Choosing The Most Efficient Storage Systems For Your Warehouse.

Posted on by Monarch Shelving

Fed up with dealing with a messy warehouse?

Fed up with customers who have incomplete pallets shipped to them?

Tired of mis-sorts that turn up weeks after being mislaid, simply because a loader placed it on the wrong shelf? And in their defence, they claimed it was the only available space.

Have a think about whether you are using  the most efficient storage systems for your warehouse.

Face it, you have a space problem. And this doesn’t necessarily mean a full warehouse. It’s almost always a space management problem.

Did you know that cluttered warehouses are a major cause of accidents, as when pallets are improperly stacked, they can topple and cause crushing injuries.

Since the most common storage system used is racking, you may be tempted to simply order up two miles of long span racking. But that would be the wrong solution.

If you don’t take into consideration factors like the amount of vertical space you have, you can end up wasting even more space. Another thing is where will the storage be located? In a high traffic zone or all the way at the ‘quiet’ end of the warehouse?

All warehouses require racking in one or more of the following configurations:

  • selective,
  • drive-in,
  • pushback,
  • or cantilever.

They usually also use these smaller-scale shelving configurations:

  • mobile cabinets,
  • multi-drawer cabinets,
  • long- or wide-span shelving,
  • mini-racking shelving systems with or without drawers,
  • work centres,
  • computer stations,
  • record,
  • or file storage.

Some even use of mezzanines to create more floor and office space.

With all these options, choosing the most efficient and appropriate storage isn’t easy.

You have to find a supplier who can help you design the ideal configuration needed and will give you an honest quote for the storage.

Before you choose a supplier, clarify the following points:

What is the Product Weight?

While racking is basically lengths of steel, different manufacturers use different gauges to produce theirs. The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel, and the heavier the pallet rack. Knowing this is crucial when comparing suppliers to ensure you are comparing similar options.

Is there any assembly required?

Some manufacturers supply bolt together pallet rack frames, while others use the older welded frames assembly method. Whilst slightly cheaper, the bolt on method can increase the amount of labour time spent. For each frame, you have to assemble the supports and posts before you begin any racking assembly. Now, imagine you are installing 20 metres of racking on a hot summer day!

Is the racking available now? In a bid to reduce overheads like storage, some dealers don not carry the stock. They advertise what they are expecting and often do so at a cheaper rate. If you take advantage of this ‘wonderful deal’, you’ll probably end up waiting longer for the racking.

How far away is it located?

With the bulk and weight of the average long span beam, freight and delivery costs can quickly add up. This is why we advise buying locally to reduce the extra expense on delivery.

To further save on the reorganisation of the warehouse, consider buying refurbished or reconditioned shelving, rather than new. To do this without putting the safety of your employees at risk:

  • Carefully examine all the component; look out for dents, cracks, (another reason to shop locally).
  • Avoid a system that has been cobbled together from parts by different manufacturers. While they may appear compatible, they weren’t designed to work together and this can jeopardise the whole system.
  • Look out for rust. If its any more than you can rub off with your finger, reject it. This will lead to a rapid corrosion a few months down the line.

Choosing a storage system should be easy; after all there’s a wide range to choose from, but warehouses often complain of a lack of space. By combining efficient layout design with the right kind of storage, any warehouse can improve its efficiency issues.

Monarch Shelving, a Manchester-based supplier, wants to help you work smarter. With a variety of different storage systems for your warehouse, we can help you to make the right choice for your business. Contact us today.