Archive for the ‘storage’ Category

Posted on: October 13th, 2024 by admin No Comments

Navigating The Challenges of Modern Warehouse Storage

Warehouse storage has changed dramatically in recent years, particularly as technology has evolved and new solutions have been developed. As businesses grow there is an increased demand for efficient and flexible storage, so let’s have a look at how we can help businesses navigate these modern storage challenges.

Evolution of Warehouse Storage

Traditional warehouse systems were very basic and were only designed to accommodate a specific volume of stock. As the e-commerce industry flourished, it was recognised that something had to be done as having warehouses full of goods was not the most efficient way of running a business. With trends changing so fast, an item that was a bestseller one week would then not be sold for months after that. Many companies end up with excess stock in their warehouses that they simply can’t sell.

Today’s warehouses have to be optimised and adaptable, capable of handling a diverse range of stock and ensuring fast turnaround times for customers. This new way of storing goods has been incredibly challenging for the logistics industry but also has provided opportunities too. Companies that are quick to adapt to meet new demands have a very big competitive edge, but of course, there are hurdles to overcome too. Getting the balance between inventory control, space utilisation, and operational efficiency is challenging, but that is where here at Logical Storage we can help with that.

Space Utilisation

One of the major challenges with modern warehouse storage is optimising the space efficiently, particularly as warehouses are so expensive to run. Maximising the use of every square foot is key, but not always easy. Modern warehouses have to cope with a variety of different inventory being stored within them, which all require different storage solutions. Pallet racking systems are popular for large, heavy products, but many businesses are looking for alternative solutions to allow them to build upwards. At Logical Storage, we understand that no two warehouses are the same. One may need mezzanine floors to help maximise height, while another may be more suited to racking solutions. The approach we take is customised around the specific needs of our clients, and we ensure that every warehouse layout is designed for maximum efficiency and adaptability.

Balancing Automation & Human Labour

Warehouse technology has also evolved rapidly in recent years, with a huge growth of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) to help businesses streamline operations and reduce human error. This also comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

The cost of implementing automation technology within warehouses can be incredibly high, particularly for smaller businesses that aren’t likely to see an immediate return on their investment. A fully automated system also may not be suitable for all warehouses, as some products need a more hands-on approach. The key is to strike the right balance between automation and manual labour, which is why we tend to steer towards a part-automated system. This means repetitive tasks are automated, while leaving more complex processes for the skilled workers.

The Role of Technology in Modern Storage Solutions

The rise of technology has been a game changer when it comes to modern warehouse storage. From sensors that automatically detect inventory levels in real-time, to advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) that optimise every part of the warehouse process, technology is evolving at rapid speeds.

The main issue businesses face with this incredible new technology is integration. Most business owners don’t tend to like change, particularly when it involves a huge overhaul of all of their existing systems as this causes a lot of downtime within the business. When looking at new warehouse storage solutions, it is important to ensure everything integrates seamlessly with existing systems. For example, smart shelving systems need to communicate with existing WMS to ensure operations continue to run smoothly.

Future-Proofing Your Warehouse

The challenges of modern warehouse storage are not going to disappear overnight, and as businesses grow they will become more complex. Consumer expectations for faster delivery times will continue to rise, so future-proofing your warehouse is essential to remain competitive.

Here at Logical Storage, we provide solutions for businesses that not only meet today’s challenges, but are designed to adapt to future demands. For advice on making improvements to your warehouse, get in touch with Logical Storage Solutions. Our expert team are on hand to find a solution to any storage problem, so call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

Posted on: September 13th, 2024 by admin No Comments

Future-Proofing Your Warehouse: Cutting-Edge Storage Solutions

Warehouses have changed over the years and are no longer just storage spaces, they are essential for logistics and keeping the supply chain going. With technology at our fingertips, our expectations for speedy delivery of products have increased, putting more pressure on e-commerce businesses to improve their efficiency. In order to remain competitive, businesses need to equip their warehouses with the latest technologies and invest in cutting-edge storage solutions. This not only helps to maximise space and enhance productivity, but also allows businesses to adapt to changes in demand.

 

Why Future Proof?

Future-proofing is essential as the rate of technological advancements is changing so fast these days, so what works today may be outdated tomorrow. A warehouse setup that doesn’t adapt is at risk of becoming inefficient, which can lead to increased operational costs and reduced productivity. This can all lead to the inability to meet customer demands. By future-proofing your warehouse you are safeguarding your business and ensuring your storage systems remain robust, no matter how much things change.

