The logistics market – including internal transport – is very dynamic and competitive in Poland. More and more entrepreneurs are realizing that a well-thought-out strategy, modern solutions, or process automation are factors that have real significance in the course of production and goods sales. In the face of new challenges and an uncertain business environment, it is precisely the care for these aspects of company operations that can determine its profitability and maintaining a stable market position.
What is internal transport?
Internal transport, otherwise called intra-plant transport, is a term encompassing the movement, unloading and loading of goods, raw materials, materials or components on the premises (closed or open) belonging to the workplace. Depending on the assigned tasks, intra-plant transport can be divided into two main directions. We therefore distinguish: storage-warehouse transport and production transport (intra-departmental and inter-departmental).
Analysis of the company’s situation and needs recognition
Any changes regarding the organization of internal transport in the company should be preceded by a thorough analysis of the current situation. It is worth asking whether the company fully utilizes its potential and what is the direction of its development. Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the functioning system will facilitate the recognition of actual needs and allow avoiding unnecessary costs. Factors that particularly need to be taken into account:
– condition of infrastructure and warehouse facilities, as well as the arrangement of objects in and around the plant;
– equipment taking into account its technical condition – it is worth considering whether the number and type of machines correspond to the nature and intensity of work, whether they are used according to their intended purpose;
– human resources – whether there is a sufficient number of employees in the company, whether the scope of duties is unambiguous and whether they have appropriate qualifications and training.
Organization of warehouse space
Improving internal transport largely depends on functionally planned warehouse space. Proper infrastructure condition, wide working corridors, good visibility, unrestricted access to warehouse racks will enable free maneuvering of vehicles inside and outside the workplace. Maintaining order and cleanliness and getting rid of all unnecessary items will help create additional space. Very important is introducing proper markings (vertical and horizontal) of roads and corridors along which forklifts move. Warning signs should be placed in all required places, evacuation exit diagrams, health and safety rules, and first aid basics. Workstations should be arranged in order consistent with the process of creating goods or fulfilling orders, so as to eliminate all unnecessary actions related to moving loads. A functional warehouse also has a beneficial impact on work safety and comfort. An organized and simple work system in an appropriate environment minimizes the risk of mistakes, negligence, and accidents.
Equipment adapted to the nature of warehouse work
Deficiencies in internal transport equipment cannot be replaced by human strength. Activities such as unloading, loading, or transporting loads require the use of technically advanced equipment. Otherwise, accidents or violations of health and safety regulations may occur in the workplace.
When completing a forklift fleet, one should be guided primarily by the actual needs of the enterprise. Increasing the efficiency of warehouse operations is conditioned by investment in appropriate quality equipment. Price in this case is of secondary importance. It is important that the devices are fully utilized and also adapted to the nature of work and conditions prevailing in the workplace. For example, if part of the transport tasks is performed outside the building, where various weather conditions must be taken into account, it is worth investing in diesel counterbalance forklifts. In halls with large vertical space, equipped with multi-meter racks, high storage forklifts will prove useful. In warehouses adjacent to office environments, where silence and lack of exhaust emissions are required, the only solution is electric counterbalance forklifts. Selecting equipment appropriate to demand in the long term will allow saving unnecessary expenses, optimize work, increase safety, and also affect employee satisfaction.
Regular equipment control
Purchasing a forklift fleet is a serious and costly investment, so no negligence should be allowed. To maintain equipment in the best possible condition, it should be used according to its intended purpose and regular controls, technical inspections and maintenance should be carried out. All faults should be repaired on an ongoing basis by qualified persons or professional service. It is also important to systematically maintain documentation of the technical condition of all vehicles. It is worth remembering that there is a possibility to adapt existing means of transport to current requirements thanks to additional equipment and attachments.
Forklift financing
Limited financial possibilities do not constitute an obstacle today in implementing innovations in internal transport. Many distributors of short-distance transport equipment offer interesting solutions giving development opportunities to small companies and enterprises with limited capital. One option is purchasing used forklifts. The answer to market needs is also the service of short- and long-term rental. An interesting product is also operational leasing. The formalities related to obtaining it are limited to a minimum, and the leasing installment allows maintaining financial liquidity and does not burden credit capacity. It is also worth paying attention to the tax benefits that forklift leasing brings – its costs can be deducted as an expense related to conducting financial activity.
You can learn more about forklift financing possibilities and the FLT Fine Finance product here.
Human resource management
Another important factor affecting the smooth functioning of the warehouse is human resources. It is worth primarily ensuring an appropriate number of employees. Investment in an additional pair of hands can translate into faster order fulfillment or a more efficient production process. Every newly hired person, whether in internal transport or for other warehouse-production work, should be thoroughly introduced to the work system operating in a given plant. Systematic development through courses and employee training is a great benefit for the company in the long term. The possibility of improving qualifications also affects productivity, loyalty, and a greater sense of attachment of employed persons to the workplace. Proper distribution of duties among employees according to their knowledge, skills, and position held is also important.
Benefits resulting from effective internal transport
Optimization of intra-plant transport in the enterprise leads to increased work productivity. Tasks assigned to employees will require significantly less time, so larger orders will not pose logistical problems. High efficiency is associated with minimizing losses and reducing warehouse costs. Proper selection of equipment, good work organization, and setting realistic and achievable requirements for employees will affect their satisfaction and motivation to work. Reliability and timeliness of executed orders gives the possibility of acquiring new contractors and fulfilling a larger number of orders, and thus overall company development.
Summary
Although for many enterprises, especially those focused on production, internal transport constitutes only one segment of warehouse work, its importance should not be underestimated. Introducing good work organization, appropriate quality equipment, and employing the required number of workers affects the functionality of all processes in the company. Different solutions should be tested and one should be open to suggestions from subordinates, who know their duties best and can sometimes propose even minor changes that will affect overall work efficiency. It is worth remembering that investments made in internal transport are long-term investments, whose effects need some time to wait for. However, the balance of benefits argues that it is worth taking such actions.
