Inventory Management Equipment and Supplies

Guide to Inventory Management Equipment and Supplies

Control costs and improve efficiency with the right inventory equipment and supplies.
By Amy Jo Garner

Whether you manage a stock room, small warehouse or a network of warehouses, you need inventory management equipment and supplies to get the job done. You lose time and money if your inventory is disorganized or poorly tracked. Affordable inventory equipment systems make even the smallest business more efficient and profitable.

Management of inventory equipment should take into consideration everything from shelving to pallets to inventory control software. The inventory system needs to be carefully planned and coordinated. An efficient operation not only saves money, it also improves customer satisfaction by speeding delivery times and reducing order fulfillment errors. Whether your system is complex or simple depends on your needs:

1. Appropriate storage systems for your inventory.
2. Inventory equipment to unload, move and stack inventory.
3. Pallets, packing, bins, labels and other inventory supplies.
4. Real-time inventory tracking through a point of sale system.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Invest in good equipment for inventory management and your warehouse workers will love you Modern technology brings us many innovations in shelving. You don't have to settle for static metal shelves. Expandable and mezzanine systems help maximum warehouse space.

I recommend:  Beaver Materials Handling offers a variety of shelving and conveyor systems. Mecalux sells shelving and pallet racking systems; download their catalogs directly from the website.

Inventory management supplies can make or break your inventory control system Purchase containers, storage bins, labeling products and other inventory supplies to make picking orders easy. You should outfit the warehouse with supplies for inventory management that improve both efficiency and safety.

I recommend:  Abtec stocks a variety of storage containers and bins. Randolph Industries manufactures a complete inventory handling system, including the Parts Handler to reduce the strain on workers' backs.

Automate your inventory management Make good use of your inventory management equipment and supplies with inventory management software. Inventory control programs, point-of-sale solutions and supplier management programs all ease management of inventory supplies.

I recommend:  SmartTurn is an affordable solution for all your inventory needs, from receiving to shipping; you can download a free 30-day trial. Fishbowl Inventory also offers a free trial. Dell Point of Sale Solutions provide retail purchase and bar code products. If you work with numerous suppliers, consider a supplier management system from Ketera.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Maximize the management of inventory equipment by routinely reevaluating your needs.
• Reduce downtime by buying the best forklifts and pallet jacks you can afford when purchasing warehouse inventory management equipment.
• Depending on your setup, stock packing and poly-bag sealing products in your warehouse inventory management supplies.