Warehouse Holiday season: Be prepared

Warehouse Holiday season: Be prepared

The holiday season is the busiest and most critical time of the year. As a reference, Insider Intelligence has predicted a 4.5% rise in sales in the 2023 holiday season alone. This “unexpected” increase in order volume entails tight delivery deadlines, and higher customer expectations. To ensure a smooth warehouse holiday season operation, it is crucial to take preventive actions that address the potential disruptions. In this article, I will explore common challenges that can impact warehouse and shipping operations and how to address them.

Warehouse Holiday Season Challenges

The holiday season brings multiple challenges and complications for the warehouse, distribution, and fulfillment centers. While each operation is different, below are some conventional challenges that warehouse face during the peak season.

Inventory and Warehouse Management technology

One of the most significant warehouse holiday season red flags is running low on popular or essential products, resulting in lost sales and customer dissatisfaction. Make sure that your WMS or IMS are equipped to cope with the surge in demand during the season. Your systems must be capable to:

Monitor Stock Levels: Implement real-time inventory tracking to monitor stock levels. Set up automated alerts for low-stock items so you can replenish them promptly.

Forecast Demand: Implement real-time inventory tracking to monitor stock levels. Set up automated alerts for low-stock items so you can replenish them promptly.

Streamline picking: Scanners and Product allocation features help in adjusting to peak demands. You can combine this technologies with the strategies suggested in Strategies for Faster and More Accurate Picking.

Labor Management

According to the Institute of Supply Management, 50% of the companies find difficulty hiring new workers, impacting labor shortages that inhibit warehouse operations. This figure increases during the holiday season. Actions to take:

Streamline Onboarding process: Review and streamline your hiring and retention policies in the line described in Streamlining Employee Onboarding.

Scale Your Workforce: The time to begin hiring seasonal workers is several months in advance of your need. It takes time for these new workers to learn the system and become comfortable working in your warehouse..

Warehouse Holiday Season Shipping Challenges

Meeting delivery deadlines is paramount during the holiday season. Shipping issues can lead to unhappy customers. To prevent shipping-related red flags:

Collaborate with Carriers: Coordinate closely with shipping carriers to understand their holiday schedules, cutoff times, and capacity limits. Make sure you’re aware of any potential delays.

Offer Multiple Shipping Options: Offer customers different shipping options, including expedited shipping for last-minute shoppers. Be transparent about expected delivery times..

Track Shipments: Implement tracking systems and provide customers with tracking information, which keeps them informed about the status of their orders and reduces inquiries.

Returns and Customer Service Demands

Returns tend to increase during the holiday season as customers may change their minds or receive gifts that don’t fit. Be prepared to handle returns efficiently:

Clear Return Policies: Clearly communicate your return policies on your website and in order confirmations. Make the process as hassle-free as possible for customers.

Dedicated Customer Support: Increase customer service staff to handle inquiries, address issues, and provide timely responses. A responsive customer service team can turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Restocking and Quality Checks: Develop efficient processes for restocking returned items and conducting quality checks to ensure they can be resold.

LaceUp Solutions

The holiday season is a critical time for businesses, and the success of your warehouse and shipping operations can greatly impact your bottom line and customer loyalty. LaceUp Solutions WMS has the features required to navigate the warehouse holiday season.

I hope this article has been helpful to you. I will continue to post information related to warehouse management, distribution practices and trends, and the economy in general. If you want to know how Laceup’s solutions can help you with e-commerce, click the link below to schedule an exploratory meeting.

There is a lot of relevant information on our channel. Check this video about Replenishment.