes.

1. Logistics Expertise Tailored to Your Needs

With a fleet of over 100 drivers and cutting-edge transport technologies, Barnes ensures that each customer receives a customised logistical solution. Based in Rochdale with strategic links to the UK’s major road networks, our headquarters is perfectly situated for both intra- and international travel. Our specialised knowledge in JIT logistics guarantees precise timing for maximum efficiency, ensuring goods are restocked and distributed before they run out.

Automotive Logistics

Supplying JIT solutions to leading UK automotive manufacturers, our Transport Management System enhances efficiency, from job orders to live vehicle tracking. We pride ourselves on over 20 years of experience in this high-profile sector.

Specialised Transportation

Embarking on the realm of Specialised Transportation, Barnes Logistics excels in securely moving unique goods for a diverse range of customers. With a team of skilled drivers and purpose-built assets, we prioritise the safe and efficient transport of specialised items. Utilising modern security methods, we guarantee confidentiality and reliability throughout the journey, ensuring your distinct cargo is handled with utmost care and professionalism.

Contract Logistics

Whether you need a fully managed fleet from one site or multiple locations, Barnes has extensive experience in offering bespoke solutions. Let us handle compliance and regulatory matters, allowing you to focus on your core business.

Hazardous Goods Transportation

Equipped to handle dangerous goods classes, Barnes ensures the secure and reliable transportation of hazardous goods. With Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) accreditation, we are the ideal choice for quality hazardous goods transportation.

Overnight Trunking

Collaborating with major overnight freight networks, Barnes Logistics offers adhoc services to meet increased demand across many different industries, ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Available Equipment

Our diverse fleet includes Ekeri Trailers, Bulk Liquid Tankers, Car Transporters, Low Loaders, Flat beds, Skeletals, and Curtain Siders.

2. Warehousing Excellence in Rochdale

Spanning 50,000 sqft, our modern racked warehousing in Rochdale employs wire guided VNA trucks to maximise space efficiency. Our bespoke Warehouse Management System enables precise product tracking, with pick and pack operations, full pallet movements, and a dedicated fleet at your disposal.

3. Commercial Vehicle Maintenance

Our workshop, staffed by experienced commercial vehicle mechanics, provides comprehensive maintenance support. Equipped with diagnostic tools and R2C software, we offer one-off repairs, complete fleet maintenance, inspections every 6 weeks, defect management, and rectification to ensure your fleet remains compliant at all times.

At Barnes, our commitment to excellence extends across various sectors, making us the preferred logistics partner for businesses with diverse and specialised needs.

Maximising efficiency for logistics distribution

July 28, 2023/in Driving, News, Warehousing/by The Source Partnership

As one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist ‘Just in Time’ logistics solutions, its vital that we operate as efficiently as possible to ensure that we can meet the needs of our customers.

Operating from seven sites across the country, our cultural and strategic initiatives have helped us to provide effective and reliable logistical solutions to a range of businesses.

In this blog, we’ll explore the ways in which Barnes maximises efficiency for its logistics distribution, from effective order tracking in the warehouse to valuing our drivers.

Working closely with customers

Understanding the needs of our clients is intrinsic to our operations and by working closely with them to establish the solutions they require; from the warehouse to the final delivery, we can ensure our distribution is completed as efficiently as possible.

By collaborating closely with our customers, we’re able to gain a deeper understanding of their unique requirements, preferences, and priorities and this knowledge allows us to tailor our services to meet specific customer needs effectively.

When we align our logistics services closely with the demands of the customer, it reduces the risk of miscommunication, errors, and delays, leading to a more efficient operation.

In addition, working collaboratively and having effective communication helps to foster stronger relationships with our customers.

Having a good relationship built on trust and mutual understanding encourages customers to share valuable insights and feedback, allowing the us to continuously improve our services.

Long-term partnerships enhance stability for both parties and create a competitive advantage for Barnes that’s built on greater operational efficiency.

Effective order tracking

Effective order tracking in the warehouse is an essential part of operating efficiently, whether this is achieved through implementing technology such as a Warehouse Management System or by maintaining excellent records.

Here at Barnes, we’re lucky to have such a brilliant team that diligently maintain records of order which in turn helps us to track the progress of incoming and gives our customers peace of mind.

Our team’s excellent record maintenance allows us to accurately trace incoming and outgoing stock, which enable us to maintain optimal inventory levels, avoid under or overstocking and make informed decisions about replenishment and procurement.

Ultimately, having these records help us to reduce costs, prevent wastage, and improve overall operational efficiency and agility.

Teamwork and communications

We’re a close-knit team here at Barnes, with excellent communications between sites, drivers and warehouse operatives essential to operating in an efficient way and delivering the best possible service for our customers.

