Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “search for stock that is not where the system says”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

30 min
typically, every day
40%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Pick, receive and move stock with a scanner, not paper

Handheld or phone scanning linked to the WMS tells you where to go, checks you picked the right item and updates stock as you go. Fewer mistakes, fewer searches, and nothing to key in afterwards.

Typically saves about 45% of the time8 h to set up
  1. 1Check what your WMS supports on handhelds or phones (many work with Zebra or Honeywell scanners, or phone scanning apps like Scandit).
  2. 2Make sure every location and product has a readable barcode label.
  3. 3Start with receiving or picking in one area.
  4. 4Retire the paper pick list once the scanned process is steady.

Tools: Your WMS (Manhattan, Blue Yonder, NetSuite WMS, Fishbowl, ShipHero or similar) · Zebra or Honeywell handhelds · Scandit phone scanning

Fix 2 of 2

Process fix

Swap big stock counts for small daily cycle counts

Count a few locations every day, focusing on fast movers and problem items. Stock stays accurate, so people stop searching, and you avoid the big shutdown count.

Typically saves about 35% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Rank items A, B and C by value or how often they move.
  2. 2Count A items monthly, B quarterly, C twice a year, a few locations a day.
  3. 3Use the WMS cycle count tasks on a scanner if you have them.
  4. 4Fix the cause of each big difference, not just the number.

Tools: Your WMS (Manhattan, Blue Yonder, NetSuite WMS, Fishbowl, ShipHero or similar)

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Do you pick and receive with a scanner instead of paper lists?
A scanner linked to the warehouse system tells you where to go, checks you have the right item and updates stock as you go. Nothing to type in later.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Warehouse associate / leadInventory / supply planner

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Take the free check Scan my team, $49

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Warehouse associates / leads