Key Tactics for Optimising Your Warehouse Layout
The challenge of effectively organising and managing storage in warehouse environments is a common hurdle for many businesses. This seemingly endless task can be overwhelming, but there are innovative solutions to turn obstacles into opportunities for operational excellence.
At Complete Warehouse Solutions, we are leading the charge in revolutionising warehouse storage. Our focus goes beyond simply stacking boxes to truly optimise your warehouse for ultimate efficiency and productivity. With our specialised knowledge and experience in storage solutions, we cater to your specific business requirements.
In order to achieve maximum efficiency in a warehouse, it is crucial to first assess the storage requirements. This entails not only examining the current types and amounts of inventory but also taking a proactive approach to anticipate future needs. By combining these two perspectives, a strong and flexible storage system can be established that will grow alongside your company's growth
Warehouse Layout Planning and Optimisation Points to Consider
Clear Stack Height
The usable height for storing products, supplies or inventory within racking and shelving is known as the clear stack height. This measurement is taken from the facility's bar joist, lights, sprinkler heads or duct work to the concrete pad. It is essential to determine your maximum pallet height, the total number of pallets you plan to store, and the minimum clear height required.
Total Square Metres
When determining your space needs, it is crucial to consider both inventory and order volume growth at each step. The required space must also be suitable for the duration of your stay in the facility.
To avoid underestimating the facility's size, it is important to factor in the clear height when calculating total square footage needs. This includes taking into account space for receiving, staging, and product inspection. Additionally, if a dedicated picking module or pick zone is needed, bulk storage should be considered in relation to the clear height, as well as inventory picking.
When planning space needs, it's important to think beyond just the current SKU counts. Take into account potential growth in SKUs and inventory, which will affect the number of bulk locations and pick bins needed. Will inventory turnover remain constant or change over time? This should also be considered when determining storage space requirements.
Additionally, keep in mind the necessary space for packing, shipping, and preparing outbound orders. In wholesale distribution and manufacturing, a larger area is usually needed for docks and staging while awaiting routing for LTL and TL shipments. On the other hand, businesses focused on consumers can typically load small parcel trailers directly. Remember to also consider the space needed for plant or facility maintenance, office and breakroom areas, kitting or other value-added services, conveyors and automation, as well as returns processing.
Floor Condition
Assessing the condition of the floor before committing to a lease is crucial. As buildings age and the amount of forklift and order picker traffic grows, the floor's surface may deteriorate, making it increasingly difficult to keep clean and in good shape.
When evaluating your operations, it's important to take into account the general state of the flooring. For businesses using manufacturing equipment, it's worth noting that older buildings may present challenges with uneven or flawed floors. It’s possible it will be necessary for the floor to be resealed before moving in.
Demand and supply of your products
The frequency and speed at which products are sold impacts the frequency and urgency of replenishment. This means that high-turnover items may need to be stored dynamically or with flow-through methods, while low-turnover items can be stored statically or using push-back methods. It is important to assess your product turnover and ensure it is aligned with your storage layout and inventory management system. Additionally, take into account any seasonal or fluctuating demand for your products, as this may call for adjustable or adaptable storage solutions.
Maximising Storage Capacity
Efficient warehouse design is akin to a three-dimensional game of Tetris, in which the goal is to optimise storage space.
Does your current racking help provide the following,
Maximises vertical storage with customizable racking and shelving solutions, optimizing personal space.
Elevates shelves to a safe height, minimizing aisle width in the racking zone for efficient use of space.
Implements high-density storage equipment, such as double-deep racking systems, for increased capacity.
Relocating fulfilment operations to a new facility can be a significant undertaking and cost for businesses. Unfortunately, this may result in a shortage of space if the new facility is not properly sized.
To prevent this issue, it is important to follow these planning steps to improve accuracy in space planning.
At the End...
In conclusion, by implementing these best practices, Complete Warehouse Solutions ensures that your warehouse storage needs are not just met, but exceeded. With our expertise and tailored solutions, your warehouse will operate at peak efficiency, maximizing space utilization and optimizing inventory management. Trust us to assess your warehouse storage needs comprehensively, providing innovative solutions that drive your business forward.
