As an importer, middleman, wholesaler, retailer, agent, brand owner, or whoever selling flashlights, we may not be able to avoid storing flashlights and headlamps in order to supply our customers more efficiently. Therefore, storing flashlights in warehouses may be an inevitable part of our work. Proper storage and management of our products in the warehouse are crucial to ensuring their quality and availability. How can we store our goods correctly and efficiently? Here are some tips on how we store and manage our flashlights in the warehouse:
Use an Inventory Management System
We use inventory management systems to track the number of flashlights in our inventory, monitor their usage, and reorder supplies in a timely manner to avoid stockouts. Inventory management systems can be professional ERP management software, such as SAP ERP, Oracle ERP Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite ERP, Infor ERP, Epicor ERP, Sage ERP, and so on. If you are unable to use such professional software, you should at least keep a clear record of the number of flashlights of each variety that enters and exits the warehouse each time. This way, you can have a clear record of the quantity in the warehouse, which is convenient for making procurement plans.
Storage Environment
The storage environment for flashlights requires room temperature, dryness, and a cool and shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. Specifically, the requirements are as follows:
Dryness
Flashlights should be stored in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight to prevent moisture from damaging internal components or batteries. Exposure to humidity can also cause corrosion, which can have a negative impact on flashlight performance.
It is also not better for the storage environment to be too dry. Flashlights are classified as sensitive electronic devices and require storage humidity levels between 40% and 85%. Humidity below 40% can cause the glue on the packaging box to come off. Humidity above 85% can cause damage to electronic components.
Temperature
Flashlights should be stored at moderate temperatures, away from extremely hot or cold environments. Exposure to high temperatures can cause battery leakage, while exposure to extremely cold environments can cause batteries to lose their charge.
The temperature requirements for storing flashlights are typically between 0°C (32°F) and 35°C (95°F). Storing flashlights within this temperature range can help to prevent damage to the internal components and ensure that they function properly when needed. This is usually considered as the ideal storage condition.
However, for Hereoutdoor flashlights, storing them at normal room temperature is fine.
Because even in the coldest Nordic countries, the temperature inside a room without heating during winter is usually around -10 to -20 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the standard temperature of -40 degrees Celsius that we use for our low-temperature testing. Our factory conducts low-temperature testing based on the standard of continuous placement at -40℃±2℃ for 8 hours.
Remarks: A thermohygrometer similar to the above image can measure both temperature and humidity.
Cleanliness
Flashlights should be stored in a clean and pollution-free environment. Flashlights should not be stored in an environment that contains chemicals or other harmful substances that may damage flashlights or batteries.
Categorized Storage
Flashlights can be categorized by type, such as by brand, which can be further divided into flashlights, headlamps, work lights, pen lights, UV flashlights, etc., or by rechargeable and non-rechargeable flashlights, etc. In short, first, categorize broadly and then refine. This will help you easily find the area where the flashlight you want is located, reduce the search range, and improve work efficiency.
Labelling
All incoming flashlights must have a label, which should include at least the name and the time of entry. The name is convenient for us to quickly identify the product. The entry time is also important because flashlights are products that are updated and upgraded quickly, usually once every six months or a year. Updated products generally have higher lumens. More importantly, flashlights generally have a warranty period. To avoid missing the warranty period, it is necessary to ensure that the products that entered the warehouse earlier are sold first when they are shipped out.
Regularly Recharge Batteries
Regular battery charging is essential for rechargeable flashlights, headlamps, and other lights if they are connected to the battery. Because the circuit of a flashlight will consume power while idle, it is referred to as a quiescent current. Quescent current is known as standby current or idle current, which refers to the amount of current that flows through a device or circuit when it is stationary or idle and not performing any important function. It is the current that a device or circuit consumes to maintain its basic functionality, such as keeping the power on, maintaining memory, or maintaining a specific state when the device is in standby mode. For more technical details, please refer to my article about Quiescent Current.
In fact, in many applications, especially in battery-powered devices, the quiescent current is an important factor to consider, as it can cause unnecessary power consumption and shorten battery life. Designers’ goal is typically to minimize static current as much as possible to improve overall power efficiency and extend battery life. But please note that the goal is to minimize, not eliminate, so the quiescent current is still present in every flashlight.
Because quiescent current consumes power, we should recharge our brand-new flashlights about every three months or so. Of course, the highest recharge frequency is every three months. In reality, a good quality flashlight, such as our Hereoutdoor flashlight, is designed with low static current, and a recharge frequency of every six months or even nine months is perfectly fine.
Note:
- It is essential to require your supplier to fully charge the batteries before shipping when you place your purchase order.
- At the time of your purchase order, ask your supplier to place insulation in the connection between the battery and the flashlight to avoid a quiescent current.
- For the non-rechargeable flashlights, the batteries should be stored separately from the flashlight. If the batteries are installed in the flashlight, the quiescent current can easily drain the battery and cause overnight corrosion of the flashlight.
Separate Storage
We should store flashlights in their original packaging or protective box to prevent any physical damage. For naked flashlights without packaging, do not put all the flashlights together in one place or store them with other items that may damage them. Store them separately such as putting each one into a polybag to prevent scratches, cracks, or other damage.
Maintenance and Repair
We have a maintenance and repair schedule for our flashlights to ensure they are in good working order. Any faulty flashlights should be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent causing a larger area of contamination.
Employee Training
We train our employees on the proper handling, storage, and maintenance of flashlights. This helps to reduce the risk of product damage and ensures they are stored and handled correctly.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Always store and maintain flashlights and headlamps according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure their lifespan and normal operation. For example, the recharge frequency mentioned above may differ for different suppliers. Additionally, some suppliers may require you not to overcharge or discharge the battery because they do not have overcharge and over-discharge protection to save costs. Overcharging can cause the battery to swell and explode, causing a fire. Overdischarging can cause permanent damage to the battery’s chemical composition and internal components, causing the flashlight to lose its ability to charge. “However, we do not have these requirements because all of Hereoutdoor’s rechargeable products have overcharge and over-discharge protection, which will not cause excessive charging and discharging of the battery. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to store the flashlight.
In Conclusion
By following these guidelines for storing flashlights in a warehouse, you can ensure that your equipment is properly protected and maintained, ready for use whenever you need it. Proper storage practices can help extend the life of your flashlights and save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for costly replacements or repairs. Remember to check your equipment regularly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your flashlights are always in top condition.
