Distribution centers operate like the central nervous systems of modern retailers, connecting everything together in a (hopefully) well-choreographed dance. As such, they are often the place that companies look to implement improvements or retrofits with newer technology. If your business is interested in improving and expanding your distribution center through a retrofit, consider these few tips we have focused on with our clients.
ALL OR NOTHING?
There are certainly times when it is going to make sense to temporarily mothball a distribution center during a significant retrofit. If you are going to be modifying your warehouse layout, investing in new storage features, implementing new sorting technology, and running new logistics software, then you are probably going to expect some time off. Of course, things don’t have to be all-or-nothing all-the-time.
Oftentimes a staggered retrofit that is outlined in stages can result in less down-time in the long run. Consider upgrading the individual pieces of your distribution center at different (and more convenient) times across a longer timeline. DMW&H can help you build a cohesive plan for your retrofit, one that won’t leave you sitting idle for weeks at a time. A step-by-step approach is often the way to go.
COMMUNICATION
Speaking of ways to plan out your retrofit, it’s OK to let people know what that plan is! Have a strategic communication plan in place before you start to upgrade your distribution center so that your customers know what they can expect. We don’t have to go by the old adage “it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” You don’t need permission or forgiveness to make your business run more smoothly. Simply informing customers that a retrofit is underway can go a long way to alleviating any issues during possible downtime. In the end, a retrofit is good news for everyone.
FOCUS
It is important that a retrofit focuses on YOUR business and the things that YOU would like to improve, not vague general trends. Not every shipping center will benefit from autonomous retrieval robots or new vertical storage. Not every retailer is focused on lowering warehouse storage time at all costs. DMW&H can help you focus on the metrics you want to improve, and find innovative solutions to those goals. A retrofit must serve the needs of you and your customers first.
INPUT
So often the focus of a retrofit is automation and new technology. But let’s not forget that one of the most important sources of input for these improvements is your workforce. Get a sense of what your employees would like to see changed and take that into account during your retrofit. Increased efficiency and upgrades that look towards the future should take into account the people that make your business thrive everyday. A larger retrofit is often a great time to make smaller (or larger) improvements that will make your employees happier.