WALLAGA UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCE

Course name: warehouse management

Individual assignments
NAME ID
1.SEFADIN MAHAMAD…………………………1302054

Submitted to Mr.gemechis
M( B.pharma, M.sc in PSCM)

AUGUST, 8/2024

NEKEMTE,ETHIOPIA
ROLE OF WAREHOUSE MANGER
I. INTRODUCTION
WAREHOUSING is considered the key part in supply chain management through its determination and
ability to establish smooth and efficient logistic operations in organizations, and such operations play a
vital role in determining a company's competitiveness, as logistic costs are considered an important part
of the overall production costs. To control the warehousing costs, many organizations are considering the
ways to run the warehouse through an efficient and effective methods, especially after emerging new
technologies in the field of supply chain and logistics. The warehouse management is a key part within
the supply chain that was paid more attention, according to the popular and scientific literature [3].
Warehouse Manager duties and responsibilities
A Warehouse Manager completes various management, organization and planning tasks to maintain high
performance of the warehouse’s storage and shipment processes. Their duties and responsibilities often
include:
 Audit and report inventory while making recommendations on which items to order and restock
 Manage warehouse associates, monitoring work and ensuring the safe use of warehouse
equipment
 Establish warehouse practices and protocols to achieve an efficient warehouse
 Set warehouse and team goals in collaboration with executive management and other team leads
 Monitor workplace performance and lead training initiatives to improve employees
 Keep up-to-date on the latest federal and state safety regulations
 Communicate with other departments to ensure products are shipped in a timely manner(2)
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF WAREHOUSE MANAGER
• Strategically manage warehouse in compliance with company’s policies and vision
• Oversee receiving, warehousing, distribution and maintenance operations
• Setup layout and ensure efficient space utilization
• Initiate, coordinate and enforce optimal operational policies and procedures
• Implement and maintain maintain standards of health and safety, hygiene and security (1)
Generally, warehouse manager can be divided in to two
I. TRADITIONAL WAREHOUSE MANAGER
A. Traditional Warehousing
1 - The characteristics of the Traditional Warehouse: The warehouse is installed in a way to work
with a space in which certain factors limit the surface area available, and to cover all requirements for day
to day activities in the warehouse. The layout is built to cover the following needs of the most important
areas in the warehouse:
 Loading and unloading areas
 Reception area for new receipts
 Storage area for storing items
 Picking area for assembly
 Dispatch area for delivery The company has built the warehouse to achieve the maximum efficiency and
space utilization:
 Making the most of the available space
 Reducing the handling of goods to a minimum
 Providing easy access to the stored product
 Having the highest rotation ratio possible
The role of a traditional warehouse manager
it encompasses a variety of responsibilities focused on the efficient operation of a warehouse facility.
Here are the key functions and duties typically associated with this role:
1. Inventory Management
• Stock Control: Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure that stock is available for order
fulfillment while minimizing excess inventory.
• Physical Counts: Conduct regular physical inventory counts to reconcile with recorded stock levels and
address discrepancies.
2. Staff Management
• Supervision: Oversees warehouse staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance
management.
• Team Leadership: Provide direction and support to employees, fostering a positive work environment
and encouraging teamwork.
3. Operations Oversight
• Receiving and Shipping: Coordinate the receiving of goods from suppliers and the shipping of products
to customers, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Order Fulfillment: Manage the picking, packing, and dispatching of orders to meet customer demands
efficiently.
4. Safety and Compliance
• Safety Protocols: Implement and enforce safety regulations and practices to ensure a safe working
environment for all employees.
 • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations regarding warehouse
operations, including health and safety standards.
5. Facility Management
• Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance of warehouse equipment and facilities to ensure they are in
good working condition.
• Space Optimization: Plan and organize warehouse layout to maximize space utilization and improve
workflow efficiency.
6. Process Improvement
• Operational Efficiency: Identify areas for process improvement within warehouse operations to enhance
productivity and reduce costs.
• Problem-Solving: Address operational challenges as they arise, employing problem-solving skills to
find effective solutions.
7. Reporting and Documentation
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of inventory levels, shipments, receipts, and other relevant
documentation.