Effective teamwork and communication ensure that these teams work cohesively, accurately and in a timely manner. When there’s coordination between different areas of the company, it minimises delays and helps to streamline the entire logistics process, which ultimately improves our ability to respond to the needs of customers.

However, unfortunately, the nature of working within the logistics industry means sometimes we’ll encounter unexpected challenges, such as transportation disruptions, last-minute orders, and supply chain issues.

The strong internal teamwork culture we have here at Barnes means our team feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas. By having collaborative problem-solving and decision-making processes, we’re able to address issues proactively and find efficient solutions, as a team, that prevent disruptions to the supply chain.

We’re proud to have such a fantastic team who always go the extra mile to ensure that we can provide our customers with high-quality logistical solutions.

Valuing our drivers

Barnes’ team of talented drivers are integral to our operations and their brilliant work is central to ensuring we can maximise efficiency when it comes to logistics distribution.

Here at Barnes, our drivers are never ‘just a number’ and over the last few years we’ve taken positive strides in further enhancing their experiences in the role, as well as ensuring they feel valued, supported and respected.

This progress was achieved through the introduction of initiatives such as staff training, which gave our team the opportunity to learn more about the best way to communicate with drivers, and the creation of a SNAP parking account that ensures they can access safe and secure rest points while on the road.

By improving their conditions and experience, our talented drivers are more motivated to perform to the best of their ability, which increases their productivity and ultimately helps us to become more efficient, meaning we can offer our customers an even better service.

These are just some of the things we do to ensure we can maximise our operational efficiency for our ‘Just in Time’ logistics distribution.

If you’d like to hear more insights from us here at Barnes, follow us on our Twitter and LinkedIn pages!

From The North West to International – Where Barnes Covers

June 29, 2023/in Driving, lorry, News, Warehousing/by The Source Partnership

Barnes is one of the logistics industry’s leading providers of logistical support and warehousing for time-critical businesses.

While we may be headquartered in the North West, we operate across the country and have also provided logistics solutions for customers across Europe over the last few years.

In this blog, we’ll explore Barnes’ operations and look at how from our headquarters in the North West, as well as our sites across the country, we support a national and even international client base.

What services do Barnes provide?

Firstly, from warehousing to road haulage, let’s take a look at the services that Barnes provides. Operating from more than seven sites across the UK, we offer customers the ‘complete package’ when it comes to our quality logistics support.

With over 100 brilliant drivers out on the road every day, our haulage team make up a vital part of the supply chain and deliver to a broad range of ‘Just In Time’ industries.

They’re backed up by our incredible warehousing team who consistently go the extra mile to help us ensure that we can operate efficiently and continue to provide leading logistics support to time-critical businesses.

Our ‘complete package’ offering means we can support businesses from different sectors including the automotive, distribution and manufacturing industries and maintain an efficient supply chain.

North West hub

Barnes is headquartered in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, close to the M62 and M60 motorways which provides our logistics team with fantastic links to the UK’s wider road networks.

From our North West hub, we’re able to reach businesses across the UK and easily access major commercial centres such as Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, London and near neighbours Manchester.

Our Rochdale headquarters is also home to the warehousing team, who work in tandem with drivers to help streamline our operations and improve the efficiency of our distribution.

As such, our headquarters is ideally located and set up for intra- and international travel and ensures we can be specialists in ‘Just In Time’ logistics.

National logistical support

We operate from a number of sites across the UK, which improves our ability to meet customer needs and remove customer concerns regarding delivery and distribution.

Also in the North West, we have a site at Nantwich which is home to our commercial vehicle maintenance centre and an important operational hub.

Meanwhile in Yorkshire and the North East, Barnes operates from strategic sites at Howden, Bradford, Durham and Teesside, in addition to a West Midlands base at Coventry.

Each site has excellent links to the UK’s wider road network and with bases across the country, we’re able to provide tailored logistical support on a national basis.

International coverage

Over the years, Barnes has also provided crucial warehousing and logistics support to clients with an international reach, which has meant that Barnes fleet of drivers have covered a whole host of international destinations.

The UK and Ireland enjoy close economic ties, with total trade between the two amounting to £83.7 billion in 2022 and logistics has been central to fuelling this economic partnership.

So, its little surprise that we have provided logistics support to a number of customers across the Irish Sea in areas such as County Clare and County Mayo.

Elsewhere in the EU, we’ve delivered to Precigne in north-western France and the southern town of Oosterhout in the Netherlands. Over their respective borders in Germany, our drivers’ destinations have included the city of Wolfsburg, as well as the industrial towns of Ramstein-Miesenbach and Spangdahlem.

Barnes has also covered Sweden, delivering to key businesses in the country’s major commercial centres of Gothenburg and Linköping.

Being able to provide agile and efficient national and international coverage is down to our talented team, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure that our customers are provided with exceptional service.

