DHL two-day warehouse course proves a success By Ashleigh Wight
Page 33
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
DIAL SUPPLY CHAIN has received positive feedback from the 100 warehouse managers who have completed its Efficient Warehouse Practices course (CM 28 March), aimed at motivating staff and developing best practice.
The two-day course, which was developed in partnership with Cranfield School of Management, aims to provide best practice training for warehouse managers and general managers across its 37 UK warehousing sites through theory, group discussions and the opportunity to tackle issues during panel discussions.
Managers also have the opportunity to identify a project to develop on site to cut costs and improve their work environment. Some projects already developed include: improving site layout, labour management tools and forklift truck detecting.
Dr Peter Baker, visiting fellow at the Cranfield centre for logistics and supply chain management, told CM: "It's a big plus for attracting [customers and staff] to DIAL and makes it a very attractive place to learn and work."
The curriculum took four months to develop before it was rolled out in January, and covers every operation from when a load arrives in the warehouse to when a truck leaves.
Chief operating officer Chris Sharp said: "We approached Cranfield as we wanted prestige. It has a reputation for providing courses in warehouses; I don't think our training rooms would have provided the same environment." Sharp said warehouse managers who have completed the course welcomed the opportunity to meet people who have the same role at different sites.
DHL and Cranfield are halfway to achieving their aim of training 200 staff by the end of the year. They hope to condense the course into a one-day programme for shift managers, or develop a similar best practice course for its transport operation.