The industry's first & only best-practice certification
The
WERC Warehouse Certification Program is a voluntary facility certification program that certifies an
individual warehouse facility’s capabilities and its ability to perform core warehousing functions.
The program provides an industry standard grading methodology that includes facility inspections and process assessments by independent third parties. Auditors benchmark and grade warehouse operations against a 5-point scale.
What does an audit include? Download a sample of the information included in an audit report.
QUESTIONS? Call or email Chad Pilbeam at cpilbeam@werc.org or 630.320.5808
Want to see a short WEBCAST about Warehouse Certfication? Click here.
The WERC Qualitative Difference
The WERC Certification program offers a qualitative review that focuses on how work is done. This is an improvement over benchmarking studies that focus solely on quantitative metrics such as fill rate, on-time shipments or inventory accuracy. The advantages of WERC’s qualitative approach are:
- Scoring against a 5-point scale allows you to know exactly how you stack up against the suggested industry standards for warehousing
- Concrete, practical, actionable benchmarks
- An approach that provides a holistic, comprehensive review
- Audit based on warehousing industry standards vetted by industry pros
"I think that the nature of this audit couldn't have come at a better time. Sales are down across virtually all business sectors and the smart companies have all been watching costs more closely in order to maintain profitablility. The WERC audit process is fantastic tool to help identify areas that will help each company control costs and contribute to the bottom line. I would recommend this audit to anyone who is serious about logistics and finding opportunities for controlling costs." --Jim Freker, DC General Manager, Invacare, Arlington, TX
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BENEFITS for Facility Operators
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BENEFITS for Shippers
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BENEFITS for 3PLs
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An unbiased, professional review of warehousing practices compared to industry standards
Help in identifying areas for improvement
Tools to benchmark against internal and external facilities
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Help assess warehouse process criteria for outsource partners
Helps identify opportunities for improvement with their 3PL
Sourcing and procurement professionals benefit from knowing potential 3PLs meet minimum process aptitude levels
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All the benefits Facility Operators enjoy
Helps grade your offerings
Market as a "WERC Certified Warehouse"
Enhance your brand’s visibility in the industry |
How is Certification Determined?
Certification is based on audits using the WERC Warehousing & Fulfillment Process Benchmark & Best Practices Guide. The Guide outlines 5 levels of warehouse process competencies ranging from poor to best practice and covers the common warehousing processes:
- Receiving & Inspection
- Material Handling
- Slotting
- Storage & Inventory Control
- Warehouse Management Systems
- Shipping Documentation
- Picking & Packing
- Load Consolidation & Shipping
Not all audits are bad--this one saves you money
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Audits are comprehensive and flexible recognizing differences in industry requirements.
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WERC Certification is complementary to any quality system, such as the ISO 9000 series.
- The program allows for variations in industry, customers, restrictions and product characteristics and requirements.
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The audit uses clearly-defined differences among categories.
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Pricing is reasonable.
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Scheduling is flexible and there is a minimum time commitment.
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Auditors are seasoned professionals with years of experience and certified by WERC.
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Added value....Facilities receive a complete written report with audit results.
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Managers are given a set of benchmarking tools and two books to assist in continuous improvement efforts.
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Auditor recommendations are included with the written report.
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Facilities are awarded a Certificate of Certification.
Why WERC?
As the recognized leader in education and research for the warehouse and distribution management field and its role in the supply chain, WERC focuses on advancing the art and science of warehousing/distribution and driving the warehouse profession to new levels.
In this role, WERC is committed to spreading the word about the hard work and dedicated people who keep the distribution system running smoothly, efficiently and economically. The development and delivery of a set of standards and tools for grading warehouse operations is a part of this effort to continue to support our members and the industry.
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