Gearing Up for Warehouse Peak Season: Expert Insights

As the holiday shopping frenzy approaches, warehouses across the country are bracing for the annual surge in orders. But how can businesses effectively prepare for this challenging period? In a recent episode of the "Warehouse Automation Matters" podcast, I sat down with Austin Feagins, Senior Director of Customer Solutions at Staci Americas, to unpack the complexities of peak season preparation and the role of automation in streamlining operations.

The Peak Season Challenge

Peak season in the warehousing industry is no joke. It's a time when order volumes can skyrocket to two, three, or even four times the normal levels. As Feagins pointed out, it's not just about handling more orders — it's about maintaining the same service level agreements (SLAs) with a dramatically increased workload.

"The operations team when it comes to peak season are saints," Feagins remarked. "They're going to have the exact same SLA with two, three, four, or even five times the amount of orders."

But it's not just about quantity. Peak season orders often come with their own quirks. Customers tend to buy more items per order, which means more work on the back end. Add to this the pressure of fulfilling orders in the same time frames — or even faster — and you've got a recipe for potential chaos.

The Power of Peak Planning

So how does a warehouse navigate these turbulent waters? According to Feagins, it all comes down to one word: planning.

"The most important point is planning ahead of time for peak," Feagins said. This planning involves modeling expected volume, identifying potential bottlenecks, and putting strategies in place to address them.

But when should this planning start? Feagins' answer might surprise you: "Preferably, if I'm able to, and if the business is able to, the day we are coming through the current peak is the day that we need to start preparing for the upcoming."

That's right — as soon as one peak season ends, it's time to start planning for the next one. This proactive approach allows warehouses to learn from their experiences and make improvements for the future.

Using the Right Technology

One of the key strategies Feagins discussed for managing peak season is the use of automation and technology. From pick-to-light systems and voice picking to robotic automation, these tools can significantly streamline operations and improve efficiency.

But it's not just about implementing technology for technology's sake. Feagins stressed the importance of choosing tools that are simple to use, especially when it comes to training temporary workers. "In an ideal world, I would love to teach somebody in under 30 seconds how they're going to do their job for the day," he said.

The Human Element

While technology plays a crucial role, Feagins was quick to point out that it's not about replacing human workers. Instead, the goal is to use automation to handle monotonous tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex, value-added activities and even upskill them.

This approach not only improves efficiency but can also boost morale. Feagins shares how technologies like Locus Robotics have introduced gamification elements, turning work into a friendly competition and making the job more engaging for employees.

Looking to the Future

As we looked ahead, Feagins was excited about emerging trends in warehouse automation. He mentioned developments like autonomous container unloading, mobile robots capable of picking individual items, and drone technology for inventory management.

But for businesses just starting to explore automation, Feagins has some simple advice: "Ask now and start reaching out to these vendors." He encourages businesses not to be hesitant about reaching out and learning about available solutions, emphasizing that it doesn't have to cost "an arm and a leg" to explore options.

The Key Takeaway

If there's one message Feagins wants listeners to remember, it's this: "Plan, plan, plan, and plan some more." He encourages businesses to think not just about what can go wrong, but what can go right and how to make it happen.

"As you plan, as you prepare, really think about as many factors that could push your plans out and just try and be prepared to handle those," Feagins advised. "Build in the buffer so you're not running up to the wire."

Preparing for peak season in the warehouse industry is a complex task, but with careful planning, strategic use of technology, and a focus on empowering human workers, it's a challenge that can be met head-on.

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Be sure to check out the full episode of "Warehouse Automation Matters" featuring Austin Feagins. From success stories to emerging trends, there's a wealth of valuable insights waiting for you. So tune in and get ready to tackle your next peak season with confidence!