 

Smart Shelving & Dynamic Racking

Efficient use of space is one of the main ways in which you can future-proof your warehouse. Smart shelving and dynamic racking not only maximise storage space, but also help with ensuring all products are easily accessible for picking. Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) are automated systems that make the most of vertical spaces. They store items in trays that can be retrieved automatically, helping to reduce picking times and improve order fulfillment rates.

 

Mobile racking systems are ideal for busy warehouses as they don’t require much aisle space. Unlike traditional racking systems, these can be moved to create a flexible layout that can be easily adapted. Perfect for those seasonal stock changes.

 

Warehouse Management Systems

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are crucial for any business looking to stay ahead of technology. They integrate well with inventory management and order fulfillment systems, giving businesses real-time insights into things like stock levels and order statuses. WMS can also help with predictive analytics, giving warehouse managers insights into future stock requirements to help plan storage capacity.

 

The Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is transforming warehouses by allowing various devices and systems to all be connected to one another, allowing for proper real-time analysis and collection of data. The main way in which the IoT can be used within warehouses is smart sensors. These can monitor the location and condition of inventory, and even alert staff when supplies are low.

 

IoT sensors can also monitor the condition of warehouse equipment such as forklifts, alerting maintenance teams when repairs are needed. This reduces downtime as any issues are identified before they become too much of a problem.

 

Sustainable Storage Solutions

Sustainability is something that is becoming increasingly important within warehousing as many businesses are looking to reduce their carbon footprint wherever possible. Implementing sustainable storage solutions is one way to future-proof your warehouse. Here are a couple of ways in which you can do this:

 

1. Energy-efficient lighting

 

LED lighting and motion sensors are a great way to reduce energy consumption within a warehouse space, as both of these technologies mean lights are only turned on when they are absolutely needed. This can help save a lot of money on electricity bills.

 

2. Eco-friendly materials & packaging

 

Using recyclable or biodegradable materials in both storage and packaging are a great way of appealing to environmentally friendly customers. It also means that waste is reduced as packaging breaks down a lot quicker.

 

Future-proofing your warehouse is an investment that can pay dividends in the long run, helping your business stay adaptable to changes in technology. As the warehousing landscape changes it is key to stay ahead of the curve in order to maintain that competitive advantage within your industry.

 

For advice on future-proofing your warehouse, get in touch with Logical Storage Solutions. Our expert team are on hand to find a solution to any storage problem, so call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

Posted on: July 24th, 2024 by admin No Comments

Innovative Solutions For Small Warehouse Storage Spaces

As product-based businesses grow, warehouse storage becomes even more important as the need for more inventory increases. Finding space to store this excess stock is often a challenge, particularly with rising costs. Fortunately, there areinnovative solutions that can help optimise small warehouse storage spaces, helping to meet the demands of growing businesses. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can transform your warehouse.

1. Vertical Storage Solutions

One of the best ways to utilise the space in a small warehouse is to expand upwards, using vertical space. If you have high ceilings, make the most of them with multi-tier racking systems. Pallet racking is a popular option, as this provides multiple levels of storage and makes use of wasted overhead space.

If you are looking for a more systematic approach, automated Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) are another option. This is where storage systems are computer-controlled, delivering items to a picker at an ergonomic height. This reduces the need for actively searching for products, as the system pin-points their location within the warehouse, improving picking speeds.

2. Mobile Shelving Systems

Mobile shelving units reduce the need for fixed aisles within warehouse spaces, and they can be moved along tracks to open up an aisle when needed, which can help increase storage density. The main benefit of mobile shelving units is that they can be customised to fit a variety of warehouse layouts.

For businesses with high volumes of stock, high-density mobile shelving is an ideal solution as they compact together, so can be pulled out when required. This method doubles the storage capacity compared with traditional shelving, so is the perfect solution for small warehouses.

3. Smart Storage Solutions

A robust warehouse management solution is key when it comes to optimising small warehouses, as it can provide real-time data on things like inventory levels and stock locations, and can even manage the picking and packing processes. This can improve productivity as well as help storage spaces to be utilised more efficiently.

There are lots of different technologies these days that can provide businesses with great insights into their stock. Smart sensors, for example, can track the movement and location of stock within a warehouse, helping to optimise space utilisation.

4. Lean Inventory Management

Implementing a ‘just-in-time’ method when it comes to stock can help reduce the quantity of stock held in a warehouse. Rather than having lots of old products which you can’t shift, you could look at receiving goods as they are required. This can help save valuable storage space, but it does require a lot of thought – demand needs to be accurately forecasted to save customer dissatisfaction.

