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

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action BAE Systems production

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action

23 Oct 2025

2

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West Nick Miles, National Cyber Force deputy director for Samlesbury

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West

23 Oct 2025

3

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund Foresight announces £90 million first close of its third dedicated North West regional investment fund

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund

23 Oct 2025

4

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win Warehouse Supervisor at Pets Choice Brad Eddleston and McMurrays Sales Manager Rob Spencer. Photo credit: McMurrays Haulage Limited

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win

21 Oct 2025

5

Dragons' Den star to shine on Lancashire Business Day Derry Green

Dragons' Den star to shine on Lancashire Business Day

21 Oct 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
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

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Chamber Business Lunch – October
LBV Hub Networking
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Chamber Business Lunch – October

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

11:00 - 13:30

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

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 LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin