When warehouse management consultant Phil Mendelowitz steps onto the scene, he goes into stealth observation mode. Without a word, he walks through San Francisco Bay Area facilities and meticulously takes notes. At the end of his inspection, he goes over necessary and beneficial improvements with his clients. In his 30 years, Mendelowitz has seen it all. Working from customer service to inventory control to packing and shipping, he knows the ins and outs of warehousing. As owner-operator of Warehouse Flow, he analyzes warehouses to improve safety, efficiency, and any other business goals necessary to achieve maximum results.
Logistics costs have risen by 3.2% according to 2018 data from global management consulting firm ATKearney. More storefronts are closing, putting a reliance on warehouses to fulfill e-commerce needs. This increase in demand requires the warehousing industry to make astute strategic choices for efficiency and to thrive.
Practical strategy is second nature for Mendelowitz. Long after his high school football days, he brings his crafty and agile talents to the warehouse management game. He started in industry in customer service. Those problem-solving skills along with efficient safety strategies put Mendelowitz in winning mode.
"I had really good bosses coming through the ranks," he said. "If you're gonna do a job, take ownership and do it. If you see something, question it. Take care of it. I did that, and my employers had confidence in me."
Employers should maintain cleanliness and safety as a part of customer service, Mendelowitz said.
"I don't think you can ever hear ?safety' said too much in a warehouse," he said. "I believe in the daily 10-minute huddle right at the start of the shift. Go over what to expect and anything special happening. Safety leads to other good habits in the warehouse. For example, good housekeeping leads to fewer trips and falls and makes the warehouse presentable to all."
Part of safety evaluations and getting a warehouse to flow for optimal optimization, Mendelowitz focuses on five key concepts:"Employees and managers should stay on their toes at all times," he said. "Compliance inspections and evaluations go best when they are not expected."
A few other points Mendelowitz likes to focus on is personal protective equipment, especially hearing protection, and proper forklift training. He believes cross-training and engaging in and enforcing safety in the workplace boosts profitability.
Need some free resources to optimize efficiency and safety in any warehouse? Download the Warehouse Safety Guide for Efficiency.