Warehouse Storage 101: Top 5 Innovative Solutions to Improve Efficiency
There is no one-size-fits-all industrial storage option, let’s face it. Today, you have many alternatives for organising your inventory, including placing palletised goods directly on the ground, rolling shelves, mobile aisles, and various other methods. The trick is determining which storage method will maximise the space you have available while also improving the operational productivity of your staff.
Finding the ideal storage system requires some science because you must consider various factors, including product size, packaging, and turnover ratio. Additionally, the number of SKUs significantly impacts which storage system is right for you because some techniques are better suited for lesser inventory levels.
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What Is a Warehouse Storage System?
A reliable warehouse storage system is a set of physical structures specially designed to help you optimise how you use your warehouse space. More specifically, a storage system guarantees that you utilise your square footage as effectively as possible because your products are easily accessible and there is better organisation.
A third-party logistics (3PL) operation depends on choosing or creating a storage system. When properly deployed, these systems will significantly increase the productivity of your warehouse and give you the assistance you need to scale effectively.
The Importance of Having an Efficient Storage System
An efficient storage system immensely impacts your company’s efficiency. You can integrate these systems into your fulfilment processes to immensely increase organisation, safety, and space efficiency.
Improved Safety
Improved safety is of utmost importance to ensure the well-being of your team and the protection of inventory and machinery. Modern storage systems are designed with strength and durability to handle large inventory loads. Additionally, reinforcing structures with heavy-duty guarding equipment such as partitions, guardrails, rack guards, and safety netting can prevent injuries and collision damage.
Enhanced Organisation
Efficient organisation is another benefit of industrial storage systems. Customising your structures to fit your unique storage needs allows faster and more efficient inventory retrieval. This optimised organisation benefits your team, enhancing overall fulfilment operations.
Maximised Space
Maximising available space is crucial, especially in tight settings. Warehouse storage systems ensure the correct usage of every inch of storage capacity effectively, horizontally and vertically. This maximisation of space is cost-effective compared to seeking new real estate, making efficient inventory storage essential for any company.
How Can Warehouse Storage Be Improved?
Choosing the right solution for your setting can help you optimise its layout and make the most of its space. Here are the top five solutions used in warehouses Australia-wide that can help you too.
1.Pallet Racks
In crowded warehouses, pallet racks frequently serve as the centre of operations. Most pallet racking systems, used to store goods supplied in huge boxes, are built of wood, metal, or plastic. Boxes are put on your pallet racks utilising forklift automation or another analogous device, depending on the height of these shipments.
You should be aware that the phrase “pallet racking” is an umbrella term with many subcategories underneath, including push-back racking, coil racking, cantilever racking, double deep racking, carton flow racking, and narrow aisle racking (to mention a few). Choose the best style for you by considering factors like weight restrictions, adaptability, and whether or not you call for modifications to their current infrastructure.
Pallet racks are standard in warehouses with a range of SKUs, and when there is a lot of product movement or turnover because of these factors. This approach is best for small- to medium-sized storage facilities and individuals who keep large items.
2. Metal Stillages
While warehouses commonly utilise wooden pallets for storing and moving goods, this can be problematic when dealing with heavy materials. Wooden pallets are often unsuitable for heavy loads and pose safety risks when stacked tightly with items. The ideal solution comes in the form of stillage systems.
Opt for standalone steel cage structures manufactured from robust steel and engineered to meet Australian standards. They feature intersecting steel bars across the base and steel posts around the outside to secure items, with optional anti-tipping bars for added stability.
Unlike wooden pallets, stillages offer numerous benefits. They assist in organising products and save space, designed with intersecting steel bars on the base and steel posts on the outside to secure items. They provide efficient organisation and separation of products, serving as part of the filing and transport system for heavy materials.
Stillages offer numerous benefits over wooden pallets, including space-saving design, improved safety, easy stacking with forklifts, guaranteed durability, and excellent functionality for storage and transport. Investing in high-quality stillages ensures a cost-effective and efficient solution for your establishment needs.
3. High-Density Tools and Parts Storage
The storage of components and tools is essential for efficient operations in any warehouse. When tools and parts are stored properly, safety is guaranteed, and you can always find what you need when you need it. There is no need to disperse your tools and components. That is risky and takes up a lot of room in your business, where space is limited.
High-density shelves are mobile storage systems that stack materials vertically, saving space, improving organisation, and increasing productivity in industrial facilities. They occupy 50% less space than traditional shelves, allowing for a streamlined storage system without excess aisles. That maximises limited floor space and boosts productivity by providing an organised workspace. High-density shelves are perfect for sorting tools, small parts, and essential items, creating a more efficient workflow. They can also serve as a filing system for company records and audits, giving you more control over your inventory.
4. Longspan Shelving Systems
Large amounts of merchandise are brought daily to warehouses or industrial sites. It’s crucial to ensure they’re stored appropriately to retain the quality of these things. Long-span shelving is one of the most adaptable and practical storage solutions on the market.
Using long-span shelving can help you make the most of the space in your warehouse or storage facility. It features a multi-tiered setup that enables better product organisation. Most long-span shelves employ robust, lightweight steel, allowing for simple manoeuvrability. Additionally, you can store large and bulky items with less risk of damaging the system’s base thanks to the material. Opt for corrosion- and dirt-free steel with a powder-coated surface.
5. Multipurpose Storage Cages
Storage cages, also known as security, mesh or wire cages, are essential for efficient logistics. They are made from heavy-duty materials and come in various sizes and styles, some with timber or steel bases. These cages offer numerous benefits, including secure storage for valuable items, vertical storage to save floor space, and improved safety by preventing goods from falling. Additionally, they are easy to stack and move with forklifts, ensuring convenience and organisation. With their strength and durability, storage cages are a wise investment for any storage facility.
