The first question that people will ask when you tell them about your warehouse is if it’s big enough to fulfil your storage demands. But isn’t that what a warehouse is all about? The prime objective of having a warehouse is to maximize the operational capacity of a company by streamlining the storage and distribution of goods.

Companies are willing to make a big investment because they perceive the warehouse as a long-term solution for many problems. Reducing costs and improving efficiency by making optimum usage of space is what every company looks forward to. Easier said than done, especially if storage space becomes a critical issue.

As a rule of thumb, your warehouse is technically out of space when you’ve made use of 85% of its storage facilities. And that includes the packaging, shipping and unloading areas. This, particularly, can be an issue when it’s a small warehouse. But it isn’t the end of the world!

Take a look at the ideas given by a leading storage racks manufacturer in Bangalore to make the most of your warehouse space.

Minimum Space, Maximum Utilization: Simple and sensible ideas from a storage racks manufacturer

When you have a small warehouse, the most sensible thing to do is to use every inch of available space, rather than looking for expensive ways to increase the capacity. When we say “ all the available space”, we mean ALL the space- vertically, horizontally, and floor space.

• Vertical rack extensions: Vertical racks are the easiest way to make maximum use of the wall space up until as far as the ceiling. If your warehouse has a fire suppression sprinkler system, you have to limit your storage to within 18 inches of the system.
• Use of smaller aisles: Sacrificing your aisle space may seem like an easy solution. But you must be cautious about the kind of cargo your warehouse will store. Smaller aisles mean smaller products. Additionally, think about investing in lift equipment which will make loading and unloading easier.
• Flexible storage spaces: Compact spaces can be fitted with half pallet racks, which are ideal for half pallet storage. Say goodbye to single deep racks and opt for double-deep or drive-in racks. This automatically upgrades your warehouse capacity from medium to high-density equipment.
• Create directed put-aways: A directed put-away is a much more organized way of storing the cargo in your warehouse. Directed put-aways diligently follow put away rules instead of simply putting the pallet wherever you want. They give you specific locations suitable for specific pallets, which makes loading, unloading and retrieval of inventory so much more simple.
• Locate underutilized spaces: Get an expert to survey your warehouse and you will be surprised to see how much space is being underutilized. There will be space under staircases, above slow-moving conveyor belts, and above doors. These spaces can be used to store slow-moving items that don’t need to be handled frequently.
• Use trailers or shipping containers: What if you are still in need of storage space? The only solution is to hire a couple of trailers or shipping containers to hold the cargo until space can be cleared inside the warehouse. This is a more affordable solution than hiring an entire warehouse and works out just fine for seasonal products.

Fixing the right racks and shelves at the right height

No matter how fancy and functional the racks are, they will serve no purpose if they are not fixed at the correct height from the floor. But if vertical storage solutions are your option, you will want to make maximum use of the wall space. This calls for the provision of forklifts or other mechanisms that will facilitate the easy loading and unloading of cargo.

Vertical racking systems are widely used even in large warehouses. Some of the common vertical racking solutions include:

• Single and double deep selective racking system.
• Push-back racking systems.
• Drive-in racking systems.
• Pallet runner shuttle systems.
• Flow-rail systems
• Pallet flow-through racking systems.

Popular storage solutions for warehouses of all sizes and capacities

Warehouse and storage are two synonymous words. Your investment will generate the expected ROI only if your warehouse is armed to the teeth with the right storage system that increases the efficiency of the entire operation.

Finding it difficult to pick the right storage solutions? Categorize your equipment based on the following three factors:

• The size of your warehouse.
• The type of products.
• Your warehouse management system.

This list of common storage solutions should help you arrive at a proper decision for your warehouse.

• Floor or block stacking
  This storage method is one of the most effective solutions especially for warehouses with low ceilings. Block stackings are segregated units that are stacked from the floor to their maximum height. Aisles provide access to different stock keeping units. It is most suitable for storing household appliances and canned goods.

Advantages:

• • Block stacking does not require any special storage equipment.
  • It is extremely cost-effective.
  • It is simple, uncomplicated and flexible.
  • Pallet-flow racking systemPallet-flow racks are ideal for warehouses that rely on the First In First Out or FIFO system. This method of loading pallets on the upper end of the sloping lanes allows them to move down once an item is picked off the pallet.

Advantages:

• • • Maximum use of floor space.
    • Ideal for quick moving items like food and consumables.

  Push-back racking

  • Push-back racks come with structural steel rails that automatically push back when an item is loaded and come forward during uploading.

Advantages:

• Ideal for LIFO or Last In First Out inventory management.
• Allows easy and faster material handling.
• Requires less maintenance.

Mezzanine floors

A mezzanine floor is the cheapest way to create another floor inside your warehouse without investing in expensive construction ideas. A single mezzanine floor can add a massive amount of storage space as it makes maximum use of vertical space.
Advantages:

• Quick and easy way to expand your storage space.
• Ladders or steps to provide easy access.
• Adds square footage without extending the footprint of the building.
• Sturdy and long-lasting.

Find your current and future storage needs with Donracks, the leading storage racks manufacturer

Donracks, the top storage racks manufacturer in Bangalore provides long-term storage solutions that will benefit your warehouse and your business. Partner with us and we will help you identify the perfect storage solutions for your facility. Call us @+91 99000 88489 for great, cost-effective and long-term ideas for your warehouse.