When you start getting tight in your warehouse, optimisation and scaling your operations can boost your space
- Optimising your warehouse storage space
Warehouse functions are an integral part of business operations, so getting the storage flow and functionality right should be at the top of the list of priorities. But all too often, we see warehouses operating with workarounds and outdated racking, resulting in an ineffective storage space and a potentially hazardous work environment.
No two businesses have exactly the same storage requirements, so the pallet racking layout should be designed accordingly to get the most out of the space. Ideally this is something that should be planned prior to selecting a warehouse, as warehouse size and location are also important factors.
A well-optimised storage space takes careful planning and a good understanding of the storage options available. Each storage system has different features that can accommodate different products and carton flow. Perhaps there is also a need for different storage systems for specific areas of your warehouse.
So, when planning to move into a new warehouse or reconfigure your existing facility, we encourage you to take the time assess your existing operational needs and carton sizes to plan your storage facility for the most efficient use of the space.
What are the benefits of optimising your storage facility?
Optimising a warehouse for pallet flow and business scalability offers a number of substantial benefits. Benefits that keep paying off for many years – such as reducing the time it takes to pick orders, improving work processes and the ability to adapt to changing business environment.
By optimising your warehouse with the right storage system, you can even increase the number of pallet spaces available. A much more economical solution compared with moving into a larger warehouse.
What does an optimised storage space consider?
- The dimensions and weight of products to be stored.
- Stock levels.
- Stock movement (frequency in and out of warehouse).
- Materials handling equipment.
- Slotting
- Staging areas required.
- Building compliance.
- Workplace health and safety.
- Temperature requirements (i.e. freezer or cold storage).
Designing your storage space
To determine your specific storage and warehouse requirements it’s important to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the space using data, logic and observation. This will help to determine the number of pallet spaces needed, the specific locations of your products and how much area is required for staging.
“Warehouse operations is a vital part of your business and an ineffective space can cause congestion with goods receiving and order picking.”
Once your storage system has been developed around your business requirements, the optimisation process doesn’t stop there. Further refining your space with appropriate safety line markings, racking labels and compatible materials handling equipment is essential. Reviewing warehouse processes or implementing an improved warehouse management system can also have a big impact on stock management and order fulfilment.
- Warehouse scalability: Is your business ready for growth?
Businesses are growing and developing constantly, and remaining agile is key to maintaining a high level of success. Outgrowing your existing facility too quickly can cause costly setbacks, and underutilising your space could mean wasted opportunities.
Planning for scalability ensures your materials handling and storage solutions continue to be effective and efficient now, and well into the future.
What does it mean to have a scalable warehouse?
Businesses aren’t something that you can set and forget. And neither is your warehouse. Scalability allows for your storage space to adapt over time. This means your racking system can easily grow or change with your business to accommodate your storage and materials handling needs.
Whether it be the need to quickly add pallet spaces, re-arrange the storage flow, or streamline the racking configuration, building flexibility into your storage system will allow you to remain in your existing warehouse for many years to come.
Why is scalability important?
Warehouse operations is a vital part of your business and an ineffective space can cause congestion with goods receiving and order picking. The ability to adjust the size of your warehouse infrastructure allows you to keep up with the growth or streamlining of your product flow. As the market or your business strategy changes, you can re-optimise your storage system to suit.
How to increase the scalability of your business
Building scalability into your warehouse takes forethought. It pays to engage your storage systems supplier as early as possible to assist with planning and analysis. An experienced industrial storage provider can even help with your warehouse selection.
With the right team of industrial storage experts, your storage system will be designed around your business needs rather than having to adapt your business to fit your storage space.
For more information email info@dexionsolutions.com.au.
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