Preparation

Prior to the actual receipt a number of processes need to take place. The first step is to ensure that suppliers deliver into the warehouse when you decide. By providing delivery times for each supplier or their subcontractors, one is in control and able to match the work hours to work content for which a booking-in system needs to be introduced. First, match the length of time slots to the time estimated to fulfill the task. Standard time slots do not work as each delivery is likely to be different. For example, it could take 30 minutes to offload a 13.6 metre (45 foot) palletized trailer and a further 15 minutes to check and move the pallets to the storage area, whereas a loose loaded 20 foot container could take up to three hours depending on the number of SKUs and staff deployed.

It is therefore important to keep records of the time it takes for each type of delivery and share the information with the booking-in team. This will provide the amount of labour and equipment required to undertake the task, thus making planning a great deal easier. Warehouse staff needs to be aware of the products being delivered, the type of vehicle and the equipment required to offload. Once this has been ascertained and the time calculated, a suitable booking slot is allocated and a booking reference given to the supplier. Details of any pallet exchange agreements also need to be ascertained. The use of pallets within a rental system requires both parties to accurately record movements within the system. Pre-advice of the products being delivered is also advisable so that the details can be entered in the warehouse management system (WMS). Some WMSs will use this information to pre-allocate pallet locations for the products prior to arrival. The information is also used to check the delivery.