The Holiday Rush Is Coming – Is Your Warehouse Prepared?

With soaring order volumes, tight delivery windows, and high customer expectations, a warehouse can quickly become overwhelmed without the right systems and processes in place. If you want to stay ahead of the holiday curve, now’s the time to evaluate your warehouse management systems, equipment, and team readiness.

1. Audit Inventory Before the Orders Flood In

A well-executed inventory audit is the foundation of a smooth peak season. Before demand spikes, confirm what you have, where it’s located, and how fast it's moving. This not only helps you avoid stockouts and overstocking, but also improves data tracking across your warehouse.

TSC Auto ID’s

To take it a step further, integrate RFID tracking or barcode scanning into your workflow. Using solutions like TSC Auto ID’s barcode printers ensures your labels are accurate and compliant, reducing costly shipping delays and barcode-related fines. With label clarity and precision, you eliminate the risk of unreadable tags slowing down your packing stations when every second counts.

2. Streamline Picking and Packing with Mobile Workstations

Increased volume means your team needs to move quickly without sacrificing accuracy. One proven way to reduce wasted motion is by bringing the workstation to the worker. Newcastle Systems’ mobile carts eliminate the need for employees to walk back and forth across the warehouse to access printers or computers. Equipped with power supplies and scanning tools, these mobile workstations let staff scan, label, and pack orders right at the point of activity.

Newcastle Systems Mobile Workstations

The result? Reduced man-hours, improved pick rates, and less worker fatigue – a game-changer when it comes to warehouse management.

3. Train Staff with Speed and Confidence Using Wearables

Seasonal hiring is common during the holidays, but onboarding temporary staff quickly (and safely) is always a challenge. Zebra’s wearables are helping warehouses overcome this hurdle by making training more intuitive.

Zebra Wearable Scanners

From hands-free scanners to wrist-mounted mobile computers, wearable tech empowers new hires to learn on the job faster. Instead of juggling handheld devices, they can scan inventory and move product simultaneously, freeing up time and improving productivity right from day one. For warehouse preparations, especially during peak season, this kind of efficiency isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

4. Secure Devices and Reduce Downtime

With more people working and more tools in use, there’s a higher risk of equipment being misplaced, damaged, or undercharged. It’s critical to maintain access to your mobile devices, scanners, and tablets throughout the shift. That’s where Zebra’s Guardian Cabinets come in.

Zebra Guardian Cabinets

These smart storage units keep your devices safe, organized, and charged – ready for use at all times. They also offer detailed usage tracking and health monitoring, helping you prevent last minute tech issues when your warehouse can least afford them.

Prepare Now, Win Later

The holiday rush is coming, and there’s no time to waste. Whether it’s mobile carts that reduce wasted motion, wearables that speed up training, or barcode solutions that keep you compliant, the right tech stack can make or break your peak season.

Get ahead of the rush. Streamline your operations, empower your staff, and ensure your warehouse is ready to deliver not just gifts, but exceptional service.

Your holiday success starts with preparation. Is your warehouse ready?