28

Feb

5 Ways To Optimise Warehouse Space For Maximum Productivity

When taking the keys to a new warehouse there is a lot of potential that can be unlocked in that space. The natural reaction is to fill it with as much racking as possible to maximise the amount of stock it can hold. But, before diving in, it might be worth considering whether warehouse optimisation strategies could help unlock additional benefits and improve your warehouse

If you need a better racking system or setting up a new warehouse and are not sure where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We have some tips to help improve your space.

Why is warehouse optimisation crucial for your business?

Before we run through how to optimise your warehouse, we’ll first look at why the racking in your warehouse matters so much.

You can’t escape the fact that the modern warehouse is an expensive outlay. Apart from the rental fees, you also need to purchase racking, machinery for picking stock and, increasingly in today’s environment, automation to increase productivity. The costs add up.

Warehouse Efficiency

To reduce overheads, you need to install bespoke racking solutions which drive down operational costs while boosting warehouse optimisation, efficiency and employee productivity. Get the correct system in place and you can streamline the throughput of products, from the moment they arrive at the warehouse door through to when the order leaves your facility. Make sense of your stock’s journey and not only will it reduce lost working hours, but it will result in enhanced staff satisfaction – after all who wants to spend all their time trying to locate missing items? This naturally results in a second benefit – customer satisfaction. The last thing any warehouse business needs is a customer who hasn’t received their order in time.

These are the five steps you should consider.

Step 1: Assess Your Space

Before making any decisions on your racking, assess what you’re working with. Although warehouse space is limited by its width and height, there are still effective ways to maximise it. Address how much and what type of stock you hold. You need racking or shelving structures which accommodate the product – whether that’s boxes or pallets – and its weight. Don’t forget to consider what happens when your warehouse business grows. Should you consider racking that adapts to varying stock levels or can be extended for more storage?

Accessibility is a often overlooked aspect of racking design, yet it is crucial for ensuring orders move seamlessly through the warehouse. To optimise the picking and packing process, consider the necessary equipment and how employees will interact during these tasks. Obstacles that prevent access to items or a lack of attention to safe working zones can significantly increase the risk of serious accidents.

Warehouse Space

Step 2: Optimise The Warehouse Layout

Once you have evaluated the space and understood your stock profiles, you need to create the best racking layout for warehouse optimisation.

Start by mapping out the warehouse and understand how products will move through the space. Consider each stage; where does it arrive, where will you store the stock, do you need a designated zone for picking and packing and how will it leave the warehouse? Do you need to create specific zones for tasks, for example, an area for packing, shipping or receiving items? Now work out where each of the zoned areas will sit to ensure they allow the stock to seamlessly flow from one zone to another. This will help you to spot areas where orders could get bottlenecked during the process.

During the process, you should also look at how you can reduce wasted areas the and utilise them for other tasks or storage areas. And of course, don’t forget to include areas you can’t change such as doors, corridors or office space etc.

Warehouse Optimisation

Step 3: Implement Smart Storage Solutions

The backbone of most warehouses is the storage equipment. It’s an almost obvious choice to go with standard pallet racking, but will that maximise the space? Racking is well-suited for larger and heavier items, with deeper shelves that are ideal for storing pallets accessed by forklifts or automated systems. In contrast, shelving is a practical option for lighter and smaller items typically picked by hand. Its more compact structure makes it perfect for areas with limited space.

If you’re going for racking, have you got the best system? There are multiple options and design configurations available which help improve the efficiency of the warehouse.

Racking Examples: 

If you want to maximise the available space you have a few options to choose from. You could go upwards with a Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking structure which is built higher while moving the bays closer together to reduce the aisle widths and add more storage capacity.

Alternatively, you can choose a multi-tier structure which creates multiple hand-loaded picking zones throughout the racking. Walkways are then fitted between the shelves which are accessed by a staircase.

If other options don’t work, mobile shelving eliminates fixed aisles by placing storage on tracks. Units stay compact and roll open as needed to access the correct bay.

VNA racking

Step 4: Warehouse Automation

Technology advancements are taking hold in the warehouse environment. To stay competitive, integrate technology into your warehouse and racking systems.

Now is the time to research the market and find out which system works best for you. While Warehouse Management Software (WMS) systems are not new, they have certainly evolved over the last few years. WMS are essential for providing real-time analytics and insights into the movement of your items and managing your supply chain fulfilment

However, when combined with AI, it can improve the process even further. This will increase the efficiency of your warehouse by avoiding the chance of stockouts and enabling quick response times. Get the right racking in place to support your WMS system and it can transform your warehouse.

Warehouse Automation

Step 5: Employee Engagement

Finally, none of these changes will stick unless your team is on the same page. Take time to train your staff on the new racking system and safety procedures. Racking training may seem easy to dismiss, but it offers valuable benefits. It enhances productivity and efficiency, reduces costly repairs from avoidable damage, and, most importantly, ensures your team’s safety.

That is why we run our Rack Inspection Training which equips your employees with the skills and knowledge they need to work safely and handle products in areas where racking is present. It also provides them with the tools they need to recognise damage on racking.

The course will also help you to meet your Health and Safety and industry requirements. As the owner or warehouse manager, HSE and SEMA expect you to perform regular inspections to check the racking is loaded and used correctly and report if damage is present. Our Rack Inspection Training course will train a member of your team to perform this important ‘weekly’ inspection.

Inspect racking

Finding a Racking Supplier You Can Trust

SEMA Approved Member - Advanced

If you search for a racking supplier online you’ll be inundated with options. For true warehouse optimisation, choose a supplier who can deliver a storage system that maximises space and efficiency, such as a SEMA Approved Member.

For over 50 years SEMA has led the way in developing best practices and standards within the storage equipment industry. As a SEMA Approved Member – Advanced, Teepee undergoes an independent assessment every three years to demonstrate our commitment. This rigorous process ensures our compliance with over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice, and legislative requirements, allowing us to maintain our membership and credentials.

Contact Teepee Today

At Teepee Warehouse Solutions, we specialise in planning and installing storage systems for various industries, from retail stockrooms to warehouses and beyond. To ensure every customer receives the best possible storage system for their needs and requirements, we offer a site survey. This includes an expert visiting your premises to assess the space and recommend the best storage solution for your business.

We also ensure your equipment stays safe and functional. To help you meet warehouse requirements, our approved inspectors can also conduct expert pallet racking inspections.

Ready to take your warehouse to the next level? Contact us today to find out how we can help you choose the best racking solution for your business. Let’s optimise your space for maximum productivity!

13

Jan

How Can You Trust Your Pallet Racking Suppliers

There is no escaping the fact that getting new racking for your warehouse is an expensive outlay. Of course, there are always pallet racking suppliers out there offering ‘cheap’ solutions, but make the wrong decision at the purchasing stage and undoubtedly it will cost more in the long run.

We explain what to look for in pallet racking suppliers and whether a company with the highest level of credentials will end up costing you more.

What credentials should pallet racking suppliers hold?

Do a quick Google for pallet racking suppliers within the UK and you quickly realise there are a lot of companies out there. However, with few barriers to entry, how do you know which one to pick? One option is to check their credentials. Companies like Teepee that are committed to continuous improvement and working to the highest standards are likely to hold several accreditations. Here are some of the accreditations you may come across, although it is worth noting that holding them does not necessarily guarantee a high level of quality in pallet racking installations.

Pallet Racking Supplier

ISO – Pallet Racking Suppliers

The ISO is an internationally recognised standard seen as a formula for the best way of doing something, whether it’s making a product, managing a process, delivering a service or supplying materials. In the pallet racking industry, you will usually see ISO 45001 which covers occupational health and safety management systems, ISO 14001 which covers environmental management systems and ISO 9001 which covers quality management systems.

CHAS – Pallet Racking Suppliers

CHAS is the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) accreditation that proves a contractor’s health and safety processes meet a high level of compliance. The accreditation demonstrates that the company comply with the law, has sound management of current health and safety legislation and follows best practices.

SafeContractor – Pallet Racking Suppliers

SafeContractor is a third-party accreditation scheme that creates a unified system which enables customers to check their contractor’s credentials and ensure compliance across the supply chain. A business must prove that it meets current legislation and has processes in place to ensure it handles health and safety in the best way possible to achieve the approved status.

While these accreditations prove safety during the construction of your pallet racking system, they do not directly relate to the equipment. As you explore your options, you might also come across companies that are accredited as SEMA Approved Members.

SEMA Approved Member - Advanced

What is a SEMA Approved Member?

Let’s start by explaining about the Storage Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, commonly known as SEMA. For over 50 years, they have been a leading voice on the safety and quality of storage equipment such as pallet racking and shelving. Led by the combined expertise of their technical committee, they provide the industry with comprehensive codes of practice and documents which guide both warehouse owners and suppliers of storage equipment.