AI in the workplace: Does it suit in logistics?

April 4, 2023/in Logistics, News, Warehousing/by The Source Partnership

The logistics industry is the heartbeat of the UK economy, with a diverse range of transportation modes, delivery requirements, and regulatory frameworks.

However, while the sector thrives on the integration of innovative technological solutions, just how suited is Artificial Intelligence technology to logistics?

In this blog, we’ll explore how AI can help to optimise logistics operations by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Warehousing

Warehousing is a key part of the supply chain and AI can help logistics firms to operate more efficiently in this space, from assisting with sales forecasting to inventory management.

Demand forecasting

AI solutions can utilise statistical modelling to provide logistics companies with an understanding of, and ability to forecast future consumer demand so that they can allocate resources more effectively and prevent over or under-stocking.

This means firms can benefit from being able to plan for peak sales periods such as Black Friday and Christmas more effectively and therefore, be better placed to respond to high order volumes.

Improved efficiency and accuracy

Artificial intelligence can help optimise warehouse operations by automating tasks such as inventory tracking, order picking and packing, as well as optimising route planning.

This can lead to faster turnaround times, reduced labour costs, and increased overall efficiency.

AI-powered systems can also significantly reduce errors that can occur with human data entry and processing, resulting in improved inventory accuracy and order fulfilment rates.

Analytics

AI can help provide real-time visibility into warehouse inventory levels, order statuses, and other critical data, which gives managers the ability to make informed decisions about resource allocation and optimisation.

This technology can also be used to tell warehouse operators precisely the number of hours needed to complete a task, which ensures that operations can run as smoothly as possible during times of peak sales.

Road haulage

The hard work that takes place in the warehouse is complemented by the many thousands of HGV drivers, who travel the length and breadth of Britain to keep the supply chain moving.

Haulage operations can also benefit from the deployment of AI, with the technology capable of load optimisation, safety monitoring and maintenance.

Load optimisation

Loading a lorry is an intricate and important process in the overall supply chain that relies on effective weight distribution, while also minimising empty space.

AI can be used to determine the optimal weight distribution and load capacity for each truck, improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear and tear on the vehicle, which reduces overall costs for logistics firms.

Safety monitoring

The safety of haulage drivers is of paramount importance while they’re on the road, so it’s vital that they have the capacity to minimise any risks so that they can make deliveries on time.

Integrated artificial intelligence can take data from cameras and sensors and analyse it in order to monitor driver behaviour, detecting signs of fatigue, distraction, or other risk factors.

This technological integration can help haulage and logistics companies to identify potential safety hazards and implement corrective actions to prevent accidents, while drivers navigate some of Britain’s busy road networks.

Predictive maintenance

The algorithms within AI technology can be also used to analyse data from the sensors on trucks and trailers for the purpose of detecting mechanical problems within the lorry, itself before break downs occur.

In turn, this information can help logistics companies to proactively schedule maintenance on their haulage fleet so that they can reduce the risk of costly repairs and long-term problems while also ensuring that vehicles are readily available.

The use of AI in logistics can certainly bring significant benefits such as increased efficiency in the supply chain, reduced costs and improved ability to respond to peak sales periods.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Twitter and LinkedIn! Or, for more blogs from our team, head to our website!

Warehousing in 2023: What can we expect?

March 1, 2023/in News, Warehousing/by The Source Partnership

Warehousing is a huge part of the logistics industry and ensuring they operate efficiently is key to the success and reliability of any business. Barnes has 50,000sq ft of warehouse space and we work hard to ensure that we can deliver for our clients to keep the supply chain moving.

It’s little wonder, therefore, that we see so many new trends and technologies emerging each year, designed to help warehouses run more smoothly and cost-effectively.

So, what trends can we expect to see in warehousing in 2023?

Sustainability

Being environmentally-conscious is at the top of the agenda for any business this year and responsible warehouse practice must be at the forefront of any logistics business’ plans.

This year, many logistics companies will be looking to promote good environmental practice such as considering electric HGVs or avoiding CAZ (Clean Air Zones) on journeys.

There may also be greater scrutiny over the size and number of boxes manufactured so that waste can be kept to a minimum and we can limit our impact on the planet.

It’s also important that, as an industry, we look to minimise single-use plastic packaging in the supply chain and, instead seek out alternatives to damaging materials such as bubble wrap.

Cardboard shreddings from other parts of the logistics process are becoming a popular substitute for bubble wraps as a protective layer, which has also helped companies to save money.

Robotic automation

The warehousing and logistics industry has arguably been slow to catch up with Amazon since it introduced automation to its warehouses back in 2012, but after 10 years of ogling, other businesses have slowly begun to embrace the technology.

