Archive for the ‘shelving’ Category

What are the different shelving storage options and which is best for my business?

With several types of shelving available for storage, it can be difficult to know which would be best for your business. Your budget, business type, and space available, as well as the type, size and shape of the products you are storing, will have an influence on which options would be most suitable.

To help you identify the best option for your business, read on to discover some of the most popular warehouse storage systems.

Carton flow shelving

Carton flow systems, or carton live systems, allow products to automatically flow from the rear to the front of the shelving, making picking easier and quicker.

Simply load product onto the shelving at the rear, pick from the front, and the next item will roll to the front, then just replenish at the rear, and so on. For optimum efficiency, have a loading team and picking team either side of the shelving system, if possible, so that there is no need for staff to go back and forth.

Advantages of this system include reduced stock replenishment times, always having stock available for picking, improved pick rates, and having excellent control of production batches and expiry dates.

The initial investment will typically be higher than it would be for standard static shelving but this dynamic storage solution will save you time and money in the long run, due to the huge improvements in efficiency it will bring.

Shortspan industrial shelving

Whether you require a single, standalone bay, or a state-of-the-art multi-tiered shelving system, shortspan shelving is versatile and is ideal for any industrial environment.

Shortspan industrial shelving offers immediate access to all items in storage, with items accessible from both sides.

With maximum shelf loads up to 250kg and generous frame and bay heights and widths, it can be made to store almost any item, but this system is an especially excellent option for small items.

Other advantages of this system include quick and easy installation and fully adjustable shelf levels, plus it can be easily extended or reconfigured, making it a future-proof option.

Shortspan industrial shelving is bespoke-made to suit your requirements, with a wide range of compatible accessories available for use with the system, including dividers, plinths, plastic storage boxes, and frame cladding.

Longspan shelving

If you are looking to store hand-loaded, long or awkwardly-shaped items, longspan shelving is likely to be the ideal solution for your business.

Longspan shelving is a fully adjustable industrial shelving system which is quick and easy to assemble due to its modular design and bolt-free, lock-in system that requires no special tools.

This versatile type of shelving has a maximum shelf load of up to 1250kg, and can be tailor-made with a frame height of up to 60m, depth of up to 15m, and bay width of up to 30m. Plus a wide range of accessories are available to further customise this system, including mesh shelves, timber shelves, and frame cladding.

Shelf levels are fully adjustable in 50mm increments and this system can be easily extended and reconfigured to adapt to future business needs.

Whatever you need to store, and however you want to store it, rest assured that Logical Storage Solutions will have the ideal solution for you. Our expert team is on-hand to find a solution to any unique storage problem, so call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

Logical Storage Solutions is an innovative provider of storage equipment and interior workspaces for both industrial and commercial environments, including office partitions, warehouse racking, and mezzanine flooring.

Offering a consultative approach and nationwide service for all single and multi-site operations, we are your one stop provider of all storage, workspace and maintenance solutions.

Common warehouse storage management mistakes

Anyone running a warehouse will know that the better organised it is, the more efficient it will be. Higher efficiency means less unnecessary expense and more productivity.

Mistakes lead to inefficiencies, so it is important that any mistakes are identified and rectified as quickly as possible.

Here are some of the most common warehouse storage management mistakes and how to combat them to ensure your warehouse maximises its potential.

Overlapping goods in and out

Having separate goods in and goods out areas will help to make sure that neither becomes too congested and the stock does not get mixed up.

If it is not possible to have two separate areas apart from one another, at least ensure that they are clearly defined and signposted to avoid confusion.

Small goods in or out area

Sufficiently sized goods in and goods out areas are critical to a well-functioning warehouse.

If either area is too small, it will make it difficult to efficiently receive or dispatch, and inspect, label and sort incoming and outcoming goods.

Inefficient picking aisles

If the aisles in the warehouse are not organised well, clear of obstructions, or marked then it can be difficult for pickers to locate stock.

Items that are needed more frequently should be easy to get to, and located closer to the packing station to reduce time searching for and picking the items.

Lack of a deadstock plan

Most warehouses will contain deadstock; items that are not up to quality standards, have been damaged or returned, or simply do not get used or bought.

You need to have a plan for the storage and management of deadstock. Deadstock should be kept separately from regular stock and should be clearly labelled so that pickers do not accidentally use or send out these items.

You may want to try and sell these items at a reduced rate, and then dispose of them or donate them if they do not sell within a certain amount of time, so as to not accumulate too much deadstock that will take up valuable space.

Unclear signage and labelling

The warehouse and everything within it, including areas, aisles, stock, equipment and tools, should all be clearly signposted and labelled.

