Checklist for Opening a New Warehouse Location

Opening a new warehouse location can be exciting, but it can be a daunting task. Whether you're expanding your business or setting up your first facility, and whether you are a 3PL or a manufacturer doing your own distribution, it's essential to ensure the startup process is smooth and efficient. To help you get started, here’s a checklist of the five most important items to consider when opening a new warehouse.

Building Preparation

The first and most important step is ensuring the structure of the building is ready for operations. It is crucial to conduct a thorough inspection of the walls, floors, roof, and lighting to identify any issues. An operator should also take significant time to plan the building layout based on their storage needs and ensure the space is optimized in the most efficient way. Utilities also need to be considered during this phase to ensure all the required services are connected and ready for use.

Systems

The warehouse management system (WMS) is the most important tool for managing warehouse operations. Select the right WMS that fits the size and scope of the operation and consider what capabilities are needed, such as how the orders are fulfilled, real-time tracking abilities, and what integrations need to take place. Before going live, test the WMS with a few orders to make sure it functions as expected, and adjust from there as needed.

Equipment

Once you have the building and the system in place, an operator will need the right equipment to perform the work. Investing in quality racking solutions can greatly help the operation and can increase the storage capacity of a warehouse. Material handling equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks must also be procured during this stage so products can be safely moved throughout the warehouse.

Compliance

Warehouses are subject to numerous regulations by local, state, and national governments. Ensuring compliance not only avoids legal penalties but also creates a safe environment for the company's workers and the customer's products. Key areas of compliance include building permits, health and safety procedures, fire codes, and environmental regulations.

Personnel

Now that everything is in place to succeed, your warehouse can only function effectively with the right team. Begin with determining what positions need to be hired for, and add those people with the right skills and experience. Once the team is together, continuous training for all employees on equipment, safety, and systems is crucial to everyone's success.

By focusing on these essential steps, you can set the foundation for a successful warehouse operation. At Spartan, we are always interested in discussing potential opportunities for new locations and building new relationships. Looking for 3PL solutions for your next warehouse? Contact the Spartan team today.