Prepping for the busy season, a Supply Chain must

As we approach March, 2019 feels as though it is flying by already. Now is the time to check back in with your New Year’s resolutions to see if you are on track.

How are your New Year’s goals and resolutions going?

Many of us decided it was time to exercise more and eat healthier in preparation for summer and swimsuit season. Now is the time to take action to make changes for the better, not only for our bodies, but also for our businesses. Instead of taking lazy time, let’s think of this as prep-time before peak season to get our warehouses in the best shape possible.

Much like meal-prepping healthy meals to prepare for a week of clean eating, we need to prep our warehouses for the busy season that is to come. While we have the time, we need to take a look back into the last busy season, and target those areas with solutions, much like fat-blasting workouts that target our problem areas.

During this time, instead of relaxing and getting lazy, we need to spring into action and take those next steps to better our warehouses. For some, this might mean organizing the layout of your warehouse floor for a more efficient workflow.

For many, this might be the perfect time to look into warehouse management software that will take your business to the next level, or make the most of your WMS solution by adding modules and customizing your software. Now is the time to take the plunge, and make the change while you have the downtime to get familiar with the new changes, add-ons and software updates to make sure it’s ready to go before the hectic logistics season is upon us.

It’s not too late to make changes that will help get your warehouse fit for the heavy influx of orders that is to come as the supply chain dives into its busy season. Make the decision to improve your warehouse and prepare your business and employees with the best software and tools to get ahead in the supply chain!

For more information about the new modules and updates from Argos Software, contact your sales rep, or contact us!

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Peak Season Warehouse Preparation Checklist

Successful peak season preparation requires a systematic approach across multiple operational areas. Start planning at least 6 months in advance to ensure your warehouse can handle increased demand without compromising service levels.

Staffing and Labor Management:

• Begin temporary labor recruitment 8-10 weeks before peak season starts
• Partner with staffing agencies early to secure priority access to qualified workers
• Develop training programs that can quickly onboard seasonal employees
• Cross-train existing staff on multiple warehouse functions to increase flexibility
• Plan overtime schedules and shift patterns to maximize coverage during high-demand periods

Inventory and Storage Optimization:

• Analyze historical data to forecast demand and adjust safety stock levels
• Reposition fast-moving SKUs to prime picking locations closer to packing areas
• Maximize vertical storage space utilization and clear overflow areas
• Establish dedicated zones for seasonal merchandise and promotional items
• Coordinate with suppliers on delivery schedules to prevent receiving bottlenecks

Equipment and Infrastructure:

• Schedule maintenance for all material handling equipment, conveyors, and sortation systems
• Test backup power systems and ensure adequate lighting throughout the facility
• Verify network infrastructure can handle increased data loads from higher transaction volumes
• Stock spare parts inventory for critical equipment to minimize downtime

Carrier and Shipping Preparation:

• Negotiate peak season rates and capacity commitments with shipping carriers
• Establish backup carrier relationships for overflow shipments
• Verify packaging materials inventory and establish emergency supplier contacts
• Test shipping software integrations and label printing systems under high-volume scenarios

How WMS Technology Smooths Peak Season Operations

Modern warehouse management systems transform chaotic peak season environments into orchestrated, efficient operations through intelligent automation and real-time optimization capabilities.

Intelligent Slotting and Inventory Positioning: Advanced WMS platforms automatically analyze picking frequency and product velocity to optimize storage locations. The system continuously repositions fast-moving SKUs to reduce picker travel time, while seasonal items are strategically placed based on projected demand patterns. This dynamic slotting capability ensures your warehouse layout adapts automatically as order patterns change throughout peak season.

Wave Planning and Order Optimization: WMS technology groups orders into efficient picking waves based on multiple criteria including shipping deadlines, carrier schedules, and warehouse zones. The system optimizes batch sizes to maximize picking efficiency while ensuring on-time shipments. This intelligent batching prevents the bottlenecks that occur in manual operations when orders pile up without strategic organization.

Real-Time Labor Management: Modern systems provide instant visibility into worker productivity, task completion rates, and bottleneck identification. Managers can redistribute labor resources dynamically based on real-time demand, ensuring optimal staffing levels across different warehouse zones. Performance dashboards highlight areas needing immediate attention before small issues become major delays.

Dynamic Pick Path Optimization: WMS technology calculates the most efficient routes through the warehouse for each picker, reducing travel time and increasing order throughput. The system considers real-time inventory locations, order priorities, and warehouse congestion to continuously optimize picking sequences. This eliminates the guesswork and inefficiencies that plague manual picking operations during high-volume periods.

These technological capabilities work together to maintain operational control when order volumes surge, preventing the chaos and errors that typically accompany peak season rushes in less automated warehouses.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the busy season typically start for supply chains?

The busy season for supply chains typically begins in late spring and extends through the holiday season, peaking during back-to-school shopping, Black Friday, and the winter holidays. The exact timing can vary by industry, but most warehouses see significant increases in order volume starting around May and June, making early preparation during slower months like March and April crucial for success.

How long does it take to implement new warehouse management software?

WMS implementation typically takes 3-6 months depending on warehouse size and complexity. This includes software configuration, data migration, employee training, and testing phases. Starting implementation during slower periods ensures your team has adequate time to learn the new system and work out any issues before peak season demands require smooth, efficient operations.

What warehouse layout changes provide the biggest efficiency improvements?

The most impactful layout changes include optimizing pick paths to reduce travel time, placing fast-moving items in easily accessible locations, and creating dedicated zones for different order types. Implementing zone picking, establishing clear receiving and shipping areas, and ensuring proper aisle widths for equipment movement can significantly improve workflow efficiency during high-volume periods.

Why is downtime the best opportunity for warehouse improvements?

Downtime allows for system implementations, staff training, and layout changes without disrupting daily operations or customer fulfillment. During slower periods, you can thoroughly test new processes, identify and resolve issues, and ensure employees are comfortable with changes. Attempting major improvements during busy seasons risks operational disruptions and increased errors when performance matters most.

What are the most common warehouse bottlenecks during peak season?

Common peak season bottlenecks include inadequate picking processes, insufficient inventory tracking, overwhelmed shipping areas, and undertrained staff. Poor warehouse layout, outdated technology systems, and lack of automation also create delays. These issues compound during high-volume periods, making proactive identification and resolution during slower months essential for maintaining operational efficiency when order volumes surge.