Having a proper inventory management process is essential to keep your business moving forward efficiently while increasing productivity and the bottom line, but did you know a clearspan tent can help improve this process?
As a human race, we may fail at some things, but we surely do succeed at others. We have moved forward with some technological advances that have made our life easier in so many ways. With it, of course, comes new issues – and we create processes to fix them, too. For instance, take a look at all of the things that have become archaic over the years.
- Movie rental locations.
- Dial-up internet connections.
- Backing up data onto a floppy disc – or CD, too.
- Waiting for the film to be developed.
- Landline phones and payphones.
- Alarm clocks.
- Phone books, dictionaries, encyclopedias.
All of these things have disappeared, only to be replaced with something better – and more convenient, right? Well, do you know what else has changed over the year? Inventory management processes.
If you are still working with an outdated inventory process, your bottom line is going to feel it. Just as you make other upgrades with your business to stay up-to-date with the times, you need to take your inventory management process into account, too.
For your business to run at all, you need inventory. For your business to run effectively, you need a seamless inventory management process. Here’s how you can make it happen.
Having the Right Space for Storage
Having a lot of inventory on hand can always be beneficial. No matter what the demand is, you will be prepared. But, let’s think about this for a moment – loading a bunch of inventory into your backroom is not going to be very efficient, is it?
You don’t just need any space for the storage of your inventory. Rather, you need the right space. What’s the right space? Well, you need a space that will allow you to move freely among your inventory so that you can access it from all angles. You need to have space to allow you to organize your inventory so you always know where everything is. And, most importantly, you need your storage to be close-by and convenient. In other words, opting for John Doe’s Moving and Storage on the other side of town is out of the question.
So, how can you solve this storage problem? A tented storage space.
Don’t worry about having to move locations or having to add extra space to your current spot. Simply invest in a tent and have it erected right outside your back door if you want, or anywhere you find convenient.
Tent storage provides you with many options, including choosing your size, adding flooring, doors, and more. They can be constructed nearly anywhere and, with sidewalls and locks, you can rest easy that your inventory is safe and secure.
Determine Your Accessory Package
One thing about tent rentals is that you have options. We mentioned above about sizing and flooring. While those options are great, what you really need to be determining is whether or not your inventory management process requires the perks of climate control.
For some items, such as tools or machinery, you may not find it necessary or financially sound to have heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system. However, if you prefer to keep your inventory safe from the elements and free from extreme temperatures, then you will most definitely want to consider opting for an HVAC system for your storage tent. Doing so will not only give your space a very indoor-like feel, but it will also give you peace of mind. After all, losing inventory due to short cuts or minor savings may not look so great on paper at the end of the year.
Choose the Best System: FIFO
If you have had any training in the logistics of inventory management, then there is a good chance you have heard of FIFO, which stands for First In, First Out. It works just like it sounds – as your inventory comes in, it gets organized so that when it is ready to go out, the first one in is the first one to go out.
Make sense?
The reason behind FIFO is that it gets your inventory to stores in a fast, fresh manner. Rather than sitting in your storage facility, shoved all the way in the back, this system allows for constantly revolving inventory.
Those in logistics would absolutely agree that this is the best method for managing inventory – there is just one problem: space. In order to have a well-organized FIFO system – or any inventory management process – you have to have the proper amount of space. You need to have an area large enough to maneuver items, visibly view what it is in stock, and adjust when necessary.
Don’t forget your employees need the space to handle this revolving inventory, too.
Use an Online Inventory System
Let’s say a customer, Ms. Jones, calls your company line attempting to find out where she can buy a few of your items. She wants to know which stores closest to her has the product. And, if they don’t, she wants to know how quickly they can get it.
Can you give her this information? Let’s rephrase that – can you give her accurate, detailed information on where your inventory is and when she can get it?
You need to know this info – especially since having satisfied customers is so important. Having a large storage facility holding your inventory won’t do you a bit of good if you don’t even know what you have!
Investing in an online, cloud-based inventory system will allow you to keep track of each item, every step along the way. The best part is that a cloud-based system can operate anywhere. So, even when you aren’t physically at your storage tent, you know what inventory is being stored there.
Final Thoughts
Your inventory is necessary for running your business. If you want to run a successful business, then you will develop a seamless inventory management process that will allow you to effectively and efficiently store, transport, and track every piece of inventory that you have.
Always have it stored on hand and get it where it needs to go – no hiccups, no flaws.
