Warehouse management systems, or WMS, are software specifically designed to optimize warehouse functionality. They can direct, control, plan, organize, and utilize staff and resources in any warehouse location. Whether you want to refine your current warehouse practices or improve upon them, here are some of the advantages of using a warehouse management system you should know.

Inventory management is crucial in warehousing. With a current warehouse management system, you can significantly increase your inventory visibility. Using real-time data, you can manage inventory with barcodes, serial numbers, and radiofrequency identification. This enables you to track products’ movements during transportation. From this traceability, you can manage damaged or tainted goods, faulty batches, and recalls with ease. Another advantage of inventory visibility is just-in-time inventory management. This ensures fast, reliable inventory flow between warehouses and deliveries. Accurate demand forecasting helps generate optimal inventory levels. This technique will reduce safety stock and carrying costs, which can improve revenue and decrease waste

Part of warehousing is keeping inventory secure in one location. Warehouse management systems require employees to use individual accounts for transactions. This can improve accountability with specific employees and their daily transactions. In turn, this reduces theft or inventory misplacement. WMS can also improve accountability with reports and analysis. These systems account for every aspect of warehouse security in their design and functionality.

Another advantage of using a warehouse management system is more efficient labor management. WMS allows you to freely pick, pack, and store items with the right employees. These systems help you choose the ideal candidate based on skill level, task management, and work efficiency. All of this ensures a fast, reliable warehouse operation. With this systematic efficiency, you can gain a better understanding of your employees. Managers can identify any strengths, weaknesses, or necessary improvements in staff, all with the simplicity of WMS services.

Lastly, WMS increases the speed of inbound/outbound inventory, which increases the warehouse’s overall efficiency. Scheduling and storage management tools optimize inbound shipments. You and your supplier can set the best time and date for shipment retrieval based on your current needs. This can also help with outbound transportation. WMS can identify the best routes and zones based on load size, location, and order prioritization. Each of these solidifies liability with your shipments, which strengthens your relationship with suppliers and distributors.
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With that information, be sure to check us out at 18 Wheels Logistics. As a copacker in Vancouver, we understand warehouse management better than anyone else. We offer primary and secondary packaging for warehouse distribution so that you supply clients efficiently and smoothly. Whether it’s solid or liquid goods, our co-packing services work well with any WMS at your warehouse facility.

​Millennials are an ever-growing force in the workplace, taking on crucial roles in virtually every industry. However, many have a differing perspective from preceding generations on the way they regard the workplace and their roles within it.

• Millennials place value on experiences, and would much rather have the option to choose the tasks they take on.
• Increased flexibility and the choice to pursue other experiences outside of work are of high priority.
• The diversity and inclusivity (age, gender, ethnicity) of a company’s workforce are important factors for millennials.
• Millennials have a desire to feel that their work and their companies’ work contributes value to society.
• As opposed to prior generations, millennials may be more content with finding a role they thoroughly enjoy and excelling in that role.
• Millennials appreciate companies who can integrate a higher degree of personalization for employees, helping them advance in their roles and career paths.

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In order to encourage and empower millennials in the warehouse, companies should take these differences into consideration. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics has an exceptional team that can handle any role such as: distribution, co-packing, trucking, and much more. As your leading 3PL, warehousing, co-packing, and transportation provider, we place a high regard on the well-being and success of our team members.

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​While there is increased cross-border trade between the U.S. and Canada, there are additional fees and taxes imposed on goods entering Canada. Additionally, before importing goods, a company must guarantee that their shipments comply with CBSA and CRA regulations. The following are 5 important border considerations in order to ship goods from across the border:

• Commercial businesses must obtain a business number before shipping any goods. Business numbers are given by the CRA, free of charge.
• Companies must also identify and provide valid proof of the initial country from which the goods are originally from.
• A company must also verify that the goods imported are legally permitted into Canada. For example, live animals, perishable goods, and mattresses are just some items that are prohibited.
• A majority of shipments entering Canada are subject to federal and provincial taxes. There is a 5% federal GST tax, however, at the provincial level it varies.
• The CBSA also encourages companies to maintain records of imports for up to 6 years of shipment into Canada.   

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As Canada’s leading warehousing, co-packing, trucking, and 3PL specialist, 18 Wheels Logistics can help get your shipments across borders efficiently and with ease. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia with warehouses across North America, we can be contacted for all your transportation and distribution needs. 

In business, one thing is for certain: supply chains are crucial. This refers to the process by which raw materials are sent to a manufacturing facility that utilizes a distribution company to ship finished products or goods to retailers, distributors, or directly to consumers. While each part of the supply chain is important, the distribution and warehouse sectors are among the most essential functions, given their constant demand. With that, any company looking to hire a distribution company to handle their products must read below. These tips for selecting a third-party logistics provider will help you understand the importance of a strong relationship between you and the 3PL provider.

The first step to selecting a good 3PL is to research your options. Look for a company with excellent reviews so that you’re confident in your selection. These should account for communication, service, speed, precision, accuracy, handling, distribution, warehousing, and all other necessary components and services. The company should be able to integrate with your systems to create an optimal business relationship centered on production, accountability, and growth.

The next step is to set clear objectives. Once you have 3PL service providers in mind, communicate your objectives for future development. This relates to an established partnership. While you’ll have to partake in data sharing and clear communication, you’ll see that, with a trusted 3PL provider, your corporate values come first. Granted, each 3PL provider should understand the supply chain necessities to stabilize distribution and warehousing capabilities. More so, these come at a cost of open-field transparency between them and you.

.With that, one tip for selecting a third-party logistics provider is to find one with customizable capabilities. Experienced 3PL services should help you leverage your inventory and ensure quality feedback from their services. They will optimize and build up your current systems to allow for better production standards and reduce inventory carrying costs. Part of this capability stems from continuous improvement. 3PLs that offer exceptional service in their duties along with careful attention to detail assure you the best distribution strategies available.

Lastly, find a 3PL that maintains strong communication throughout the process. It helps if they have omnichannel expertise, meaning they’re experienced not only in their business but in yours as well. This way, the 3PL provider understands proper performance, business, and customer service with both industries. Additionally, if you feel something’s off at any point, reach out and field your complaints. A communicative third-party logistics service listens to your grievances with open ears and adjusts their strategy accordingly.

On that note, for the best third-party warehousing and distribution in Vancouver, check us out at 18 Wheels Logistics. We utilize several facilities across the Vancouver area and Pacific Northwest to supply our customers with the best logistics services around. Whether it’s warehouse storage, cross-dock transportation, or special packaged delivery, we know all the proper procedures for fast, transparent supply chain optimization.

​Storage is a crucial pillar of the food supply chain that can ultimately impact both product quality and customer satisfaction. Warehouses must make extensive efforts to ensure they are up to code for operations. If proper health and sanitation procedures aren’t put in place, it can result in bacterial, fungi, rodent, or pest problems. The following are four principles for proper food grade storage:

· Pest Control: Pest controls substances should be in place at strategic locations around the perimeter. There should also be frequent inspections to check for possible infestations.
· Sanitation Schedule: A regular and well-documented schedule of cleaning sessions should be implemented to ensure that the facility is hygienic and up to code.
· Training Program: Employees should partake in periodic training programs for personal hygiene, food safety, and quality awareness.
· Lot Traceability: Your 3PL provider should keep track of their lot and date codes to ensure that the products are rotated properly.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia but servicing all of North America, we specialize in everything warehousing, transportation, co-packing, trucking, and distribution. ​Contact 18 Wheels Logistics to hear about our enhanced services and optimal warehousing solutions.