Developing a warehouse moving plan is essential for successfully relocating to a new facility. Here are the key aspects to consider months before your move-in date:
Common Problems in Opening New Warehouses:
- Insufficient planning and budgeting
- Construction and permitting delays
- Inaccurate inventories before and after the move
- Underestimating time for new WMS, conveyance, sortation, and material handling systems installation and testing
- Insufficient manpower planning to stay operational during the move
Steps for Developing a Warehouse Moving Plan:
- Project Management
- Opening a new warehouse takes at least 3 to 6 months from lease signing to opening date. New WMS and technology can add six more months.
- Productivity often dips in the first few months in a new facility, causing budget and customer service issues. Ensure sufficient resources for planning, budgeting, task management, and weekly progress reporting.
- Warehouse Space Planning
- Plan layout considering space needs by department (receiving, staging, packing stations), product flow, peak period requirements, storage media (floor stack, pallet rack, shelving), aisle width, rack designs, and material handling systems.
- Labor Planning
- Estimate the time required to plan and open the new center while remaining operational. Plan overtime for both locations. Consider physical transfer of inventory, employee transitions, equipment packing, and space restoration.
- Local Planning and Permitting Compliance
- Ensure familiarity with applicable building codes and required permits for outfitting and occupying the new warehouse. Gather the necessary information for permit acquisition.
- Inventory Management
- Liquidate aged or dead inventory to avoid moving unnecessary items. Conduct a physical inventory at the SKU level, shrink wrap pallets, and label them for accurate stock location in the new facility.
- Re-routing Deliveries and Returns
- Reroute products on purchase orders to the new facility. Notify vendors, update paperwork, and change the address for returns and transportation management.
- Racking and Material Handling Planning
- Evaluate the feasibility and costs of moving and reinstalling existing racking and material handling equipment. Plan for short-term rental of material handling equipment if needed.
- Transportation Planning
- Plan inventory transportation, including the number of trailers needed and transportation costs. Negotiate contracts early to secure commitments.
- WMS and Technology Installation
- Allocate time for implementing and testing the WMS, automation, and technology in the new facility. Proper planning ensures timely execution.
- Employee Communication
- Regularly communicate with employees involved in the move. Provide new procedures for various tasks and keep all stakeholders informed.
In summary, define detailed steps, assign responsibility, and establish realistic estimates and timelines for completing the move plan. Update and communicate the plan weekly to all stakeholders.
Ready to Simplify Your Business Move? Contact Business Moving Group today for a free consultation! Visit us at businessmoving.com for helpful resources and to learn more about our services.
