— Protect Inventory, Reduce Breakage, and Deliver On-Time with ERP-Driven Efficiency
🧱 Why Drywall & Wall Panels Need Special Attention
Drywall sheets and wall panels are large, heavy, awkward to handle—and notoriously prone to damage. A chipped edge or a bent panel? That’s enough to ruin an entire piece.
That’s why suppliers and distributors need a structured, ERP-supported workflow to store, handle, track, and deliver drywall with accuracy and care.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to managing drywall and wall panels in your warehouse the smart way. 🧠
✅ Step 1: Categorize & Classify Products by Type and Dimensions
Drywall isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’re likely dealing with:
Standard drywall
Moisture/mold-resistant boards
Fire-rated panels
Soundproof or insulated wall panels
ERP Setup Tips:
Classify products by type, thickness (e.g., ½”, ⅝”), length (8ft, 12ft), and edge finish (tapered, square)
Attach product data sheets and handling instructions to each SKU
Use custom tags like “heavy-duty handling” or “store vertically”
➡️ Proper categorization leads to fewer picking errors.
📦 Step 2: Implement Specialized Storage Rules in Your ERP
Improperly stored drywall = broken corners, moisture absorption, and shrinkage. That’s a loss you can’t afford.
Storage Best Practices:
Store vertically when possible on edge racks
Avoid high-humidity or outdoor areas
Use protective sheeting or pallets between sheets
ERP Support:
Assign specific storage zones by material type
Use bin-level mapping with weight/load warnings
Tag sensitive items as “climate-controlled storage required”
➡️ Your ERP becomes your warehouse assistant with built-in rules.
🦺 Step 3: Train Staff on Safe Handling Procedures
Drywall handling isn’t just about muscle—it’s about technique.
What to train:
Use of panel carts or forklifts with drywall jigs
Safe lifting and turning (to avoid snapping or cracking)
PPE usage for cuts, dust, and edge safety
ERP Integration:
Assign product-specific handling guidelines at the SKU level
Create safety checklists for dispatch or receiving
Track team certifications and training completion
➡️ ERP makes safety a standard—not a side note.
📋 Step 4: Receiving & Inspection Process
When drywall comes into your yard or warehouse, damage can happen before it even hits the racks.
Steps to follow:
Inspect corners and edges for cracks or chips
Check plastic wrapping and pallet integrity
Record batch numbers and manufacturer info
ERP Best Practice:
Use mobile receiving tools to log quality and quantity
Capture and store images of damaged goods directly in the system
Assign products to correct bin upon approval
➡️ Accurate receiving = cleaner inventory data.
🔄 Step 5: Track Inventory in Real-Time
Drywall moves fast—especially during project cycles. Real-time visibility is key to avoid:
Overpromising stock you don’t have
Overstocking slow-moving types
Losing track of panels during jobsite prep
ERP Must-Haves:
Real-time inventory tracking across multiple yards
“Available to Promise” visibility for your sales team
FIFO logic for older stock or product with aging risk
➡️ Stock smart. Sell smart.
🚚 Step 6: Plan Deliveries with Damage Prevention in Mind
Getting drywall to the jobsite intact is half the battle.
Dispatch Planning Tips:
Use ERP to schedule deliveries based on access and timing constraints
Load vertically or with protective padding
Dispatch in specialized trucks (flatbeds or box trucks with panel racks)
ERP Helps By:
Auto-generating pick lists with loading instructions
Enabling photo-proof of delivery to ensure condition
Letting drivers access drop-off instructions via mobile
➡️ ERP + trained teams = perfect deliveries every time.
📊 Step 7: Analyze Trends and Inventory KPIs
Finally, use ERP dashboards and reports to keep improving:
Track breakage/damage trends
Identify fast vs. slow-moving panel types
Forecast seasonal demand (e.g., drywall spikes before interiors phase)
➡️ Every panel tells a story. Your ERP makes sure you hear it.