This will help to ensure the smooth running of your warehouse. You could implement a barcoding system, or colour coding to make things or areas easily and quickly recognisable for warehouse workers.

Poor equipment or storage system

One of the biggest and most common mistakes is the use of inadequate equipment, tools, or storage systems or solutions.

You must make sure that the equipment and systems used in your warehouse are of good quality, and are reliable and as effective as possible.

The storage systems should be tailored to the type of stock that you have in your warehouse and should be regularly checked and reviewed to ensure their suitability.

For professional advice on how you can optimise your warehouse, get in touch with our expert team at Logical Storage Solutions on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

Logical Storage Solutions is an innovative provider of storage equipment and interior workspaces for both industrial and commercial environments including office partitions and mezzanine flooring.

Offering a consultative approach and nationwide service for all single and multi-site operations, we are your one-stop provider of all storage, workspace and maintenance solutions.

The Advantages of investing in long span shelving

Having been around for decades, long span shelving is a simple yet effective storing solution that has stood the test of time. Most commonly used to store large amounts of small to medium-sized stock, it is ideal for retail facilities and warehouses. Here we advise you on the advantages of investing in long span shelving.

Versatile

Although it is ideal for small to medium-sized stock, long span shelving can hold a multitude of products and is excellent for storing longer or more awkward items which are typically more difficult to store.

Durable

Longspan shelving is highly durable and can withstand constant high-volume usage. It is usually made from painted, galvanised steel which is considerably durable yet relatively lightweight.

Its steel construction means that any impact it takes will be largely absorbed so longspan shelving will not become damaged easily and is more resistant to wear and tear than most other storage solutions.

Each shelf can hold a substantial weight of up to 1250kg, and the system can be rearranged and transported several times without compromising its integrity.

Quick & Easy Installation

Due to its simple, modular design, and bolt-free, lock-in system, long span racking is quick and easy to assemble and disassemble. So, if you need a storage solution in a hurry, longs pan racking is an excellent option.

Easy to Maintain

Thanks to its simple design and the lack of special tools required to remove and replace parts, long span shelving is easily maintained. As it is constructed from steel, it is easy to keep clean and is a sanitary option. Plus, its durability means that it does not often need to be repaired.

Adjustable

The shelves in a long span shelving system are fully adjustable. They can easily be raised or lowered in 50mm increments to suit your needs. This is especially useful if you have a variety of stock which you need to store.

Easily Integrated

Long span shelving can be easily integrated with a variety of other storage systems. They are compatible with wooden walkways, steel gratings, fright lifts, vertical reciprocating conveyors, steel gratings, perforated steel panels, and more. The ability to integrate such systems can be very beneficial, as it allows for increased efficiency, productivity and versatility.

Future-Proof

Its modular design makes it easy for long span shelving to be extended and reconfigured. This ability to adapt is perfect for changing requirements and layouts in future.

Cost-Effective

Last but certainly not least, long span shelving is both cost-effective and affordable. It’s a sustainable, tried and tested storage solution which has become a staple in retail facilities and warehouses around the world. Taking into consideration the low maintenance costs and the durability and lifespan, it is worth the initial investment.

With so many advantages it is clear to see why it is such a popular storage system. It is adopted across the globe and for good reason. Long span shelving is ideal for any businesses looking to utilise their space as effectively as possible. It can successfully help achieve maximum storage capacity.

Over the past decade, Logical Storage has engineered tailored storage solutions for some of the nation’s largest and most trusted brands. Including IKEA, Amazon, DHL, and Tesco. We strive to provide exceptionally high-quality products that will solve all space and storage dilemmas.

To find out more about our long span shelving systems, or for advice on the ideal storage solution for your business, please call 0845 689 1300 to discuss your requirements with a member of our expert team today.

Tips to Optimise Warehouse Storage

It can be difficult to determine when a warehouse has reached its maximum capacity. However, once 80- 85% of the space is being utilised, a warehouse may start to notice a decline in efficiency and productivity. If there is not sufficient space, the pallet movement around the warehouse can slow down significantly. Some warehouses have to resort to temporary floor pallets which can reduce aisle movement and even cause hazards. Here we share the benefits of an optimised warehouse and tips to improve warehouse storage space.

Why Optimising Warehouse Space is important

Although it can take time to optimise the space in a warehouse, the benefits that can be gained from doing this tend to outweigh the time and effort. Here are just some of the benefits.

Save money

Once you have optimised your warehouse space, the available space will be larger. Therefore you are in a great position to store more items in your warehouse and order more products from your suppliers in a single transaction. This bulk buying can help lower the cost per unit, saving you substantial money over time.

