We all know an organised warehouse is a happy and productive warehouse! With growing e-commerce demand and increasing costs with warehouse storage space, businesses are faced with two decisions; move to a larger warehouse, which will incur additional expenses or take advantage of organising your warehouse shelving, providing high-density and well- organised storage.
Here are some tips on organising your warehouse shelving;
Check your inventory.
A hugely important part of your warehouse shelving storage, make sure you take a detailed inventory of exactly what is in your warehouse. Reorganising your warehouse does not necessarily mean you have to get rid of your existing shelving space. Work out what you have, what needs to be replaced and what can stay, this is the perfect time to consider more efficient, high-density shelving if necessary. The benefit of warehouse shelving is that it can be relocated so you have the option to move your shelving around to make space for new shelf levels but it is important that you pay attention to aisle space.
Aisle space.
As you are well aware there are spatial requirements for workers working alone in an aisle, for two workers working in an aisle, for two workers working facing the shelves in an aisle and for multiple workers working in the same aisle (which can get very busy). You must also consider spatial requirements for forklift trucks and any other warehouse machinery that you may use. Make sure you measure allocated aisle space to determine that there is enough room for your workers. Spatial provisions in warehouses are designed to significantly reduce the potential for any accidents.
Flexibility.
When looking at organising your warehouse shelving it is always worth looking at shelves that can be installed on a shelf rack. This solution is ideal for compact areas and provides you with a little more flexibility and freedom than large, heavy shelves which usually end up bolted to the floor. The shelf rack option makes it easier to create layouts that work through experimentation and finding the most efficient arrangement for your requirements.
Pallet racking.
Did you know that pallet racking storage solutions allow you to stock more inventory in a small space? Warehouse shelving solutions use durable steel and this storage solution allows for more vertical storage. Pallet racking systems are essential if you are looking to increase your storage solutions or even if you are looking to create a more efficient and organised space in your current warehouse.
Vertical space.
Always think about warehouse storage solutions in your current space before you move to a new location – vertical shelving solutions over horizontal may help you to save over half of your current storage capacity. This solution makes the best of the available square footage in your warehouse. It not only increases space and efficiency but will save your budget allowing your business to grow.
Drawing your warehouse shelving layout.
The layout of your warehouse could make or break the efficiency of your business. When it comes to planning your space you should imagine an open space, ignore any columns and obstructions to come up with the most efficient layout possible. You should maximise efficiency and productivity whilst allowing for ergonomic movement within the aisles. Once you have completed this, draw in your columns and obstructions and if required, alter the design to accommodate them. This provides you with a highly efficient layout design that takes into consideration the obstacles within your warehouse.
Maximising warehouse shelving efficiency.
Never create L-shaped storage, this is extremely inefficient and causes all sorts of problems for workers and forklift operators. Make sure your racks are in long rows and do not arrange your pallets along walls as this will also limit efficiency.
If you are looking at your current warehouse space and need to discuss any of your needs in more detail we are on hand to help, just get in touch.
