The SupplyChainBrain Podcast Boosting Warehouse Efficiency: It’s Not Just About Automation
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Sep 26, 2025 In this engaging talk, Norm Sains, a partner and managing director at St. Ange Company with a focus on supply chain engineering, shares insights on warehouse efficiency. He reveals that 80% of U.S. warehouses still rely on manual processes, emphasizing effective strategies beyond automation. Norm discusses optimizing receiving and put-away processes, maximizing labor savings through better slotting techniques, and the importance of ergonomics in packing. He also highlights innovative approaches to task interleaving, replenishment, and storage density, advocating for smart, cost-effective improvements.
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Most Warehouses Still Manual
- Around 80% of U.S. warehouse space remains manual despite automation buzz.
- Automation often isn't justified by volumes or economics, so other gains matter more.
Design Receiving For Space And Flow
- Allocate sufficient, organized receiving space with staging lanes and barcode signs.
- Use mobile printers and RF scanners to speed receiving without full automation.
Zone Inventory To Shorten Put-Away
- Zone the warehouse by velocity so fast movers sit closer and lower to reduce put-away travel.
- Use WMS-directed put-away and clear barcodes to keep operators efficient.