The best practices of warehouse storage are derived from its objective.
The world of warehouse storage solutions is vast, complex, and exciting. The room for improvement in workflow and storage efficiency is infinite, and the industry has devised equipment to aid in the task. While there is much to understand about warehouse organization, there are several warehouse storage basics necessary in creating the most efficient and goal-oriented space possible. Here are several.
Objective/Layout
The very first question you will want to ask when planning out a warehouse design is what its purpose is. What will it accomplish? How does it fit into the rest of the company? What tasks will the warehouse encompass? These days, a warehouse is more similar to a factory rather than just a place to store commercial or personal goods. Basic warehouse functions include, more or less: production, assembly, storage, packing, and shipping, besides an office space. Consider how your products and goals fit into the scheme to customize it as you need.
Quantity
Next, you will want to assess the quantity of the items you plan on storing and the scale of your production. How large a scale you estimate you will be working in will help you determine how big of a space you need.
Equipment
Determining the quantity precedes your choice of equipment to help get things done. Storage is a major component, with a plethora of storage solutions from which to choose. Pallet racks, mezzanine floors, and other industrial shelving and flooring units abound to help create more space. Pallet racks are shelving units that store items on pallets. Mezzanine shelving and flooring are freestanding storage and work solutions that create more surface area by going up. For example, a mezzanine floor is a second floor within but not attached to your warehouse.
Close to Zero Material Handling
The more a warehouse worker touches a product, the greater the cost. Beware of the number of times warehouse workers have to handle an item. The less, the better. The ideal minimum is 3 to 5 touches per product. Less handling means less likelihood of damage.
Consultation
Lastly, it is highly advised to consult with seasoned professionals who will cover all the bases of your storage and production. Managers, architects, councils, executives, and other professionals make trusted counselors in helping you create the best warehouse design possible. With many advisors, your plan has a better likelihood of success.
Questions? Ask Metro Shelving!
If you still have questions about how modular office space will benefit your warehouse, Metro Shelving is here to help you. If you need to outfit a warehouse, give us a call at 800-400-7500 or visit us online. We will work with you to create the perfect office space for you, your business, and your employees. We can even help you if you are interested in outfitting your garage, laundry room, or even your kitchen pantry. For more tips, tricks, and to see what we have been working on, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.