Increase employee productivity

Once a warehouse is optimised, employees will be able to carry out their jobs more efficiently. Not only will this create an increase in productivity, but you will also probably find your employees more satisfied with their work. Having your staff work efficiently and effectively will improve your service and increase the number of orders you can fulfil.

Avoid missing sales

A risk of not having a warehouse large enough or optimised can be running out of stock. If this happens regularly, you will be missing out on sales. This can hopefully be avoided by having a warehouse optimised and an increase in storage capacity. Although the stock may still run out, the warehouse should encounter fewer issues and avoid backorders.

Ways to improve warehouse storage space

The benefits of an optimised warehouse are clear however, the difficulty is creating an action plan to optimise your warehouse. Here are some of the ways you can improve your warehouse storage.

Analyse your inventory

Before redesigning your warehouse and floor plan, take stock of your inventory first. This is a great way to quickly free up space. If you have old inventory that you don’t think will sell, you may want to consider liquidating overstock, if this is financially viable.

Understand the flow of production

Again, before making any changes, understand your warehouse processes in detail. Does your current warehouse layout facilitate the flow of your process? Is there a lot of unnecessary travel. Once you have the process mapped out, you can plan your warehouse around this process to make it more efficient.

Check if you have multiple locations

Do you have any multiple locations for storing the same item? If you do, consider combining these. Not only will it use space more effectively, but it will also help employees find items and keep track of stock quicker if they are all together.

Go vertical

Many warehouses do not use their vertical space as efficiently as they could. Calculate how much vertical space is not being used. Ensure you are always within the health and safety guidelines, however, there are many ways you can successfully increase your vertical storage space, freeing up precious floor space.

Install mezzanine flooring

An effective way to use vertical space is by installing mezzanine flooring. If you have the correct permits to do so, mezannine flooring can be used to house functions that do not require tall storage. Although there is an investment with installing mezzanine flooring, when used correctly they can really help maximise the space available.

Use off-site storage

For items that are out of season, or for overstock, an offsite location can be considered. These facilities allow you to free up a lot of space in your warehouse and is ideal for items you do not need for the near future.

Measure your aisle width

How wide are your aisles? You need to ensure they are wide enough for machinery and equipment to go through but you could also be wasting space if they are too wide. Aim for the minimum width required to do an efficient job.

Consider deeper storage

You should not only take into account the height of your storage, but also the depth. In some places in your warehouse, you may want to consider double-depth racking for certain items.

Match storage slots with size of the product

Make sure you match items with their storage space. For example, keep the shallower racking for small items and deeper storage for bulkier items. Ensuring the slots match helps keep wasted space to a minimum but also makes picking products a lot easier for staff.

As the list above proves, there are many ways a warehouse can optimise its space. Although moving to a new warehouse is always an option, it is an expensive investment that can also be disruptive Therefore, a business should ensure their current warehouse is optimised before exploring new premises. Doing so can save a lot of money and time.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality mezzanine flooring for your business and are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

How to Optimise Your Warehouse

Customer expectations continue to grow. An increase in online shopping makes people want access to a huge range of products quickly and easily. With many retailers offering next day delivery and free returns to match these high expectations, the need for warehouses to be optimised has never been greater. Here we discuss how to optimise a warehouse.

Are your products placed on racks correctly?

This may seem simple but it is surprising how many warehouses may not be placing their items correctly on the racking. The opening heights in your racks should get smaller or bigger depending on the load it is holding. As a rule of thumb, openings should be more than 6-inches taller than the load itself, allowing easy removal using a forklift.

Adjusting the rack height accordingly allows warehouse owners to completely customise the layout to specifically suit their products.

Consider the popularity of each SKU in your warehouse. An effective strategy can be to place slower-moving products in shorter rack locations. This can work well as the SKUs will not be picked as regularly, meaning that they do not need as much space.

Have you chosen the right racking system?

There are many racking systems to choose from and it’s important that you match the racking system to your individual business needs. You need to consider both the weight and size of your inventory and ensure the racking systems are optimised for this. The higher the number of beams in the racking system, the more weight it can carry. However, it also means there is less space between each one. It is, therefore, a balancing act to figure out the ideal racking system for your goods.

Are you optimising your space?

Warehouses have plenty of space. However, usually, this space is height and many warehouses do not make the most of this. A large proportion of your spare space will be higher up. Therefore, mezzanine flooring should be considered for those seeking more space to smooth their operations. They are great places to have additional storage or even office space, saving the floor level space for inventory only.

Are your aisles correct?

It can be tempting to narrow your aisles in order to fit more in, however, you need to consider this carefully. By doing so, you are limiting the space between the aisles. This can have a negative impact on efficiency if people struggle to manoeuvre through the aisles. Although you need to fit all your stock in the warehouse, you also need to ensure that the process is smooth and the warehouse remains a safe environment for all employees.

If you are struggling to make the most out of the space you have, then consider the points discussed above. Asking yourself these points may reduce the need to relocate or expand your warehouse by ensuring you are using all your current space to its greatest potential. Optimising your warehouse takes some planning, however, when done correctly you will end up with much more efficient operations which in turn can help you increase your revenue and output.

Shelving vs racking: what’s the difference?

Although some people may assume that shelving and racking are the same thing, for those in the warehouse industry it’s important to understand the difference and how they can both benefit your business. It is important for a business with warehouse facilities to understand these differences, so they know which option is best for them.

Shelving
Although shelving comes in many sizes, it is typically used for smaller goods which are easy to access by hand. If people are picking products individually by hand, shelves are often the best choice. Warehouse shelving is normally made from metal (or sometimes, but rarely wood). They can be a variety of heights and include any number of shelves on it that you require. Sometimes the shelves have a solid back, whilst others are an open design, depending on what the use of it is for.

Pallet racking
Pallet racks, on the other hand, tend to be designed for access by forklifts and other automated systems, rather than by hand. Racking solutions are generally a lot taller than shelves and therefore can be great for warehouses with enough height as it maximises the space available. Racking tends to be deeper than shelving as well. This makes it a great storing solution for pallets of smaller products or individual larger items.

They are produced from metal that is heavy duty due to the items they are storing, and are usually attached to the floor or walls for additional stability. Racking pallets tend to not have solid shelves (and sometimes no shelves at all) as it depends on what is being placed on them.

Racking is described as a structure of bars for holding a specific load. They are more open in design. Shelving however includes a solid slab which supports the products.

Which is right for you?
Does your business need shelves or racks? The answer 100% depends on what the product is that you’re storing and in what quantity. If you are storing smaller items that you need to be hand selected, shelving will probably be the best for you. If you are storing large quantities of products, racking will allow you to stack these products up on pallets.

You also have to remember that although some warehouses have either one storage solution or the other, you can have a combination of both pallet racking and shelving in different areas of your warehouse. This will allow you to optimise the space in your entire warehouse.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high quality racking inspections for your business and discuss your racking and shelving requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

Smart storage solutions for the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the biggest in the UK today, employing over 73,000 people and contributing more than £8million to the UK’s GDP. However, as a profit-driven industry the success of individual companies and organisations relies on very tight margins. Every link on the supply chain from research and development right through to fulfillment must be conducted with the utmost precision – and the role of warehousing in this process is no different.

Cutting edge storage solutions and efficient fixtures can make a profound impact on an organisation, helping them to meet the high pressures and demands on their business. Solutions like customisable racking, shelving options and mezzanine floors can add that much-needed edge over competitors, helping to simplify stock management and make efficient use of the space that is available.

Mezzanine floors are both practical and cost-effective for warehouses in need of space, and that need to operate in a timely fashion. These areas can be used for a wide variety of situations from packing and labelling areas and space for more storage through to laboratories, staff break areas and admin areas – whatever is required to meet you’re the requirements of your business.

The pharmaceutical industry presents unique challenges that require clever solutions. Products often need to be handled in a specific way, tracked and checked for expiration dates. They might need temporary or bulk storage or need to be segregated away completely from other stock in a sterile or highly secure environment.

From pallet racking to long span shelving, there are a variety of different solutions available to help you manage your inventory and meet any specific requirements and standards you need to uphold.

Logical Storage specialise in both industrial and commercial storage equipment and offer a wide range of innovative products to increase your available storage and also improve productivity. We know that no two businesses are the same which is why we prepare quotes fully tailored towards your business and its unique needs. For more information and to talk to one of our experienced team please call us now on 0845 689 1300.

How top-level efficiency in warehouses can help to boost profits

When it comes to warehouse efficiency, brands like Amazon are clearly leading the way. The retail giant’s Amazon Prime Now launch is the latest demonstration of how quickly and efficiently they can process orders, with customers near 27 of their American stores able to order selected prime products and have them delivered within just 60 minutes for a special fee.

Whilst this kind of extra-level efficiency isn’t a practical offering for most UK based businesses, the attitude of trying to reduce delivery times and make chains as efficient as possible is certainly something that you should be striving towards. Here are a few carefully chosen methods that can help you on your way.

1 – Look up
Mezzanine floors are one of the most popular solutions available for improving your operations in a warehouse. Continually chosen by businesses as an alternative to moving premises, mezzanine floors help you use the space above your head to provide extra space for you to work with.

2 – Organise your stock
Racking and shelving solutions are fantastic options available to you. We have a wide variety of options to help you better organize your inventory with different systems that can be built to your exact requirements including options like wide aisle and dynamic push back racking and carton flow or long span shelving.

3 – Take Health and Safety matters seriously
Health and Safety Regulations are absolutely critical for businesses, especially those operating warehouses. The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act means that if a serious accident happens due to a neglect of your Duty of Care then you could be found liable, which can mean damage to your reputation as a business, loss of earnings, fines and even imprisonment. A key aspect of Health and Safety in warehouses is ensuring that all of your equipment is safe and secure. For warehouse owners we provide a popular racking inspection service to make sure racking is fit for purpose.

Here at Logical Storage, we know that no two businesses are the same and you may need a combination of different solutions to help optimise your warehouse.  For a tailored proposal designed to meet the specific needs of your business, call us on 0845 689 1300.

How to make your warehouse more adaptable in busy periods of the year

Even when a business is doing well it can still be a gamble to move premises. The costs involved and the difficulty in finding the perfect location elsewhere often leaves many business owners scratching their heads as to what the best solution is. However, the best answer often lies not right under the noses, but right above their heads.

Whether seasonal pressures build for your business during the lead up to Christmas, Black Friday, Cyber Monday or other industry related times of the year, it can be a challenge to keep up. If your warehouse is bursting at the seams then one of the best things you can do is conduct a thorough assessment of your premises. Walk around your warehouse and take note of any space that is currently unused – you might find that you are surprised by the results. Often room that you wouldn’t have even thought about using could be put to use and space elsewhere could be better organised.

One of our most popular solutions for businesses that are struggling for space is that of a mezzanine floor. Mezzanine floors make use of space that would otherwise be wasted. As warehouses tend to be quite tall there is often a lot of overhead space that can be taken advantage of, creating a new platform for a variety of tasks. Whether that new space is used for picking and packing, storage or even office space is entirely your decision, but either way it will increase the amount of room you have available and help you better meet the demands of a busy period for your business.

Another option to free up space is to utilise shelving or racking. From pallet racking to long span shelving and more there are lots of different options available that can help you to better manage your inventory and in turn reduce the amount of time it takes you or your employees to perform a task – reducing distribution times and improving the bottom line for your business.

Logical Storage specialise in both industrial and commercial storage equipment and offer a wide range of innovative products to increase your available storage and also improve productivity. We know that no two businesses are the same which is why we prepare quotes fully tailored towards your business and its unique needs. For more information and to talk to one of our experienced team please call us now on 0845 689 1300.

How to meet growing demand for your goods

Any business is pleased when orders begin flying out the doors. However, while an increase in demand for your products is a positive thing, it can also provide headaches if you aren’t adequately prepared to deal with it. An increase in sales can put pressure on your staff and your infrastructure, which can eventually leave question marks over whether or not your warehouse or other business premises can sustain growth. However, there are some solutions out there to help you cope.

One way to meet growing demand and cope with the pressures of added work is to consider outsourcing some of your duties. This might mean asking another experienced and trusted business to help handle some of your work, for example by handling your human resources work, sales or even order fulfilment.  However, many business owners are understandably wary of outsourcing work away from their watchful eye.

An alternative to outsourcing work would be to ask your employees to work longer hours. The added time clocked in may allow for more work to be done and you can ensure that it meets your standards. However, asking your employees to work longer hours can often lead to poor morale, higher levels of absenteeism and may cause the quality of work to suffer. You could also consider employing another member of staff, but should the growth in your business not sustain itself you may find that you are left with an employee that is surplus to your requirements and hard to get rid of.

In our opinion there are better alternatives available to businesses when it comes to meeting demand. One way to adapt your business during a high pressure period is to consider how you can improve the layout of your site. Are there processes that could be sped up by better organisation – such as by using pallet racking or long span shelving? Both of these solutions can allow you to better organise your stock and provide you with more space and flexibility in your operations. A further way to increase your storage capacity is to consider installing a mezzanine floor. A mezzanine floor makes the most of the vertical space in your warehouse and allows you to operate in space that would normally be wasted. You can then use this newly created space to house machinery, equipment or better organise your current stock.

Logical Storage’s experienced team can help your warehouse to perform to its maximum potential. For more information on our racking solutions, mezzanine floors and office partitions please visit http://www.logicalstorage.co.uk/. Alternatively, please call us on 0845 689 1300 for a tailored proposal.