WAREHOUSE DATA · EDITORIAL DRAFT
Seven data sets to prepare before improving a warehouse
Start with the question you need to answer
Before changing a layout or adding a shift, define the improvement you want and the data that can demonstrate it. Incomplete information can still start a useful discussion, provided the gaps are clearly recorded.
1. Item master and units of measure
Prepare SKUs, case/pack/unit definitions, dimensions and storage requirements. If batches, expiry dates or serial numbers matter, document how they are tracked. Inconsistent conversions make reconciliation difficult.
2. Inbound and outbound flows
Collect transactions with timestamps, item codes, quantities, order types and destinations. Use a representative period covering normal and peak days, agreed by both parties. Monthly totals alone rarely reveal when work builds up.
3. Inventory and stock counts
Provide an inventory snapshot at a defined time, storage locations and discrepancy records. Explain whether transactions stopped during counting and how picked stock and pending exceptions were treated.
4. Layout and travel paths
Show receiving, storage, picking, packing, dispatch staging and exception areas. Check actual dimensions and movement constraints rather than relying only on an old drawing.
5. Shifts and task times
Record people by role and shift, actual working hours, overtime and unplanned work. Measure representative tasks to support a realistic resource plan.
6. Processes and handover points
Collect current SOPs, approval owners, system-recording points and exception handling rules. Describe experience-based practices as part of the current state; do not assume they are wrong.
7. Existing KPIs and feedback
Record KPI definitions, timestamp sources, sampling methods and customer feedback. Align counting rules before comparing periods.
The next step
Choose one priority issue, identify sufficiently reliable data and agree the assessment scope. SCO uses this information to propose suitable consulting or on-site operations support. An improvement rate should not be promised before a baseline exists.
English translation/adaptation of the Vietnamese article.