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Lizzie Weakley
Lizzie Weakley has written 79 articles for SB Informer.
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Pick, Pack, and Ship: 5 Keys to Keeping an Organized Inventory

Lizzie Weakley

September 15, 2017


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Whether you are running a huge warehouse facility or trying to keep a stockroom in order, organization is critical when it comes to managing inventory. It can be challenging to get organized and stay that way when you need to get day to day tasks done. It does require effort, but it is well worth it in the end. Here are five keys to keeping an organized inventory.

Get Rid of the Unnecessary

If you have items that are not selling or that you no longer need, get rid of them. There is no need to store all the old office furniture you replaced a couple of years ago. You don't need to hang on to the leftover inventory from Christmas 2014.

Organize Everything

Everything in the inventory should have a designated spot on a shelf or in a bin. Using stackable bins and totes from companies like Quantum Storage is one option for containing smaller items. The exact location of the item should be readily available in the inventory management system.

Deep Clean Everything

Before you put your newly organized items on the shelves, do a deep clean. Starting on the top shelves, dust and wipe down all horizontal and vertical surfaces. Get behind shelves and into the corners. Finally, clean the floor thoroughly. A deep cleaning will eliminate potential safety hazards while making the inventory space look professional.

Set Standards

The way you handle your inventory should follow strict standards. For example, when a new supply of a popular item comes in, what do you want an employee to do? You could make it a standard practice to remove the remaining inventory from the shelf, do a quick clean of the empty space and put the just arrived inventory in the back, and then the older inventory in front so it gets used first. Standardizing the way you handle your inventory will help keep an organized inventory.

Maintain

Once you go to the trouble of organizing your inventory and standardizing the way you manage it, you need to maintain all your hard work. Cleaning is an essential part of maintenance so put a regular cleaning schedule in place. Do periodic inspections to make sure standards are being met and inventory remains organized.


By implementing these five keys, you will find your inventory organizes itself. That way, there is no frustration when you need to find an item or when you need to take inventory. A little effort up front saves a lot of hassle in the long run.


                   



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