The efficiency and productivity of a warehouse depend on the storage solutions that are used within the facility. If you only install minimal storage in your building, then you will find that your warehouse could be less organised, and the storing, locating, picking, and packing of products a much harder task than it would otherwise be.
When you begin to consider what forms of storage are best for your business, it is only natural to think about racking and shelving first. However, even though racks and shelves can improve the effectiveness of storage and reap benefits for your company, they aren’t the only type that can do both of those things. From traditional shelving and racking options to mezzanine flooring and storage accessories, and installing Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, BiGDUG has put together a list of storage solutions advice for warehouses. We have done this to help ensure that businesses can reach optimal efficiency and improve the tidiness of their workspace.
Install Pallet Racking and Shelving
Shelving is and has always been, one of the most popular forms of storage within warehouses. It involves a bar structure with a piece of material, either chipboard, plywood, or MDF wood, between the bars to help support the stock. Installing shelving is incredibly beneficial for the organisation of a warehouse, as you can purchase shelves that can hold lesser amounts than those that can withstand more heavy-duty operations. So, you will find that you can clear aisles and create a neater workspace by being able to store anything from books to bulky machinery on shelving structures.
On the other hand, pallet racking also helps maximise space within your warehouse as, similar to shelving, it provides vertical storage and frees up floor space to ensure all staff can complete their tasks without any risk of injury or having to dodge obstacles. Pallet racking is also easier for forklifts to work with in terms of picking items. It provides easy access so operators can pick items quicker and be more productive with their work.
Both shelving and pallet racking ensure a higher level of safety within the warehouse as they can keep aisles free of debris and allow vehicles to move without the risk of crashing, and reduce the risk of any trips, slips, and falls occurring with employees. They also securely hold stock in place so you can trust them to not let any injuries happen that involve items falling onto storehouse operators. There is little to no risk of pallet racking and shelving collapsing so your goods and workers will be safe from damage. Regardless of floorplans, both structures are incredibly advantageous and efficient for warehouses.
Add Mezzanine Flooring
Mezzanine flooring is essentially another layer of storage space for your warehouse. If you have found that all vertical storage space has been filled within your building, then a mezzanine is a way to add another floor, whether it be a second or third and so on, to increase the surface level of usable space that your warehouse can use for storage, or any other activities depending on your requirements – including adding seating area and meeting spots. Mezzanine floors are also incredibly cost-effective and is a lot more efficient than building onto your warehouse and expanding the building with costly extensions. The investment will be worth it as you spend less than these other options to fulfill your storage needs.
Incorporate a Wide Variety of Storage
Other storage accessories that might suit your warehouse include cantilever shelves, hazard-approved cupboards, and lockers for staff. Cantilever shelves are structures that stand horizontally and have arms that extend outwards and can carry heavy loads. You can attach long shelves and hold irregularly shaped items such as pipes and bars on them to ensure that all forms of stock are stored sufficiently within your warehouse.
Storage such as hazard cupboards may be needed for your storehouse if you deal with depots that are specialised for dangerous or specific materials as they will need to be stored within approved cupboards or lockers. A reliable company such as BiGDUG can provide you with said special storage to ensure that all items are kept safely and diminish potential harm to employees or inventory.
Storage is also important for employees as well as your stock and inventory. That is why, here at BiGDUG, one of our main tips for storage within the warehouse is to remember to have some form of it for staff. This can include cupboards, cabinets, and lockers. By adding these accessories to your storehouse, both the front and back ends of your warehouse are kept tidy and organised. Employees will also have more respect for your facility and not leave the workplace a mess. This will show in the operator’s work as morale and productivity will be higher with a more cared-for workplace.
So there you have it
Every warehouse is different, so you need to decide on what storage solutions are best suited to your layout. It is vital to incorporate different types of storage – working your way from shelving, racking, mezzanine flooring, and AS/RS to hidden areas such as your staff rooms. It is important to take care of stock and belongings as keeping them tidy can improve worker morale, increase productivity, and enhance the safety of both your employees and inventory. This can all have a positive effect on your revenue and overall profit intake. To buy reliable storage solutions from a supplier you can rely on, shop with BiGDUG today!