5. Modular Storage Solutions

Modular shelving units can be easily adapted to suit the warehouse space, due to their ability to be quickly assembled/disassembled. This is the perfect solution for businesses that have changing stock demands and need a flexible storage solution.

Stackable bins and containers are a great way to maximise space and organise small items, such as clothing. Just like with vertical storage solutions, the ability to stack them on top of each other reduces the overall space needed for storage.

6. Layout Design

As well as physical storage solutions, it is worth having a look at the layout of your warehouse space. Are there gaps that could be utilised more efficiently? By analysing the layout, you can make better decisions about which storage areas need reconfiguring to maximise space.

A U-shaped layout is the most common in warehouses, where the receiving and shipping areas are based at each end of the ‘U’ with picking zones in between.

Efficient Picking Strategies

As well as thinking about the storage solutions, it is important to consider the picking strategies too. Zone picking is fairly popular, and involves the warehouse being divided into different zones – each assigned to a different worker. This saves a lot of time as staff don’t end up wandering around for hours looking for the products.

There are also pick-to-light systems where LED lights guide workers to the correct picking location. This method helps to improve accuracy and speed, particularly in smaller warehouses where stock has to be crammed in a bit more.

We hope this has helped to give you some ideas on storing more stock in a small warehouse space. For more advice on making improvements to your warehouse, get in touch with Logical Storage Solutions. Our expert team is on hand to find a solution to any storage problem, so call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

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.

 

 

Posted on: June 28th, 2024 by admin No Comments

From Chaos To Order: Warehouse Storage Transformation

In the busy world of logistics and supply chain management, the key to success is having an organised warehouse storage space. A well-organised, efficiently operated warehouse is important when it comes to having a competitive edge and delivering a first-class experience for customers. Let’s have a look at how you can transform your warehouse in order to revolutionise your delivery chain.

Assessment & Planning

Before you start changing your warehouse arrangement, the first thing to do is assess your existing setup. What works and what doesn’t? Are there any bottlenecks that are reducing the efficiency of current operations? By identifying any pain points and areas for improvement, you can start putting together a comprehensive plan which should include specific goals. Think about any areas that need to be more accessible – are your best sellers easy to pick, is the space being utilised to its full potential?

Optimised Layout

The foundation of any successful warehouse is a well-designed layout. There are a few techniques that can help with this:

  1. ABC analysis: ranking inventory based on level of importance.
  2. Slotting optimisation: placing high-demand items in easily accessible locations.
  3. Zoning: designing specific areas for certain product categories.

The layout needs to optimise the movement of goods throughout the warehouse, ensuring there is enough space for personnel to transport around the warehouse too. Technology and automation can be brought in here, reducing costs and controlling operations.

Storage Solutions

Once you have a solid plan in place, it is time to think about the storage solutions that align with the specific needs of your warehouse. It may be that you need to install a racking system, shelving units, or automated storage and retrieval systems. By utilising vertical space and making the most out of the cubic footage you have, storage capacity can be easily increased without having to purchase additional warehouse space.

When it comes to storing products, implementing labelling systems and using inventory tracking software can really help improve the accuracy of product placement and retrieval.

Standardised Processes

To move away from a chaotic warehouse solution, it is really important to put policies and procedures in place. With clear guidelines for staff to follow, the picking, storage and shipping of goods will be so much easier and errors will be minimised. Training should be given to staff too, and needs to include things like handling techniques for heavy goods, guides on equipment operation, and safety procedures.

Warehouse Software

Management software programs and systems can help optimise warehouse operations by automating processes such as stock control, orders and delivery options. By automating certain areas of the business, this will give staff more time to focus on the jobs which bring in a higher return on investment. Warehouse management software can also help with the optimisation of the warehouse space.

Continuous Improvements

Warehouse storage transformation isn’t something that you carry out once and then leave, it is a continuous journey where small improvements are made regularly. Take time to regularly evaluate operations and review performance metrics as this will help you identify areas that need improving. Staying ahead of industry trends and technological developments will also help your warehouse remain agile and responsive to changing requirements.

With careful planning and strategy, warehouse storage transformation is entirely possible and can help improve the efficiency of your business. For more advice on making improvements to your warehouse, get in touch with Logical Storage Solutions. Our expert team are on hand to find a solution to any storage problem, so call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

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.

Posted on: June 28th, 2024 by admin No Comments

Maximising Profitability Through Efficient Warehouse Storage

When it comes to warehouse storage there are so many options available, and choosing the right combination can help improve both operational efficiency and profitability. With the skyrocketing costs of warehouse space, the more you can store in a small area the better. In order to overcome space utilisation issues, we have put together this guide on improving your warehouse storage.

Implications of Utilising Warehouse Space

Space utilisation refers to how effectively the available storage space is used. With every square foot of the warehouse equating to a financial overhead, you need to ensure a positive return on your investment is being generated. Mismanagement of space can also lead to bigger issues: disorganised workspaces, longer retrieval times, increased labour costs and an increased risk of accidents.

An organised warehouse can dramatically speed up order fulfilment, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction. Optimising warehouse space isn’t just a logistical concern, it is a strategic tool to help you get ahead of the competition.

Bottlenecks in Warehouse Spaces

There are several challenges when it comes to maximising warehouse storage, let’s have a look at these in more detail:

1. Overstocking

Lots of warehouses have thousands of products sitting there, idle and not being sold. As well as this costing businesses money, having stock sat around absorbs space that could be better used.

2. Inadequate warehouse layout

When creating a warehouse space for your business, it is essential to think about long-term plans such as scalability. A warehouse design that is rigid and doesn’t have the ability to adapt can not only hinder business growth, but also make it hard to adjust to changes in stock needs.

3. Physical limitations

There are also physical limitations of warehouses – building height, column placement and door size, which can all affect how the space is utilised. Taking these into account when reviewing your warehouse storage will allow you to use the space optimally.

Maximising Warehouse Space Utilisation

To get the most out of your warehouse space, here are a few tips:

1. Organise products based on type

The organisation of products within your warehouse is key. An inconsistent, messy layout makes it harder for employees to find products and can therefore delay operations.

2. Neatly & logically arrange

There should be some logic behind how your products are stored within the warehouse too. For example, sorting products based on their manufacturer or product name. They should also be stored neatly in order to create a safer environment for employees, helping to make their jobs easier.

3. Create a plan for unused space

If you have storage racks that are underfilled, don’t put other products straight into that space, make a note of this for a later date. This means that by making a note of your used and unused warehouse space, you can plan around the arrival of new products more easily.

4. Eliminate excess inventory

Not all of the products within your warehouse will be top sellers and there may be some times when you have too much stock of a non-selling product in your warehouse, taking up valuable space. Sometimes you have to simply eliminate excess inventory to make more efficient use of your warehouse storage space.

5. Minimise aisle widths

If you can, move your storage racks closer together to make your aisles as narrow as possible. This will increase the amount of storage space in your warehouse, but when minimising aisle widths make sure you can still fit forklifts through.

6. Utilise vertical space

If you are running out of space on the ground, consider expanding upwards if possible. By adding taller storage racks with more levels, you can easily increase your warehouse storage capacity, allowing for the storage of more products.

7. Stick to one method of organisation

There are two main methods of organising your warehouse’s contents: random & fixed organisation. Random is where you put products wherever they will fit, so you can efficiently use all of your available storage space. However, this can be a nightmare when it comes to locating products. Fixed organisation is consistently applied to your entire warehouse inventory, and while it can create some wasted space it makes it much easier to retrieve products.

We hope this has helped to give you some ideas on making your warehouse storage more profitable. For more advice on making improvements to your warehouse, get in touch with Logical Storage Solutions. Our expert team are on hand to find a solution to any storage problem, so call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

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.

Posted on: August 19th, 2022 by admin No Comments

Which Racking Solution Is Best For My Business?

With so many racking solutions available, it can be difficult to determine which would be most beneficial for your business.

There are a lot of factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting new racking, including how much space is available, your budget, the size and weight of items being stored, and the processes and equipment used.

The type and layout of racking can have a massive impact on the efficiency of your business. Therefore, it is important that you take time to ensure that you select a suitable racking solution that has a positive impact on your business, rather than a negative one.

To help guide you to making the right choice, here are some of the key factors you should consider when deciding which racking solution is best for your business.

Space

Make the most of the space available, not just the floor space, but also the vertical space. Racking can be bespoke configured to best utilise the space available. In order to maximise your storage capacity, have your racking built as high as your building regulations will allow.

Inventory

What do you intend to store on your racking? The ideal type of racking for your business will be heavily influenced by the weight, size and shape of stock you plan to have on it.

If you stock small items, then you need racking which can have racks close together so as to not have a lot of wasted space. If you are storing heavy items, you will need to make sure that the racking solution you go with can support the weight.

