How to Use a Central Warehouse

Having a central warehouse that supplies all your company’s stores can save you time and money. It also ensures that all your stores have the same products, which can help with brand consistency. Here are five steps on how to set up a central warehouse and manage your inventory using inventory software.

STEP 1

Choose a suitable location for your central warehouse. It should be easily accessible to all your stores, ideally located near major highways or transportation hubs. You should also consider the size of the warehouse, the number of products you plan to stock, and the types of vehicles that will be used for transportation.

STEP 2

Invest in inventory software that can help you manage your inventory efficiently. Look for software that has features such as barcode scanning, automated ordering, and real-time inventory tracking. You may also want to consider software that can integrate with your accounting system and point-of-sale software. HINT: You could use Flowtrac.

STEP 3

Develop a system for receiving and storing products in your warehouse. You should create an organized system for receiving products, inspecting them for damage or defects, labeling them, and storing them in their designated locations. This will help you keep track of your inventory and ensure that you always have the products you need to fill orders.

STEP 4

Set up a system for fulfilling orders from your warehouse. You should create a process for receiving orders from your stores, filling those orders, and delivering the products. Consider using a system that integrates with your inventory software to ensure that you always have the right products in stock and can fill orders quickly.

STEP 5

When opening new stores, make sure that they are set up to receive products from your central warehouse. You may need to invest in new equipment or software to ensure that your new stores can receive orders and products from your warehouse efficiently. You should also consider using your inventory software to track inventory levels at your new stores and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting up a central warehouse and using inventory software to manage your inventory can help you save time and money while ensuring that all your stores have the products they need. By following these five steps, you can set up a system that is organized, efficient, and easy to manage.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know which inventory software could help with everything? Flowtrac’s software solutions provide a comprehensive, easy way to use a central warehouse(s) from which to supply your many stores. A good time to implement Flowtrac is now, before you had more stores. Get ahead of the curve by exploring Flowtrac as your future-ready inventory management strategy. Reach out and say hello!