Their work extends over the lifetime of a pallet racking system, starting at the beginning with the design and manufacture of the structure right through to upholding safety in use and implementing a regular racking inspection regime. Manufacturing, supply, and installation companies make up the association membership. They also run two initiatives which train on installation methods and inspection processes.

What are the advantages of using SEMA Approved Members?

For a warehouse owner working with a SEMA Approved Member can save a lot of time and effort. When purchasing pallet racking solutions, the HSE will expect you to meet certain criteria and check the credentials of your supplier as stipulated in their guidance HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Safety. Although it is not a legal requirement to follow the advice in this document, adhering to the guidance is usually enough to comply with legislation. Work with a SEMA Member and you can save a lot of leg work to check your supplier’s credentials.

Under SEMA, pallet racking suppliers of storage equipment like Teepee are known as SEMA Approved Members. You can only become a SEMA Approved Member if you can demonstrate that you work to SEMA Codes of Practice and meet their high levels of quality and enhanced warehouse safety standards. SEMA Approved Members offer a level of expertise and can design a pallet racks solution that will maximise your storage space, enhance efficiencies and increase productivity. They can also review your warehouse space to ensure your new racking will not only meet your current operations but is ready to expand to meet future requirements.

SEMA Approved Member

SEMA Approved Members Credentials

Pallet racking and shelving suppliers must undergo a rigorous independent audit once every five years. This audit will check the supplier meets SEMA requirements by adhering to over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice, and legislative requirements. This provides you with peace of mind that your efficient storage will meet expected load capacity, deliver expected outcomes while also meeting the highest safety and quality levels. SEMA Approved Members must also commit to using SEIRS installers, and SARI inspectors. SEMA membership also checks the company has the correct insurance documentation in place, follows health and safety measures in place and environmental best practice.

There are two levels – SEMA Approved Member and SEMA Approved Member – Advanced. Teepee are SEMA Approved Members – Advanced. This means we demonstrate our commitment to a high SEMA criteria level as demonstrated through the audit.

Is a SEMA member more expensive?

Now you know that Approved Members such as Teepee are working to enhanced warehouse safety levels and the highest quality standards within the industry, it begs the question – is a SEMA Member more expensive? Of course, every supplier is different, and it is not necessarily the case that a SEMA member will be more expensive. However, when comparing quotes, you should consider how your supplier will impact ongoing costs.

With a SEMA Approved Member, you get peace of mind that covers the lifetime of your equipment. Through the guidance provided by SEMA, we offer support to warehouse owners throughout every stage of their pallet racks.

We also have the expertise and knowledge to supply bespoke pallet racking and shelving systems designed to enhance cost benefits. This includes maximising available storage capacity, boosting productivity and considering longevity by incorporating opportunities to extend or alter your pallet racking to accommodate future or changing business growth. The design should also minimise ongoing remedial costs by reducing unnecessary wear and tear.

Return on Investment

Once your adjustable pallet racking system has been installed, to maximise the Return on Investment, we support your team by offering training for your employees which guides how to work correctly in areas with pallet racking and minimise damage. Our interactive Racking Awareness, Safety & Inspection Course will also prepare a member of your team to undertake the weekly safety inspections – a requirement under PUWER.

There is one last advantage to working with a SEMA Approved Member and that is through the relationship we have with Manufacturer Members. When needing repairs on your adjustable pallet racking systems, you should be aware that not all work is valid – you can visit SEMA’s website for guidance on their recommendations.  We have access to SEMA Manufacturing Members’ documents and keep them up to date on approved repairs to their equipment. The manufacturer covers any work we undertake, which will therefore protect your equipment warranty.

Why work with Teepee?

Are you looking to improve your storage solutions? At Teepee, we have created a wide range of storage solutions for major manufacturers and retailers across the UK and, with over 40 years of experience within the industry, we can help you maximise your warehouse. As pallet racking suppliers we are product agnostic which enables us to design and supply the ideal pallet racking system to meet your needs.

We can deliver maximum operational efficiency by working with you to deliver a range of warehouse racking systems, including narrow aisle racking, wide-aisle racking, drive-in racking and push back racking. We can also design and supply mezzanine floor and partitioning systems that maximise your floor space. Plus, we work closely with our customers to design bespoke storage systems that get to the heart of their business to maximise their storage and boost productivity.

If you have any questions, get in touch with one of our team who are on hand to help you out.