• Performance Metrics: Generate reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to warehouse
operations, such as order accuracy, turnaround time, and labor productivity.
8. Customer Service
• Order Accuracy: Ensure that orders are fulfilled accurately and on time to meet customer expectations.
• Issue Resolution: Address customer inquiries or issues related to order fulfillment, returns, or inventory
availability.
9. Budget Management
• Cost Control: Monitor expenses related to warehouse operations and work within budgetary constraints.
• Resource Allocation: Allocate resources effectively to optimize operational efficiency while controlling
costs.
10. Communication
• Coordination with Other Departments: Collaborate with other departments such as procurement, sales,
and logistics to ensure smooth operations and alignment with overall business goals.
• Reporting to Management: Provide updates and reports to upper management regarding warehouse
performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
In summary, a traditional warehouse manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that warehouse operations
run smoothly, efficiently, and safely. They are responsible for managing both the physical aspects of the
warehouse as well as the human resources involved in its operation. Their focus is on maintaining high
levels of service quality while controlling costs and improving processes.(8)
II. DIGITAL WAREHOUSE MANAGER
In recent years, many companies have been on the forefront of smart warehouses, and run their businesses
through developing automated warehouse robots. The internet connected robots have replaced human
labor to move around the warehouse and pick customer-ordered items. As a result, the business has been
improved and costs reduced, and a good example in this regard is Amazon [4]. Furthermore, the smart
warehousing is using a mix of technologies, including robotics systems, Enterprise Asset Management
(EAM), digital twins—exploded 3-D representations of objects and their components such as sensors,
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, smart supply chains, and AI are allowing organizations to
gain unprecedented insight into the lifecycle of products, components, and even materials [5]
The main characteristics of warehousing
Internet of Things (IoT)
The IoT technology enables to create a smart location management system and Inventory management
and warehousing, develop Blockchains, and collecting large amounts of data.
1 - Bar Coding: This technology is printed horizontal strips of vertical bars used for identifying specific
items. Bar coding is used to read through a scanner to identify inventory items during storage, retrieval,
pickup, inspection and dispatch. The technology has many advantages such as reducing human error
because the symbols that represents the stock information is unique, papering work, and processing time
leading and also increases logistics system productivity through speed as it is the easy way of rapid data
input, accuracy and reliability.
2 - Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): This technology uses radio waves to automatically identify
and track objects. The system enables large amounts of information to be stored on the chips
(tags/transponders) that can be read at a distance by readers, without requiring line of sight scanning. This
innovative technology is able to make logistics operations faster and more efficient with less human error.
Moreover, the system works through the rapid transmission of data, and it is used to avoid any
overstocked or understocked in the warehouse. The system has proven its reliability in the automotive
industry, the inventory found accurate all the time.
3- Voice Recognition Technology (VRT): Voice Recognition is a system based on an automatic
identification (AutoID), and it is used in a modern Warehouse Management System (WMS) through the
Radio Frequency (RF) scanning. The technology provides communications between the worker and the
device to identify the location of stock via voice. The VRT works similar to the bar coding system but the
difference that the former in a pre-programmed vocabulary. Basically, the VAR integrates with other
technologies in WMS in order to make communication more efficient. The VAR is best suited for stock
picking, put-away, receiving, cycle counting, and truck building.
 Blockchains [7] The Blockchain is a new technology used as the perfect place to store value, identities,
agreements, property rights, credentials, etc. In other words, every transaction in the network is recorded
in a digital ledger and multiple transactions are together forming a block. F
The role of a digital warehouse manager
It combines traditional warehouse management responsibilities with a strong emphasis on technology and
data-driven decision-making. As warehouses increasingly adopt digital tools and automation, the digital
warehouse manager's role evolves to leverage these advancements for improved efficiency, accuracy, and
responsiveness. Here are the key functions and duties typically associated with this role:
1. Technology Integration
 • System Implementation: Oversee the implementation of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS),
inventory management software, and other digital tools to streamline operations.
