Knowing what’s coming and when is crucial in warehouse management

why knowing whats comin in is crucial article cover 02.png.png

In the fast-paced world of warehouse management, preparation is everything. Knowing what products are arriving, when they’ll arrive, and how they’ll be packaged can make the difference between smooth, efficient operations and complete chaos. Unfortunately, many warehouses still operate with little to no forewarning of incoming deliveries, which leads to inefficiencies, increased costs, and operational headaches.

Here’s why having clear visibility over incoming shipments is so important and how advanced shipment notices (ASNs) can transform warehouse operations.

The Problem: Unplanned Deliveries Cause Chaos

Imagine running a warehouse and suddenly receiving a truckload of products you didn’t expect. You have no idea how much staff you’ll need to unload it, how much equipment is required, or even where to store the items. This lack of preparation can disrupt daily operations, create bottlenecks, and strain resources.

During a recent interview with supply chain expert Darren Chaisty, they highlighted how common this issue is: "We go to a lot of clients who’ve got no idea what’s coming. Suppliers are sending things whenever they want to, and that results in products arriving at the dock, leaving the warehouse team scrambling to figure out how to deal with it."

This scenario is all too common, but it’s also avoidable. The key to avoiding these issues? Advanced Shipment Notices (ASNs).

The Solution: Advanced Shipment Notices (ASNs)

ASNs provide a pre-notification of what’s coming, when it’s arriving, and how it will be packaged. They act as a detailed “heads-up” from suppliers or carriers, offering valuable insight into incoming shipments. These notices allow warehouse managers to plan resources, allocate staff, and ensure that the right equipment is available before the products even hit the dock.

According to Darren: "In automotive, nothing arrived without us knowing it was coming. You get a pre-notification from your supplier or logistics carrier saying, 'We are bringing this product, and it is going to arrive in this packaging configuration.' That pre-notification allows the warehouse management team to plan their resources and be ready for when that load arrives."

The Impact of ASNs on Warehouse Efficiency

The benefits of ASNs are clear—they give warehouses the ability to plan ahead, streamline operations, and prevent unnecessary bottlenecks. Here are some key statistics that illustrate their impact:

  • Up to 30 per cent Reduction in Dock-to-Stock Cycle Times: Warehouses that implement ASNs see a significant reduction in the time it takes to unload, inspect, and store incoming goods, reducing dock-to-stock cycle times by up to 30 per cent. This leads to faster processing and quicker availability of products for distribution.
  • 25 per cent Decrease in Warehouse Labor Costs: By knowing what’s coming and when, warehouses can plan staffing levels in advance, ensuring they have the right amount of labor on hand. This can lead to a 25 per cent reduction in labor costs by minimizing overtime and reducing idle time
  • Improved Accuracy by 20 per cent: ASNs reduce errors by providing clear information about incoming shipments, including quantities, packaging configurations, and specific SKUs. This improves accuracy in receiving processes by 20 per cent, reducing the need for costly corrections later on.

ASNs also improve communication between suppliers and warehouse teams, reducing the chances of miscommunication or surprise deliveries.

Empowering Warehouse Teams to Respond

While ASNs provide crucial foresight, there’s another aspect to warehouse management that’s just as important—empowering teams to take control when something unexpected arrives.

"At the same time, you want to empower them in the warehouse to say, ‘Stop, that can’t come in.’ When something arrives that shouldn’t be there, they need to take control, reroute it, or manage it effectively," Darren noted.

This level of autonomy ensures that when exceptions do occur, the warehouse team can handle them swiftly and efficiently without causing major disruptions to the overall flow of operations.

How We Can Help You Achieve Greater Efficiency

With the right tools and processes, your warehouse can operate like a well-oiled machine. At [Company Name], we help businesses streamline their supply chain by integrating advanced systems like ASNs, enabling better communication, reducing costs, and improving overall efficiency. Here’s how we can help you:

  • Implementing ASN Technology: We can help you set up ASN systems that seamlessly connect with your suppliers, ensuring you always know what’s coming and when.
  • Resource Planning: With ASNs in place, we’ll work with you to optimise staffing, equipment, and space utilisation.
  • Empowering Your Team: We help you create protocols that empower your warehouse staff to manage unexpected deliveries and make decisions on the spot.

Don’t Let Unplanned Deliveries Disrupt Your Business

In warehouse management, knowledge truly is power. With advanced shipment notices, you can avoid surprises, reduce labour costs, and ensure smooth, efficient operations. By taking control of what’s coming and when, you’ll be better equipped to meet demand, optimize resources, and keep your operations running smoothly.

Ready to transform your warehouse into a beacon of efficiency? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business implement ASNs and improve supply chain visibility.

Enjoyed this? Read more from North Star Projects

Latest news

1

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November Gary McEwan managing director of Interfloor

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November

10 Sep 2025

2

Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working Lancashire Combined Authority

Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working

10 Sep 2025

3

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks announce strategic collaboration Collaboration between BAE Systems FalconWorks and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks announce strategic collaboration

09 Sep 2025

4

High street retailers urged to ‘take advantage’ of new funded support programme Brian Moore, Lee Johnson, Anne Williamson and Andrew Leeming

High street retailers urged to ‘take advantage’ of new funded support programme

08 Sep 2025

5

Beaverbrooks invest in the high street in difficult conditions Mark Adlestone And Anna Blackburn Beaverbrooks

Beaverbrooks invest in the high street in difficult conditions

08 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
17 Sep 2025 - 17 Sep 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Chorley Council breakfast event new
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Worden Hall, Leyland, PR25 3DH

08:00 - 11:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September
TMM Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September

Chorley, PR7 2SL

18:00 - 20:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin