So, you’ve bought a warehouse, you are planning the interior, and you are thinking about the storage options. Surely, the only thing you will need is some shelves.
Not really! There is a lot that you need to think about when choosing the perfect storage solution for your warehouse, and a few factors include the ability to automate it, how heavy the stock is, and how many staff members you will have on the floor.
As for the storage itself, what are some of the things that you need to consider before choosing it? Here’s a quick guide to help you!
Table of Contents
Space Utilization
When it comes to choosing the right storage systems, you need to think about the space that they will take up.
For example, many warehouses opt to have vertical storage options in place, as well as racking systems such as drive-in racks and pallet racks, allowing for more space on the ground to be saved. If your warehouse is blank with no storage at present, then you should look into the layout of the storage to make sure that all of the items are easy to access and that there is space to use machinery.
Accessibility
You will also need to think about how easy it is to access the items and how the storage solution you choose will play into this. Consider things like the shelf height, the arrangement of the items, as well as whether or not you will need to invest in machinery to help you get access to the items. If you are storing items such as food or those that need to have a fast rotation, then you will need more access, and you may want to look into having flow racks or conveyor systems installed to help you with rotation and moving the items with ease.
Inventory
You will also need to take inventory, so you will need to look at storage options that can integrate well with inventory management systems. So, opt for storage that can allow you or your staff to use barcode systems, RFID tech, or even an automated tracking system. This will make it easier to keep track of and manage stock, reducing costs. If you have an influx of additional stock due to a busy period, you should also aim to make sure that the storage you have can handle this without breaking down or posing a health risk.
Safety
That leads nicely to this point: the storage options that you choose need to be in line with the industry you are in, as well as adhere to health and safety guidelines. This links to things like load capacity, as well as being sound enough to prevent accidents or cause structural issues to the surrounding building. You, or a member of your staff, will also need to be able to undertake training to fix any potential issues that may arise with the storage options.
Costs
Lastly, you need to think about the costs of setting up and maintaining the storage. Automated systems will cost more to set up but will have a better return on manhours and labor. You will also need to think about the cost of training staff to maintain the storage systems, as well as the potential for paying for replacement parts.