04/24/2024
10 Ways I Use Operational Excellence to Improve Logistics
Discover how one of our warehouse directors improves his local work culture using a strong set of guidelines built on working closely with teammates.
Our Director of Operational Excellence, Paul Ware, ensures that GEODIS follows best practices for packaging and customization services across the U.S. He has seen great results using an employee-focused, collaborative approach to providing warehouse services. Here, he shares ten ways that he uses operational excellence to help GEODIS meet its commitments to our clients.
- Operational excellence is a framework that can get the best from employees by helping them feel invested in the culture and success of the business
- Motivated employees help to drive better client outcomes—a happy teammate means a happy customer
- Building a culture of excellence relies on strong leadership who are willing to put the time and effort in to help employees thrive
I'm often asked what advice I would give to someone who wants to improve how their warehouse operates. Warehouses can be a challenging work environment, so improving the culture is essential to creating a positive experience for everyone and ensuring colleagues stay happy and safe - all while meeting our client commitments. Here are the ten areas I like to focus on to keep our operations running smoothly.
1. Define and communicate a clear vision
Establish a compelling vision for the work culture you want to create. Communicate it effectively to all employees, ensuring they understand the organization's direction and their role in achieving it.
2. Foster employee engagement
Involve employees in the process of improving work culture. Encourage open communication, active participation, and collaboration. Empower employees to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work environment.
3. Streamline your logistics processes
Identify and eliminate any unnecessary or redundant processes that hinder productivity or create frustration. Encourage lean thinking and continuous improvement by seeking ways to simplify workflows, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.
4. Set clear supply chain goals and metrics
Define clear and measurable goals that align with what you need to do for your clients. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and provide regular feedback to employees. Transparently share performance metrics, allowing everyone to understand their impact on the work culture.
5. Implement standardized warehouse work procedures
Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) that outline best practices and ensure consistency across the organization. Regularly review and update these procedures to reflect evolving needs.
6. Invest in employee development
Provide training and development opportunities to enhance employees' skills and knowledge. Encourage continuous learning and professional growth.
7. Foster a culture of accountability
Encourage employees to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes. Ensure that accountability is balanced with support and recognition for achievements.
8. Encourage innovation and experimentation
Foster an environment where employees are encouraged to think creatively, share ideas, and experiment with new approaches
9. Recognize and celebrate achievements
Regularly acknowledge and celebrate individual and team accomplishments aligned with the desired work culture.
10. Continuously assess and improve
Regularly assess the effectiveness of initiatives undertaken to enhance work culture. Solicit feedback from employees through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one discussions.
Remember that improving work culture takes time and continuous effort. That means an ongoing commitment and leadership support. Operational excellence is a strong, guiding framework to drive positive change and create a work environment where employees feel empowered, engaged, and motivated to contribute their best.
Find out more about Paul and how he's driving excellence in GEODIS on his LinkedIn page. <https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ware/>
How GEODIS can help
GEODIS is one of the biggest warehousing and logistics providers in the U.S. and around the world. Here's what you can expect when you work with us:
- Strategically located warehouses and distribution centers throughout the U.S.
- More than 50 million square feet of storage space
- Reach 99.5% of the continental U.S. in two days or fewer
- A choice of multi-customer sites, logistics campuses, manual or automated warehouse solutions, and storage that's close to logistics hubs and your customers
- Comprehensive value-added services
- A wide and deep national, regional, and local carrier network
- Integration with the full range of transportation, warehousing, and freight forwarding GEODIS services
- Real-time visibility throughout the supply chain
Get in touch and see how we can help you.
