8 essential tools for stock management

Stock management is a strategic element for a warehouse. When it becomes too complex and poorly organised, the whole warehouse suffers, particularly in terms of profitability. Indeed ,making your stock management more fluid and optimising it is essential if you want to obtain customer satisfaction and meet delivery deadlines.

Discover 8 stock management tools that you can no longer do without to ensure and control all your warehouse stocks.

3 essential digital tools for your stock management

Warehouse management tools are an essential key to the operation of a warehouse. Here are 3 digital tools for optimal storage of your goods.

The WMS

Most warehouses are well advised to equip themselves with a WMS (Warehouse Management System). This computer software is very useful for optimising stock management. The advantages of using a WMS in your warehouse are:

d’increase productivity of the company;
to reduce your stocks ;
to screen your consumption ;
d’optimise storage space ;
to prevent picking errors and order picking and inventory discrepancies.

The logistics WMS is a tool that e-commerce companies cannot do without. This is indeed the case if you have a large number of references stored, a large volume of products, or even perishable goods. To choose it, you will have to ask yourself aboutits scalability in terms of the company’s growth, its ease of use, customisation, or even possible integration with other software.

THE ERP

ERP, which stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, is also a digital warehouse management tool. It is designed to facilitate the monitoring of your stocks by updating your inventory database in real time. This type of software allows you to :

provide a better a better global view and optimal control of stocks ;
d’optimise product flows ;
d’automate stock replenishment stock replenishment ;
or toanalyse your customers’ consumption and and their purchasing behaviour.

This software is complementary to the WMS. In fact, most WMS are integrated with an ERP, thus improving warehouse stock management. An ERP must be in line with your activities, the size of the company, be flexible and meet your development needs. It must also guarantee the security of your data and optimal traceability of the various flows.

THE APS

APS, for Advanced Planning System, is a tool designed to optimise logistics. It supports the planning processes from production to transport and distribution. This tool is intended for :

provide the best solutions in terms of organisation ;
optimise business processes ;
improve your profitability through better stock management and anticipation of stock variations.

It can also be an effective logistical tool for improving the quality of service to customers. Make sure that the APS you choose is capable ofplanning production, forecasting sales, and facilitating inventory management. In most cases, advanced planning modules are integrated into the ERP.

5 solutions for managing warehouse stocks

In addition to software, it is essential touse the right equipment in the warehouse. Shelving, crates, handling equipment and safety equipment are essential tools for stock management.

Shelving

To achieve optimal stock placement, it is essential to have a good warehouse layout. Shelving is the best way to structure and order your stocks. There are different types of shelving such as :

	The epoxy steel shelving epoxy steel shelving: designed to support light loads, this type of shelving is mainly suitable for storage of archives, files, or in a shop.
	The galvanised steel shelving This type of shelving is designed to support a weight between 170 and 200 kg per shelf. Its galvanised steel structure ensures that it does not rust.
	The galvanised steel shelving with chipboard top The galvanised steel shelving with chipboard top is particularly robust and offers large storage dimensions. This heavy duty racking can support very heavy loads, up to 580 kg per shelf for this model.

Bins and trays

The bins and trays are necessary products to organise your shelves. They are used in particular forstoring bulk products. These stock management tools can be presented in different forms:

	The polypropylene honeycomb bins Designed to withstand water, grease, chemicals, shocks, bending, tearing and temperature variations, these bins can be used to store and classify all kinds of products.
	Thelarge volume plastic spout bins resistant to all common acids and solvents, they are stackable and offer a large front opening for easy access to products.
	The European standard stacking bins with closed handles resistant to oil, grease, numerous chemicals and temperature variations, these bins are palletisable and offer a stability when stacking up to 200 kg.

Storage boxes

Like bins, storage crates are an essential part of your warehouse management. They are generally stackable for better space optimisation. You can opt for different models such as :

	The plastic pallet box The plastic pallet box: stackable by 4, this model can hold up to 510 kg. Handling is facilitated by its handles and the possibility of using a pallet truck or a forklift.
	The folding box pallet practical, it folds and unfolds easilyIt can also be stacked. This model is as strong as a one-piece box.

Handling equipment

Among the indispensable stock management tools, you will also find handling equipment. Pallet trucks, trolleys, rolls… They are necessary for a good organization of the warehouse while ensuring the safety of the employees. Here is our selection:

	From manual or electric pallet trucks These machines are highly recommended for to move your handling pallets from point A to point B. from point A to point B.
	From trolleys These products are ergonomic products are very useful for moving heavy loads easily and at the right height.
	The rolls : these handling tools are used by operators to move goods easily from one place to another from one place to another in complete safety.

Safety equipment

Finally, safety equipment is particularly important in your warehouse. Stock managers, handlers and operators must be properly equipped tocarry out their activities safely. To avoid injury and reduce the risk of accidents, they should wear :

	A safety shoes Safety shoes that meet the standards.
	Safety gloves, which can be thermal, cut-resistantor even dexterity depending on your needs.
	A helmet or safety cap to protect against falling objects.