Identifying storage flaws in a warehouse for industrial newbies is very difficult. However, if you have been in the warehousing business for a while, then you are familiar with different techniques often used to increase productivity in the storage facility.
The simplest way of identifying whether your warehouse is operating at maximum capacity is by measuring the time it takes to carry out tasks inside the warehouse. It is important to note that different warehouses deal with different products, and they do require different handling techniques. Therefore, you need to ascertain whether there are conclusive ways to fully maximize your warehouse’s operational potential.
There are various design principles of warehouse shelving and racking which have been tried and tested over time. In this article, we will highlight how these principles influence the overall efficiency of your warehouse.
Open Your Storage Space Vertically
The floor space of a storage facility is usually fixed. Therefore, the only option that will help increase the storage capacity of the facility is by utilizing the space above using shelving and racking systems.
Shelves and racks come in different forms, all designed to handle different types of goods. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the kind of goods that you intend to store in your facility before investing in a shelving and racking system.
By opening your storage space vertically, you increase productivity and efficiency while reducing the costs of acquiring larger storage facilities and relocation.
Keep the Functional Requirements in Mind
Your warehouse is designed to serve a specific purpose, such as holding goods or serving as an e-commerce store. Therefore, the kind of activities that are carried out in the warehouse will dictate the kind of shelving and racking system to install.
Additionally, the volume of goods and their frequency of movement will also influence how you set up your racks and shelves. For high volume cases, you will need to be ready for multiple decks racking systems.
Minimize Your Workers’ Contact with Goods
The majority of losses in a warehouse are as result of damaged goods, majorly caused by poor handling, misplacement, or even improper storage.
The nature of goods will determine the kind of shelving arrangement you will employ. The most fragile goods will be stored in secluded areas to avoid contact with other goods.
Heavy and bulky goods are usually stored in the lower decks of the racking systems to ensure stability, since the center of gravity of the whole system will be low. A system with a highly positioned center of gravity falls easily.
Since your workers will eventually come into contact with the goods, you need to ensure that your shelving systems offer easy retrieval of intended goods without unnecessarily coming into contact with other goods. Proper goods assortment and arrangement eventually leads to more efficiency.
Ensure a Free Flow of People and Goods
It would be ideal if the storage systems in your warehouse helped to reduce congestion and allowed free movement of people and goods. Additionally, straight aisles between the racking and shelving systems allow for the easy movement of warehouse machinery, such as forklifts.
Your workers are an important factor of production in your warehouse. As such, reducing congestion ensures that they have clear walkways, helping them to work optimally. There is a direct correlation between the workers efficiency and the warehouse’s overall output.
Hybrid Designs
Technology is advancing at an astonishing rate. Therefore, your warehouse needs shelving and racking systems that can accommodate the rapid shifts in business dynamics.
An e-commerce website needs racking systems, such as carton flow racks, that facilitate automation and minimal human interaction with the goods. Proper warehouse technology will give you an edge both in efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Your storage facility needs to remain robust in the highly competitive industrial world. Customers and staff alike continue to appreciate effective racking and storage system as it saves time for both parties. Incorporating the above design principles in your warehouse will not only reduce your operational costs, but also deliver better ROI in the long run.