• Automation: Identify opportunities for automation in processes such as picking, packing, and shipping
to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs.
2. Data Analysis and Reporting
• Data Utilization: Analyze data from various sources (e.g., inventory levels, order fulfillment rates) to
make informed decisions and optimize warehouse operations.
• Performance Metrics: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational
performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
3. Inventory Management
• Real-Time Tracking: Utilize digital solutions for real-time inventory tracking and management,
ensuring accurate stock levels and reducing discrepancies.
• Forecasting: Use data analytics tools to forecast demand and adjust inventory levels accordingly,
minimizing stockouts or overstock situations.
4. Supply Chain Collaboration
• Integration with Partners: Work closely with suppliers, logistics providers, and other stakeholders to
ensure seamless communication and coordination throughout the supply chain.
• Visibility Enhancements: Implement technologies that provide enhanced visibility into the supply
chain, improving responsiveness to changes in demand or supply disruptions.
5. Process Optimization
• Workflow Improvement: Analyze workflows and processes to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies and
implement digital solutions to address them.
• Lean Practices: Apply lean principles supported by technology to eliminate waste and improve
operational efficiency.
6. Staff Training and Development
• Digital Literacy: Train warehouse staff on new technologies and digital tools to ensure they are
proficient in using them effectively.
• Change Management: Lead change management initiatives to facilitate the adoption of digital practices
within the warehouse team.
7. Safety and Compliance
• Digital Safety Tools: Implement digital safety management systems to monitor compliance with safety
regulations and track incidents.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all digital processes comply with relevant laws and industry
standards.
8. Customer Experience Enhancement
 • Order Accuracy and Speed: Leverage technology to improve order accuracy and fulfillment speed,
enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Customer Feedback Integration: Use digital platforms to gather customer feedback on order fulfillment
and make necessary adjustments.
9. Budget Management
• Cost Analysis: Analyze costs associated with digital tools and technologies to ensure they align with
budgetary goals.
• Investment Justification: Present data-driven justifications for investments in new technologies or
systems to upper management.
10. Continuous Improvement
• Innovation Adoption: Stay abreast of emerging technologies in warehouse management (e.g., AI, IoT,
robotics) and assess their potential benefits for the organization.
• Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop for continuous improvement based on data analysis,
employee input, and customer feedback.
In summary, a digital warehouse manager not only oversees traditional warehouse functions but also
focuses on integrating technology into every aspect of operations. This role requires a blend of logistics
expertise, technological proficiency, and analytical skills to drive efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability in
a rapidly changing environment. The ultimate goal is to create a more agile, responsive, and data-driven
warehouse operation that can meet the demands of modern supply chains.(8)
WAREHOUSE MANAGER’S CHALLENGES
The continuing onslaught of supply chain integration, e-commerce, globalization, QR and JIT, warehouse
managers are required to:
 Execute more and smaller transactions.
 Handle and store more items.
 Provide more product and service customization.
 Offer more value-added services.
 Process more returns.
 Receive and ship more international orders.
 Less time to process an order.
 Less margin of error. (2)
DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
As per the review in the previous section, it seems that a smart warehouse is rapidly becoming one of the
most popular trends in the logistics industry and companies in developed countries, and many companies
have already considered it as a replacement to a traditional warehouse. Moreover, many different
companies are constantly looking for such new opportunities and methods of design, manufacturing and
selling for supply chain based on new technologies. The key factors that push companies to consider a
smart warehouse are the margin and service expansion that could be obtained in a new competitive
market. As aforementioned, the difference between the smart & traditional warehouse is in the type of
technologies being used, not necessarily in the layout of a warehouse, and for that reasons a new business
venture thinks of a smart warehouse by implementing smart innovations such as warehouse robots and
other technologies as mentioned above to decrease manual intervention and improve the efficiency.
Comparing to manual operation in a traditional warehouse, the new smart technologies can achieve 24
hours of ceaseless work, and efficiency could reach 3-4 times than that of manual work [6].

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