You are probably here because you started a business recently or have struggled with managing a warehouse in the past. While managing a warehouse can seem like a simple process, it requires an informed approach. You have to be aware of the various techniques or suggestions that you can use to improve efficiency in your warehouse. Fortunately, this guide looks at ways to increase business warehouse space:
Extend Your Racks Vertically
Have you ever considered the space that exists above your warehouse space? The space that exists on the top section of your warehouse is excellent for maximizing space. However, many people don’t consider this approach because of the lack of ideas for using the space correctly.
You also have to remember aspects such as the fire suppression sprinkler systems when maximizing the space. A few tips to help you can include:
- Pallet racks that you can stack above the items that exist in your warehouse. You may need forklifts to help in managing such types of warehouse shelving.
- Carton flow racks are ideal for storing items and inventory management. Some feature slanted panels which you can use to manage the things that you keep in each section.
Remember the Benefits of Using Mezzanine
An excellent way of maximizing the space in your warehouse is to add an extra level to the building by investing in a mezzanine. This a great way to add to your space without having to extend the building so, if this is something that you know is not possible, but you still need to create more surface area to work with, a mezzanine, complete with an industrial stairway or two, could be your perfect solution.
This additional floor can adapt to your needs and you are free to change and adapt it as your business grows. For example, it could start out as simply additional storage space but then turn into extra work space, should you employ more staff.
However, you also have to consider the drawbacks of using this product to use it effectively. A good example would be creating an extra floor area that can accommodate its weight. Using this approach is highly effective than other alternatives, such as making significant adjustments to buildings.
Optimize Your Warehouse Management System
One of the key factors behind the poor use of space in warehouses would be space. You have to constantly find ways to work on your warehouse’s space, especially as your product portfolio increases.
There are a few helpful suggestions that you can use to optimize the use of warehouse space. A good example would be ensuring that your staff members have basic training in logistics and interior design. While these seem like unnecessary skills, they are essential to the decision-making ability of your staff when it comes to the intelligent design of your warehouse space for your business.
You also have to develop a product storage protocol that focuses on maximizing every bit of space in your facility.
Find Underutilized Spaces
The approach you use in storing products in your warehouse is likely to change regularly. While this is an inevitable occurrence, you have to prepare for managing issues such as underutilized space. An excellent way to identify such spaces is to ensure that your team realizes the challenge of such spaces.
Once you identify all these spaces, consult your team on the best product arrangement for your warehouse. You might notice that some storage techniques don’t work well at first. However, you can constantly restructure and use a different approach until you find the best solution. Finding these underutilized spaces is a process that might require lots of time, but the result will be improved space utilization and an optimized warehouse space.
Make Use Of Off-Site Storage
If you’ve filled every nook and cranny of your current space and it’s still not enough, or you can’t disrupt the system too much without risking an avalanche of mess, it might be a good idea to think about spaces away from the building that could come to your aid. Less frequently used items could be easily stored off-site and only brought in as and when they are needed.
Self-storage units could be an ideal solution to give yourself back some space without having to permanently get rid of things you may need in the future. By exploring secure storage options in London, or wherever it is you may be, you’ll be on your way to reclaiming both some much-needed floor space and organization within your business.
Consider Using Trailers for Storage
If your company or start-up is already large, you probably also have trailers to transport goods. However, did you realize that your business can use the truck your company owns to store company products? Not many business owners have considered using trucks as a temporary solution for warehouse space management.
Trailers are an excellent resource for storing delicate items that are not suited for your warehouse space. It’s also an excellent suggestion for when your warehouse is full to the brim. Remember that this approach will work best when you have adequate parking space in your facility.
However, you also have to realize that storing products in trucks or trailers owned by your company is a delicate process. You have to keep an inventory of these products and keep track of items such as perishable goods.
It’s good that you have identified the various shortcomings that exist in your modern business. The time is now suitable for you to take the initiative, including finding ways to maximize your warehouse space. With the proper measures, nothing is stopping you from making efficient use of your warehouse space.