In the FMCG industry, the competition is fierce. As a result of consumers’ high expectations, the focus remains on delivering products efficiently to the market. The availability of products at relevant channels and the best FMCG warehouse practices have become important competitive differentiators.
Also, the FMCG industry has a minimal margin for error due to the reduction in product life cycles. Hence, it determines how to plan and execute supply chain management effectively.
FMCG WAREHOUSE
Improved warehousing and logistics solutions are major productivity drivers in the FMCG industry. Warehouses can play an essential role in the integrated logistics strategy. They (warehouses) develop and maintain positive relationships with the supply chain partners.
Simultaneously, warehousing directly impacts customer service, brand sales, and marketing initiatives. A warehouse firmly manages the fluctuations in market supply and demand. A warehouse focuses on storing products whenever supply exceeds demand. Warehouses can speed up product delivery by offering additional price tagging, product packaging, or final assembly.
As a result, the warehouse serves as a link between the producer and the customer. Warehouses are specially designed spaces for storing and handling materials.
CHALLENGES IN FMCG WAREHOUSE
Optimizing FMCG warehouse design
A company must optimize the spaces inside warehouses. In simple terms, a firm must use FMCG warehouse design for various purposes, such as inventory. Also, goods in areas must equip themselves with well-designed pick pathways for smooth operations.
Stock Tracking & Accuracy
If a company uses a WMS or an ERP system, then purchase order data availability becomes feasible. One must not compromise upon accuracy. Poor customer service results in less accuracy in the FMCG warehouse.
Seamless Compatibility
All of the systems in a Retail Distribution Warehouse must operate smoothly to achieve maximum efficiency. It is essential to integrate the WMS and ERP systems perfectly.
Multiple Locations
The demand for inventory tracking grows 10X when warehouses operate at multiple locations. Warehouse managers need real-time monitoring and reliable data to locate the position of inventory. For example, the manager can call and process it faster if the stock is yet to leave the warehouse.
BEST PRACTICES FOR YOUR FMCG WAREHOUSING
Here are the five best practices for your FMCG warehouse that can help in the FMCG’s growth.
1. FEFO
One must consider various factors while establishing a First-Expiry-First-Out (FEFO) strategy in the warehouse. Improving the operations by using a FEFO put-away and pick process helps a company in the long run. Many FMCG customers choose to store their products in many locations with a variety of SKUs or inflow racks. Choose a WMS that takes FEFO into account at the receiving and pick-up process.
2. Cross-docking
It involves unloading a product from one truck and loading it directly into another. A company doesn’t require storing the product in the warehouse again as it directly gets loaded into another. A company saves valuable time and money by delivering the products on time and saving the cost of extra storage. As much as feasible, follow this approach to keep your operations smooth.
3. Wave replenishment
Space on your level and equipment such as lifts have a lot more to do with wave replenishment than anything else. Your warehouse replenishment team may need to coordinate their efforts. If there aren’t enough lifts available, especially for a given set of activities. This factor will help to prevent unnecessary traffic on the floor.
4. Visibility
The consumer products industry must have complete insight into the supply chain. It helps the industry to benefit from thorough product traceability. A warehouse supplier allows you to locate your products right from inbound shipments to storage. It also gives the facility of picking, packing, and shipping. So that the needs of end customers are met. It becomes easier to plan more effectively and cut the cost once the needs are met.
5. Co-packing, labelling, kitting
If you use value-added services like labelling, co-packing, and kitting, it will slow down your fulfilment process. Save time by offering in-house packaging and labelling services. Our solutions can provide same-day shipment during an on-site operation. There are various services in the market but, very few provide quality operation and fast shipment.
Customer expectations are higher than ever in this industry. Meeting their objectives should be a significant priority. Implementing robust warehouse solutions will ensure that you provide an experience that is in line with customer expectations.
When it comes to optimizing the best practices of the FMCG warehouse, Pyrops WMS is the most flexible, scalable, and ROI-efficient solution. It reduces error, saves time, and, most importantly, saves cost. It results in high accuracy in picking orders, end-to-end visibility and control, and less expiry stock.