MAINTAINING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IN WAREHOUSING DURING PANDEMIC

Dr.D.SathishKumar, Asst.Professor, Department of MBA, Sankara College of Science and Commerce

            Nationwide lockdown made non-operational for many businesses, Logistics played a vital role by operating in overdrive to keep the suppliers essentials and important items moving. The domestic warehousing industry is facing challenges to keep the business going among the pandemic situation. Warehouse is the significant part of any business infrastructure and is one of the key enablers in the supply chain. With the spread of pandemic, majority consumers changes in the behaviour leading to increased ecommerce demand and rapid adoption of alternate channel distribution models by companies. The demand from e-commerce, FMCG and Pharma industry will help push demand for warehousing in the nation and help it recover it faster among the pandemic.

Problems faced by warehouses in maintaining efficiency 

            The impact of covid-19, among the spread of the virus, many shippers have found more difficult to operate. Many state governments in order to contain the virus, restricted operations of warehouses despite it being exempted by the centre, causing severe disruptions in the operations and movements of essentials. According to the reports, companies among the lockdown are operating at a 40-60% capacity only, as only essential goods and services are operational.

             The lockdown and shutting of borders have turned out to be a speed bump in the way of the logistics warriors. Not only has it resulted in reduced manpower but also caused difficulties for logistics professionals to get necessary permissions.

Maintaining safety and health of workers

             The safety of the workers in the warehouse is one of the most crucial factors to be considered, lack of precautions could lead to closing down of the warehouse for an indefinite period of time. Companies and  their operations on the fly to ensure their warehouses keep up with the demand for groceries and other essential supplies while prioritizing health and safety during covid-19. To ensure health and safety warehouses have done sanitation, including the main entrance, vehicle parking area, drainage chambers, driver’s room, outside sanitary facilities of all warehouses.

            Apart from sanitation companies are advising employees to ensure social distancing and are providing them with essentials as mask, sanitizers, gloves etc to ensure hygienic and safe operations.