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3 Essential preparations for warehouse stocktake
For many businesses, January and February mark the end of the busy festive season and planning and preparations for the new year! With that comes the often daunting task of conducting a warehouse stocktake. While the thought of counting every item can feel overwhelming, proper preparation can make the process much smoother. Here are three key steps you can take to prepare before diving into the stocktake this year.
3 key things you can do to prepare for a year-end warehouse stocktake
1. Clear out non-stock items
A cluttered warehouse can slow down the stocktaking process, making it difficult to stay focused on counting the right items. Before you start, take time to remove anything that isn’t part of your inventory. This includes damaged goods, unused stationery, and any items that no longer serve a purpose. Additionally, make sure that any paid stock is delivered and any items not included in the stocktake are separated and moved out. Begin identifying faulty or unsellable stock and set it aside to avoid confusion during counting.
2. Assemble your team
A stocktake is a team effort, and the more hands you have on deck, the faster the process will go. Be sure to communicate the date of the stocktake in advance and assign roles to your staff. Encourage them to help with tasks that can speed up the process, such as:
- Folding and storing empty crates and boxes
- Organising packaging materials like tape, bubble wrap, and labels
- Cleaning shelves, stock, and boxes (no one wants to count dusty stock!)
- Ensuring stock is stored in the correct locations – this will save time searching for misplaced items.
- Ensuring enough shelving and racking space is ready to organise and store the counted stock
3. Organise and prepare
A well-organised warehouse is key to an efficient stocktake. Take the following steps to ensure everything is in order:
- Check that all shelving and racking is clearly labelled for easy identification.
- Finalise and print or digitise your stock sheets for quick access.
- Ensure you have enough scanning devices, calculators, pens, and other essentials.
- Arrange for refreshments to keep stocktakers energised and focused.
- Provide a thorough stocktaking brief and discuss it with the team, so everyone understands their roles and what to expect during the process.
Space is key for a smooth stocktaking process. Don’t wait for next year to improve your warehouse organisation and create the space you need to count quickly and accurately. Contact us to discuss our commercial and industrial storage solutions, which include racking, shelving, mezzanine floors, and more, to help streamline your storage and make your next stocktake easier.
