Are you considering making some changes to how you handle the paperwork for your warehouse? Many companies are opting to make their warehouses paperless because it provides so many benefits. A paperless warehouse environment can help to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and optimize the warehouse space available. It can also reduce a business’s impact on the environment.
However, many companies are unsure of what to do to make their warehouse paperless. Others might not realize that it’s possible because it is such a departure from the way they do business now.
Is a Completely Paperless Warehouse Possible?
Companies that have been accustomed to having a paper-based warehouse or a partially paper warehouse might not realize that it’s entirely possible to go paperless. However, many companies are choosing to do this today. Automating the warehouse operations and removing the hurdles that traditional paper causes can help them to become a better, more efficient space. Below, we will be looking at some of the ways to best make the change to a paperless warehouse environment so it is as painless as possible.
How to Transition to a Paperless Warehouse Environment
Going paperless is a process. You can’t remove all of the paperwork in your warehouse overnight. It will take some time, planning, and the right tools.
Get People on Board with Paperless
The first thing that you will want to do is make sure that you get your employees on board with creating a paperless warehouse environment. If you don’t have the support of the employees, it can be difficult to get them up to speed on the new processes and software later. Let your employees and managers know about all of the benefits that can come from having a paperless warehouse environment.
Let them know how much more efficient it will be and how much time it can save them. They can look up information in a matter of minutes (or less) rather than trying to find individual pieces of paper. Let them know that it can also reduce or even eliminate human error, which will make their jobs much easier no matter where they are working in the warehouse.
Consider What Paperwork Needs to Be Added in the New System
When you make the transition, what paperwork that you have on hand currently will need to be added to the system? Will you be starting fresh and then slowly phasing out the paperwork that you have? This will all depend on the type of business and warehouse you operate.
Often, there will be at least some types of paperwork, such as detailed client information, which will need to be added to your new system. Will this be scanned into the system? Will data have to be entered manually? Find the best, simplest, and most accurate way to bring along all of the important information that needs to be in your paperless system.
Choose a Quality Paperless Software Platform
You also need to be sure that you are choosing a quality paperless software platform. The warehouse management system you choose will make a big difference. Naturally, you want to find robust software that can help you to eliminate all of the paperwork that you currently handle in the warehouse. This could be for things like inventory management, shipping and fulfillment, customer and client files, tracking, etc. Check to see what features and options are available with the platform.
Learn How to Use the Tool and Stay Consistent
Once you have a platform that will work well for your needs, you need to integrate it into your setup, and you need to know how to use it. Anyone who will be using the software, whether they are entering information, helping customers find tracking info, etc., will need to be sure that they understand how to use it properly. Ideally, you or the software provider can offer training to get everyone up to speed properly.
Paperless Warehouse Management Software for SAP Business One and Macola
It is possible to integrate paperless warehouse management software in less time and with less hassle than ever before. The tips above can help to ensure that your team is ready for going paperless and that they have the tools and training they need for the transition. Contact us today to learn more about creating a paperless warehouse environment.