Proper warehouse management is critical to continued profitability for many businesses, but companies often do not account for the unforeseen variables that can impact warehouse logistics. In particular, organizations that fail to consider these two facts are likely running inefficient operations that could significantly limit revenue.

1. Reusable Packaging is Best

Companies can more effectively ship, store, and protect their inventory by using greener packaging instead of disposable containers. A study from Germany-based Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg, in particular, looked at how packaging affects fruit and vegetable shipments, finding that 4 percent of all produce shipped in disposable containers sustained damage while on route to consumers. In contrast, 0.1 percent of all fruit and vegetables shipped in reusable packaging were damaged in transit.

According to researchers, these findings could yield enormous cost savings for businesses. If food were only shipped in disposable packaging, firms would incur €68 million in losses yearly, roughly equating to more than $87 million. However, the exclusive use of reusable containers would cost €2 million, equal to approximately $2.57 million.

2. Temperature Matters

Warehouses that store items such as produce and medical supplies must keep facilities cool to maintain the integrity of goods. However, all warehouse managers may want to keep buildings cool in the summer regardless of what is stored.

In a recent article in The Bulletin, human resources professional Virginia Detweiler wrote that warehouse employees will be far more efficient during warmer months when the temperature of their surroundings is considered. For example, one Southwestern U.S. facility was able to dramatically boost the efficacy of its warehouse operations by shortening the amount of time staff spent outside and by allowing workers to clock in earlier in the day before the sun fully rose.

"There are many people who think they are tough, 'I can handle it,'" Detweiler wrote. "And many business managers think employee discomfort isn't something they should consider. That's a mistake for both the employee and the business. When it's hot, productivity and profits can drop."