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Industrial storage solutions to put into effect
Often, the biggest expense related to owning or renting commercial or industrial warehouse space has to do with how stock items are stored, accessed and moved around. Efficiency is key, so you need to strategically consider the way your warehouse is going to operate. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Let’s take an in-depth look at some industrial storage solutions to put into effect that will create a productive and efficient warehouse operation.
Three industrial storage solutions
Before purchasing any storage products, it’s important to understand the details of the storage space that you have at your disposal. Don’t forget to consider the height of your space. If you invest time and thought into figuring out what storage solutions will work best for your unique warehouse space then you will inevitably avoid future headaches.
1. Mezzanine floors
Perhaps in the planning stages, you’ve realised that you have lots of height to work with. One way to effectively optimise the height of your warehouse is to invest in a mezzanine floor. Mezzanine floors are incredibly useful in the commerce space. They have industrial, warehouse, office and retail uses and benefits that include increased storage space, improved safety, being able to stay where you are and cost-effectiveness.
A mezzanine floor can be combined with a number of other storage options, including cages. Cages keep certain stock items safe and separate, which helps to keep warehouse operations running smoothly. As long as mezzanine floor safety recommendations are adhered to, erecting a mezzanine floor in your warehouse will definitely your business increase capacity and reach its full potential.
2. Racking
Commercial and industrial warehouse racking is perfect for your heavy duty, custom storage needs. A warehouse racking system is pivotal for warehouse management success, but it needs to be strategically designed to meet your distinctive requirements. Think of it as the interior design of your warehouse – it needs to practically meet your needs, and ensure everything is neatly organised. There are various racking solutions available. When trying to ascertain what the best industrial racking solution is for you, ask yourself these questions:
- How much storage space do you have?
- What type of storage space do you have?
- What type of SKUs do you have?
- What type of pallets do you have?
Many warehouses in South Africa use an adjustable pallet racking system, which offers many advantages. It’s reliable, durable, flexible, accessible and scalable. It is always important, however, to keep these pallet racking tips in mind to experience long-term success:
- Invest in high quality racking
- Plan properly
- Don’t overload
- Use frame post protectors
- Train warehouse staff
3. Shelving
Commercial and industrial shelving is incredibly versatile and really helps optimise the space you have. Shelving is ideal for light-duty applications and stock items that don’t require heavy-duty racking storage. Shelves fill the gaps and ensure that there is a specific space for everything.
Warehouse shelving is typically manufactured from steel with wooden or steel decking and is useful for a number of different applications – from documents to spare parts and much more. There are typically three types of shelving that are used in warehouses:
- Longspan shelving (or mini racking)
- Boltless shelving
- Bolted shelving (or meccano shelving)
The shelves can be moved around as needed or stationed alongside racking, inside cages, on mezzanine floors and inside offices. As always, it’s just important to carefully plan where your shelving will go.
Frequently, a combination of the three key industrial storage solutions (i.e. mezzanine flooring, racking and shelving) is used in warehouses to keep it organised. Having an organised warehouse will help you manage increased festive season stock, keep stock organised during high traffic periods and conduct stocktakes easily. Generally speaking, organised equates to effective.
Managing a warehouse is no easy feat. Don’t make the mistake of not investing in appropriate, good quality storage solutions. Whether you’re starting out with a new warehouse operation or you’re experiencing storage space challenges in an existing warehouse, get in touch with our team to discuss your options or arrange a warehouse site visit.