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.

Budget

Your budget will be a significant factor in determining which racking solution is suitable for your business.

If the ideal racking solution is one that is outside of your budget, you may want to consider getting used racking, or you could have a combination of different racking types to bring the costs down.

Layout

Be sure to assess and gain a good understanding of the layout of the warehouse or space in which you wish to have racking and plan out where you would like the racking to go.

The layout will limit the ways in which the racking can be configured and the types which would be suitable.

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.

When planning, you also need to take into account the flow of items in and out and consider how best to lay out your racking to aid these processes and increase efficiency, rather than hindering performance.

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.

If you use forklifts, you will need to ensure that there is enough room for them to move around, get up and down the aisles, and be able to pick pallets off the shelves.

Whatever you need to store, 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.

Posted on: February 28th, 2022 by admin No Comments

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.

Posted on: January 30th, 2022 by admin No Comments

5 Common Warehouse Management Pitfalls

Although warehouses vary in many ways including size, shape, and stock, they all have one thing in common. Effective management is required for a warehouse to run efficiently.

Managing a warehouse effectively is not always easy. Meticulous planning, execution, and monitoring are required to achieve optimum efficiency.

Even with the best intentions, it can be easy for managers to become complacent, overlook issues, and make mistakes, oftentimes without even realising.

Read on to find out some of the most common warehouse management pitfalls and what you can do to avoid making mistakes.

Poor inventory management

Inefficient management of your warehouse inventory can lead to serious problems.

Having too much or too little stock, or incorrectly stored stock can result in inaccurate records, misplaced inventory, and wasted time.

Keeping unnecessary or expired stock is taking up valuable space which can be used to store inventory that is actually required.

To prevent this from becoming an issue, make sure that you monitor incoming and outgoing inventory and regularly review what is being stored in the warehouse.

Inefficient layout

Not utilising your space wisely is one of the most commonly made mistakes that can have a detrimental impact on the efficiency of your warehouse.

You should review your warehouse layout regularly, at least once per year, to ensure that it is still functioning to the best of its ability.

It is a good practice to also review the layout whenever there are any changes to inventory so that you can accommodate and adapt to these changes.

You do not need to start from scratch to improve the layout of your warehouse. Small changes such as moving certain stock to a different area or implementing new racks can have a big effect on productivity.

Outdated technology/systems

Having outdated or a lack of warehouse management systems or software in place is a mistake.

Even small to mid-sized warehouses will benefit from adopting technology. A warehouse management system can help you to track, manage and locate inventory, and analyse data, quickly and easily.

Although it will require time and money to be invested initially, a warehouse management system is sure to be cost-effective and reduce operating expenses in the long run.

Recurring safety issues

Warehouses can be busy environments with a variety of machinery and equipment operating within them on a daily basis.

It is therefore imperative that safety precautions are put in place and any issues are assessed and dealt with promptly.

Ensure that regular risk assessments are carried out in your warehouse to help you to identify any potential risks or hazards.

You then need to follow these assessments up with corrective measures so that potential accidents and injuries, as well as associated costs and litigation, can be avoided.

Insufficient training

Are employees properly trained in health and safety, and manual handling? Are forklift truck drivers, machine and equipment operators, and people working at heights, operating machines and equipment, and driving forklift trucks all qualified to do so?

If not, you need to ensure that any employees without sufficient training refrain from carrying out any of these activities until proper training is provided and completed.

Training and development of staff is critical in ensuring the smooth running of your warehouse and the safety of the warehouse staff, their colleagues, and any visitors, as well as in improving the productivity and effectiveness of your workforce and warehouse.

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.

Posted on: August 24th, 2021 by admin No Comments

Warehouse Design and Storage Tips and Tricks

Improving your warehouse layout can boost productivity and efficiency but designing or changing a warehouse layout can be quite complex.

Redesigning your warehouse can ensure you optimise the space available and increase storage capacity and enhance safety.

To ensure you get the best out of your warehouse design and storage, we have compiled various warehouse design and storage tips and tricks to help you get started.

Define Objectives

Before beginning the planning process, you should determine and clearly define your objectives. These should be aligned with the overall warehousing strategy and aid business objectives, such as reducing costs or providing excellent customer service.

Know Local Building Codes

Do you know what clearance is required from the top of a pallet load to the sprinkler heads? Do you know whether your warehouse is situated within a seismic area which means special design considerations need to be made?

It is important that you familiarize yourself with your local building codes regarding warehouse product storage to ensure your warehouse complies with them.

