Warehouse Operations Training

The warehouse is at the heart of the supply chain and plays a vital role in providing the desired level of customer service at the lowest possible cost. It is a crucial link between the producer and the customer. A warehouse can be defined as a planned space for the efficient and effective accommodation and handling of goods and materials.

The basic objective is to achieve an optimum position between:

1. Minimising the total cost of the operation
2. Providing the desired level of service The
Warehouse Operations Master Class enables the learner to explore how these two factors can best be balanced.

Who should participate?
The Warehouse Operations Master Class is aimed at individuals and teams involved in the day to day management of a warehouse. This course is particularly relevant to organisations looking to improve the efficiency of its current warehouse operations through improving working methods, processes, and layout.

What will they learn?
Participants will learn how to analyse the warehouse operation of a business and how to evaluate the current performance. They will learn how to investigate what is required of the operation depending on service, supply and demand and stock patterns. Next they will develop options for improving the warehouse operation. Finally they will identify what actions are needed to implement the improvements.

How will they learn?
Participants will learn by using the learning system developed by People Development Group. SCILworld is a simulated environment containing a simulated company called SCIL plc.

During the Warehouse Operations Master Class, the participant takes on the role of a newly appointed inventory manager in this fictitious company. Their specialist coach takes on the role of their manager and sets the learner a challenging task, asking the learner to explain how they would complete the task within the simulated environment. The learner completes the task by submitting a series of reports, the coach being on hand should the learner require guidance.

Participants will be required to develop a detailed knowledge of:
1. The current processes and future needs of the simulated business.
2. How the effective management of the warehouse can impact on company profitability and customer service.

This approach challenges the learners' thinking and their normal response to everyday situations. It allows them to try new ways of working and to solve problems in a risk free environment, giving them the confidence and competence to apply their learning in the real world.

Fees and learning methods
The Warehouse Operations Master Class is available as a 3-day face-to-face event, by distance learning or by a blend of the two. For an additional fee, face to face courses can be put into context to reflect a particular company's operation and culture. As the blend of learning will vary, depending on the needs and learning styles of the learner, there is no set fee.
Please telephone +44 (0) 1530 276590 for details.

Face-to-face tuition
Classroom based, ideal for people who benefit from a participative inter-active approach.

Distance learning
A coach supported private study option where learners have the option to work where and when they wish.

Course Content

The 'learning by doing' approach requires the learner to complete a major task which is broken down into the following components:

. Analyse the Existing Operations
Through analysing the stock list, consider the demand, supply and stock patterns in order to understand the current stockholding requirements. Analyse the product characteristics to identify any special storage/handling needs.
Identify and analyse the current working methods and processes in the activities of goods in, storage, picking and despatch. Understand how these different operations are carried out.
Analyse and understand the current warehouse layout, design, flow and use of space.
Identify the current handling and storage equipment being used in the warehouse and the reasons for the different types. Analyse the current information being used to manage the current operation and how the information is used.

. Investigation of Requirements
Identify how well the warehouse operation is currently working in terms of productivity, performance and utilisation.
Investigate and identify aspects of the warehouse layout and working methods that should be changed to improve efficiency, reduce waste and reduce cost.
Identify whether the current equipment is the most appropriate for the different uses in the warehouse operation.
Identify what information is needed to plan and manage the operation and the main activities of goods in, storage, picking and despatch.
Understand the current customer service requirements.

. Developing Options
Identify improvements that should be made to the current warehouse operation. This will include:
Improvements to working methods and processes.
Improvements to procedures e.g. health and safety, maintenance of equipment.
Improvements and modifications to warehouse design, layout and flow.
Changes to type and quantity of handling and storage equipment.
Identify what information should be gathered and used to plan and manage the operation both short (day to day) and longer term.
Identify changes to the use of resources to improve utilisation and productivity.

. Selection and Implementation
Recommend what improvement actions to take in the short and longer term.
Identify and recommend what actions need to be taken to ensure the improvements are introduced and sustained.