The busiest period in the warehousing industry’s calendar year is almost upon us. This means long days, the never-ending noise of trailers, forklifts backing up and the non stop activity of picking and collection.
As it’s been a good year for many warehouse owners, manufacturers and retailers in the UK, you might even be considering expanding your operations. The attendant expansion has led to managers coming up with many methods of running their warehouses, while maintaining optimum efficiency.
In the coming weeks, there is nothing more critical than improving speed of fulfilment and reducing damaged orders.
Increased efficiency through Warehouse expansion
For companies, warehouse expansion is a viable and relatively inexpensive way of increasing efficiency. they can start by expanding. Not by buying another building, but by investing in pallet racking.
With a simple restructuring of the existing racking system and better use of the available space operational efficiency can improve by up to 20%.
However, identifying the most appropriate type of pallet racking for your handling requirements and warehouse configuration can be difficult. To help, Monarch Shelving Ltd has drawn up the following seven simple considerations to help you make the right decision for your needs.
1. Affordability
Examine your current financial standing to see which project you can afford to undertake.
2. Goods Stored and particular needs
The type of goods that will be stored will determine the type of pallet racking you get.
3. Frequency and Accessibility
Make goods easily accessible: Knowing the frequency of stock turnaround will allow you sort frequently moving stock by placing them higher up than less frequently moving stock.
4. Space Available
Your warehouse layout i.e. size, shape, height, and the positioning of doors or windows can determine the type of racking you use.
5. Durability of Pallets you Purchase
Having durable beams and frames will determine if a particular configuration of racking will last in a busy warehouse environment.
6. Flexibility
Is it easily configured? You may need to change the configuration of your pallet racking, at different times, for use with different pallet sizes. This will involve adjusting existing shelf height or adding more shelving.
7. Fixability
Availability of spares: Beams, braces even pins will need to be changed at intervals. Are these readily available from the supplier?
Apart from ensuring that spares are available, your supplier should also be able to give expert advice regarding making repairs, safety inspections, add-on recommendations etc.
Expert Pallet Racking Design
Pallet rack design CAN be a complex process, but it’s also a relatively inexpensive one and can be used as a first step in the cost-cutting process. The choice of racking you purchase has a knock-on effect on the speed of processing; from pallets being picked by forklifts to machines sorting out the goods. Every minute saved, without damaging goods can lead to a better bottom line.
Talk to the Pallet Racking Experts
Choosing pallet racking that is suitable for your needs can be a hassle. Monarch Shelving Ltd can offer a service that includes the design of your racking solution, the supply and installation, and the regular inspection and repair of your racking.
Contact us today for a pocket-friendly quote.