Understand Goods Circulation

Observe and understand how goods move throughout the warehouse and the logistical operations involved in the dispatch, receipt, and order preparation processes.

Know how often the product is rotated, and how often loads are moved.

Determine Spatial Relationships

Once you have a clearly defined project, the next phase in the process is to develop an overall plan.

However, before starting to plan the layout of the warehouse, you should determine spatial relationships between areas of the warehouse. The flow of the warehouse may be compromised if you do not consider these.

Start With A Schematic

It is best to get everything down on paper before installation commences. If you have the blueprint for the warehouse, this will help to speed up this step and ensure accurate planning.

Test The Layout Design

Before you start installing new racks and shelves, you should also test the layout design by doing a walkthrough of the warehouse so that you can visualize the new layout and make sure everything is ready for installation and will flow well.

Mark out major work areas using masking tape and make sure you can carry things, roll pallet jacks, and that employees will be able to carry out work activities through the gaps between the outlines.

Ensure Adequate Lighting

Inadequate lighting can cause safety issues and result in decreased worker productivity and efficiency due to poor visibility so proper lighting plans must be in place.

Accommodate Future Growth

When planning your warehouse, you should consider future projected growth, and try to accommodate for potential growth to reduce the need to redesign your layout again in the future.

Regularly Review The Layout

Put an ongoing process in place to regularly review the layout of your warehouse to help you to identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement.

Reviewing the configuration of storage areas and the efficiency of processes in a warehouse is considered best practice and is critical to ensuring that space is utilised effectively.

Talk To Experts

It can be tempting to just dive straight into planning your warehouse layout without consulting a professional. However, for best results and to avoid any hiccups, it is important that you seek input from experts, such as contractors or warehouse managers.

Contact our expert team on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected], to find out how we can help you to create a warehouse that is productive, efficient, and maximises space.

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.

Posted on: June 22nd, 2021 by admin No Comments

Best Storage Options for Heavy Items and Equipment

With managing a warehouse comes a need to understand the requirements associated with storing products and to invest in equipment to meet those needs whilst maximising the capacity of the warehouse effectively. Here we discuss the best storage options for heavy items and equipment.

One of the biggest challenges you will be faced with is effectively storing heavy items and equipment. It is important to carefully consider how these items will be stored to optimise capacity and improve the efficiency of the warehouse management system.

There are several ways you can store heavy goods. When assessing the best method for your warehouse, take into consideration the effect that the storage solution or equipment will have on the warehouse’s capacity and productivity.

It is important that you select a solution that will not only store heavy products but will also maximise the available space and not restrict the movement of people or equipment in, out, and around the area.

Cantilever Racking & Storage

Cantilever racking is one solution to effectively storing heavy goods. This type of racking is supported at one end and extends horizontally. This means it can hold items of various lengths and weights, which makes it a popular choice for storing heavy, long, or bulky items.

Adjustable, versatile, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, cantilever racking maximises the space available. As the front is completely open, it is easily accessible, which means forklifts can load and unload goods with ease.

It is also hardwearing, which makes it a long-lasting and cost-effective solution, and can be tailored to suit your storage requirements and warehouse environment.

Mobile Cantilever Racking

For warehouses that have minimal space available, mobile cantilever racks may be the ideal solution. They have the same benefits as standard cantilever racking, but with the added benefit of being moveable, allowing for increased density.

Telescopic Cantilever Racking

Although static to the floor, telescopic cantilever racking can crank stored goods in and out, helping to optimise capacity and allowing for a higher density of products to be stored.

The design of this type of racking is based on that of the classic cantilever rack, meaning it has all its advantages, but with the added benefit of additional storage options due to it having telescopic shelf brackets with extendable storage levels.

A-Racking

An alternative option to cantilever racking is A-racking. This solution Is ideal for more awkward to store items such as planks, slats, or strips. These items can be stored vertically within the A-racking system.

A-racking maximises space as both sides are open, so items can be stored on both sides.

The spacing can be adjusted horizontally and vertically to suit the thickness, height, and quantity of items being stored.

To find out more about solutions to storing heavy products and equipment, and to ensure you effectively optimise your warehouse capacity, get in touch with Logical Storage Solutions on 0845 689 1300 and talk to a member of our expert team today.

For tailored storage solutions that are fit for purpose, you can trust Logical Storage Solutions. With over 10 years of experience, we can engineer a bespoke racking solution that meets the requirements of your food storage warehouse.