How Lean Manufacturing Helps Lead to More Sustainable Warehouse Operations

Sustainability is a big deal for modern warehouse owners and managers. A recent McKinsey report reveals that nearly 85% of consumers have adopted more sustainable purchasing habits over the last five years. At the same time, retailers are under increasing pressure to minimize waste amidst rising costs.

Embracing a sustainability-focused strategy allows operators to tackle both challenges effectively. By incorporating lean manufacturing and order fulfillment solutions, brands can appeal to a more eco-conscious consumer base while also positively affecting their financial performance. The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to inject sustainability into your operations. Let’s take a closer look.

Reduce Waste in These Key Areas

Many of the prime opportunities for cutting back waste in warehousing are cost-conscious and easy. Before investing major money in significant operational overhauls, focus on these areas instead.

Use Better Picking Processes

Lean manufacturing products like gravity flow racks from FlexMation deliver goods to the pick face, reducing travel time for workers while supporting a first-in, first-out (FIFO) approach to managing inventory. This strategy helps reduce product waste across your operations.

High-density storage solutions can also enhance the efficiency of picking operations by bringing more items in reach, which minimizes unnecessary movement and the use of powered equipment. These storage methods not only optimize the picking process but also lower travel time, labor costs, and energy consumption.

Optimize Your Space

Poor space management leads to waste and inefficiency. When inventory is scattered or disorganized, employees have to travel longer distances and take more time to gather items, often relying heavily on energy-intensive equipment like forklifts and carts. Inefficient layouts may also force operators to expand storage too soon, driving up lease costs and energy use. These inefficiencies accumulate, resulting in excessive labor hours and unnecessary demands for lighting and climate control.

Address Energy Consumption

Warehouse owners should strive to implement strategic storage solutions but they should also pay attention to reducing energy use in their operations. Mobile picking carts, for example, minimize delays and improve picking precision and speed without needing an electrical source.  For the best of both worlds, try combining passive warehouse storage solutions with pick-to-light processes, which promote sustainability without sacrificing productivity.

Invest in High-Quality Equipment

Improving sustainability in warehouses is a long-term goal, and managers need to take a forward-thinking approach when selecting their equipment. Opting for inexpensive, short-lived storage systems, carts, and conveyors can be counterproductive, as they tend to wear out quickly. This not only leads to unnecessary disposal but also incurs added costs in the long run.

If you’re looking for durable, easy-to-assemble equipment for your facility, modular solutions from FlexMation are your best bet. Our modular products help limit the need for replacements because they can evolve with your warehouse needs while reducing material waste with time.

Get Serious About Sustainability with Lean Manufacturing Products from FlexMation

At FlexMation, we aim to be trusted partners who advance your lean manufacturing and sustainability efforts. Simply put: We’ll help you make things better, safer, faster, and smarter. If you’re interested in learning more about how our modular and lean manufacturing solutions can help reduce energy on your facility floor, contact us today.