Over the last few years, automation has been fast-tracked into warehousing here in the UK, in order to cope with the rapid rise of e-commerce, which was largely induced by Covid.

Though it has slowed a little since the relaxing of restrictions, online retail remains higher than pre-pandemic levels and automated processes help warehouses to cope with huge levels of orders.

Ultimately, more automation can help companies to meet consumer demand and the initial hesitation over the technology has given way to many businesses embracing it as a viable way to maximise efficiency.

Robotics will be likely one of the defining aspects of 2023 and over the next year, and beyond, it’s expected to form an even bigger part of warehousing.

Cloud computing

Cloud computing is already beginning to redefine the way in which warehouse and logistics operations are managed and its proliferation in the industry is helping supply chains to become more efficient.

Having a centralised organisation point is also helping warehouse operatives to spot ways in which productivity can be boosted, which is why investment in the technology expected to accelerate in 2023.

Essentially, the important thing to note about this technology is that with a cloud-based warehouse management system, it simply becomes a lot easier to manage all the facets of logistics.

You can access data on stock levels and order processing from more than multiple devices which is particularly helpful in such a demanding market.

The rise of drones

The last decade has seen the drone move from the realm of left-field gadget to a technological must-have for industries across the world.

Over the last few years, we’ve certainly seen a proliferation in drones, or UAVs as their known, in the logistics sector and that’s set to continue over the next year.

Their deployment in the warehouse has served to help to improve productivity and overall operational efficiency through their ability to quickly scan pallets.

While there are concerns over battery life, drone technology is constantly improving and its likely they’ll become ever-more important to warehouse operations.

For more insight on the logistics and warehousing industries, be sure to read our other blogs

Working In A Warehouse – Do You Have The Skills Needed?

February 7, 2023/in News, Warehousing/by The Source Partnership

There are many branches within the logistics industry, from freight driving to supply chain management and even warehouse management. Here at Barnes, we have 50,000sq ft of warehousing space and all our employees work hard so our clients can rely on high quality and secure warehousing and storage with us.

Does that sound like something you would like to be a part of? Well if you’re looking for a role in logistics and would prefer to work right in the heart of the chain, then warehousing could be for you. Let’s take a look at what working in a warehouse entails, what skills you need and how you can get involved today!

Working In A Warehouse – An Overview

Your day-to-day tasks won’t always be the same when working in a warehouse, so you should pick up a number of skills. Your working environment can be physically demanding and often be outside or from great heights, so keep this in mind!

Your daily tasks could include:

Taking in deliveries and check for damaged or missing items
Using lifting equipment to move stock around the warehouse
Checking stock levels and make sure items are stored correctly
Packing, wrapping and loading items to be dispatched
General cleaning

The Skills You Will Need

When applying for a role in warehousing, it’s important to retain the necessary skills needed to carry out the job efficiently. Some of the general talents you will need when working in a warehouse include:

Endurance – working in a warehouse is usually a role that requires stamina as there are many physical tasks to complete. Standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy boxes, or stooping to collect items and tasks such as packing a conveyor belt or loading a truck are all commonplace. Are you up to that challenge?
Team work – the ability to work proficiently as part of a team is vital for a warehouse worker, especially for more complex tasks. Successful collaboration can improve processes and efficiency of your whole operation.
Adaptable – being adaptable and willing to learn new things is essential for warehouse work. Those who succeed in the role embrace new technologies and collaborate effectively with co-workers and managers.
Organised – organisation is the key to ensuring that a warehouse is run efficiently. Being well organised can help an employee maintain safety, keep an area tidy, manage an accurate inventory, and aid co-workers.

Computer skills – as computer technology integrates more fully into modern logistics, having computer skills can vastly improve your worth. Though not necessarily required for a warehouse role, computer skills can help implement automated processes and improve efficiency. Even basic skills such as using email, storing files, and typing can be very useful.

Experience And Qualifications

Experience and qualifications are not always expected but would be preferred. Any skills you may have such as forklift driving can also be transferred over to a new warehouse role. You can firstly enter this line of work through an apprenticeship. Depending on the type of apprenticeship, you could enter the role of:

Supply Chain Warehouse Operative (intermediate apprenticeship)
Express Delivery Sortation Hub Operative (intermediate apprenticeship)

Applying for a role in a warehouse can also come through applying directly, but you may require having a base level qualification like GCSEs or equivalent.

How To Begin Working In A Warehouse

If you feel after reading that you actually may be great fit for a warehouse role and are looking for jobs, you can find many roles in your area through indeed. Also keep an eye on our very own job openings page for roles along with us at Barnes!

We hope to have given you a good insight into a warehousing role, and everything you need to get one if it’s up your street! Be sure to follow our Twitter and LinkedIn for all things logistics and keep an eye out for any new roles in the future.