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!

01

Feb

Warehouse Trends 2024 – How to Plan Warehouse Racking Systems

Is your warehouse ready for 2024? At this early stage of the year, it is the ideal time for businesses to review their warehouse and work on a plan that will boost productivity and increase efficiencies. Maybe you’ve run out of storage space? Do you need to review your warehouse racking systems or your picking and packing timescales are too slow? Do you need to upgrade your warehouse management, or do you want to analyse changes in customer behaviour? In this new era of increased e-commerce, the warehouse and logistics industry is rapidly changing. However, new warehouse trends and developments are arising that could provide the answers.

So where is the best place to start? With so much noise, it’s hard to pinpoint the changes that will provide the best Return On Investment. If you’re worried about the affordability of new technologies, not sure how easy they are to implement or concerned about disrupting warehouse life, this blog is just for you.

With over 30 years of experience working in the storage equipment and warehousing industry, we know a thing or two about how you can give your warehouse a push in the right direction. Our complete guide will give you some pointers. We look at ways to improve the agility of your supply chain, and how you can future-proof your warehouse for this new revolution in warehouse trends.

Warehouse Trends - add workable space with a mezzanine floor

Optimising Your Warehouse Space

Before looking at new warehouse trends and what to invest in, let’s start off your 2024 plan with something you already have – your warehouse space. With the cost-of-living crisis challenging our year ahead and warehouse space at a premium, how can we make changes without breaking the bank?

In recent years, warehouse owners have faced the problem of not having enough storage capacity. This could be due to rising costs or a lack of availability of suitable units. Moving doesn’t always have to be the answer. Instead, look at making the best use of your space and invest in a new warehouse racking system. You may not realise it, but your racking could be the key that unlocks a lot of the problems you may experience in your warehouse.

  • Lack of storage?
    Choose warehouse racking systems which increases the density and capacity of your space. For example, a multi-tier structure adds additional storage space and maximises the full height of your building. Or create additional floor space within the same unit with a warehouse mezzanine floor. If you haven’t got the height opt for a VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) which decreases the aisle width and allows more racking within the same space.
  • A need for speed?
    Ensure your layout works for the throughput of your stock. Its journey from the moment it arrives in the warehouse until the moment it leaves should be seamless. To speed up the process, the design of your warehouse racking systems should enhance the flow of the stock, making it easy to locate and removing sticking points. You could even opt for a system such as push-back racking. This operates on a FILO (first in, last out) system which provides less need for manual stock rotation to increase picking and packing timescales.

Future Proofing: Keeping up with Warehouse Trends in 2024

Is your warehouse ready for the future? Can it maximise your business for years to come? Although your warehouse might have supported your business performance in the past, there is no guarantee it will do so in the future. This is especially true when you look at the rise of e-commerce and the demands it places for faster delivery times and multifunctional spaces.

Of course, installing the best warehouse racking systems for your space can help, but to stay competitive in 2024 it is also critical to understand what the new warehouse trends are and how they can improve your business. To help you out, here we share what we believe the future holds. Not that we are psychics or anything.

Warehouse trends - automation

Automation Trend

Even though we have just stepped into 2024, the warehouse industry knows that the advancements in warehouse automation and AI will continue to be a hot topic. After all, integrate these technological advances and it can improve productivity, increase the flow of stock, deliver consistent results. However, for a lot of smaller logistics, cost has been a prohibitive factor. As the growth and uptake of automation continue, prices are expected to come down and, with the efficiencies it can deliver, should offer a high Return On Investment for businesses.

Of course, any new technology must be the right fit for your warehouse and work with your space. To be successful, the new solutions have to be harmonious with the traditional – your warehouse racking systems. Get advice from industry experts on how automation, robotics or AI will work for you and whether the design of your racking accommodates key elements. For example, does it provide clearance for the movement of automation or build on the improvements the new technology can deliver?

Data is King!

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are not new in the modern warehouse and most businesses have one in place to improve efficiencies. However, as technology advances, now might be the time to address whether your WMS still works for your business.

WMS are essential for providing real-time analytics and insights into the movement of your stock and managing your supply chain fulfilment. Combine the system with AI, especially with hybrid operations, and 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 warehouse racking systems in place to support your WMS and it can transform your warehouse.

Warehouse trends - inspection

Sustainability

As transparency becomes a big factor, customers are expecting businesses to share their contributions to reducing carbon emissions. As the new generation becomes more conscious about environmental impacts and methods towards achieving net zero targets, sustainable efforts by businesses have become a major factor that has influenced buying behaviour/ purchasing decisions. Warehouse owners must prioritise the integration of sustainability at an early stage.

It can be challenging to implement sustainability in the logistics industry. Yet even small changes can be implemented that can make significant savings on carbon emissions. Whether it’s implementing energy-efficient lighting, HVAC or increasing the number of recyclable materials used in your packaging. Also, examine the credentials of your warehouse racking systems. Look at where it has been manufactured and the journey it makes to your warehouse. Alternatively increase the lifespan of your equipment by adopting a rigorous inspection regime

Warehouse trends - work environment

Quality Work Environments

With rising mental health issues over the past 10 years, the focus on well-being in the workplace has become an important factor. Fostering a positive work environment has proven to have a great impact on employee engagement and organisational performance.

You can support your team by introducing a positive work culture. Specify designated break areas that are comfortable and relaxing. Equip them with the knowledge to perform their job correctly. When it comes to your racking this has the added benefit of keeping them safe! Send them on a training course like our Rack Inspection Training course. Delivered by our expert instructors, the course provides them with the knowledge to work safely around warehouse racking systems. They will also learn how to recognise damage to the equipment. Training is a great way to bring peace of mind to any work environment.

How can Teepee help?

We hope this blog gives you a better understanding of how to give your warehouse a boost in 2024.

Need some help? Why not get in touch with Teepee and see how we can help to upgrade your business in 2024? As a SEMA Distributor Company and through our experience with a wide range of industries, we can provide a full turnkey solution that delivers everything you need to maximise your performance and increase safety:

  • Start with our free site visit to establish the best design solution for your space.
  • Project managing from start to finish. We oversee a smooth and seamless delivery with all works meeting required quality and safety standards.
  • Supplying a flexible storage solution to meet the unique needs of your business, including warehouse mezzanine floors.
  • Installing the highest quality standards with very little interruption to your business
  • Providing aftercare: maintenance, repair & inspection.