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: July 18th, 2022 by admin No Comments

Should I Invest In Office Partitions?

Office partitions are a versatile solution to utilising your existing space and creating a more productive and efficient workspace.

There are several types of office partitions, which can be used for different applications. For example, glazed partition systems can be used to create the feel of a more open and modern space, whereas plasterboard partitions can be used to create more private rooms or areas.

If you are considering investing in office partitions, but are not sure whether they will be worth it, then read on to discover some of the benefits of office partitions to help you determine whether or not you should make the investment.

Better than construction work

Using office partitions to transform your workspace, rather than undergoing construction work, is typically more cost-effective, will take less time, and will cause less disruption to your business.

With office partitions, they are constructed elsewhere then installed within your workspace, so it will not become a building site. There will be less mess and you usually will not have to evacuate the premises whilst these are being installed.

No need to worry if you are renting

If you are renting, you probably do not want to invest too much into the workspace you are using, plus you may not get permission to undergo construction work.You are unlikely to need permission before installing most kinds of office partitions.

Plus, they can often be easily removed without leaving any damage, so you won’t lose your deposit. Modular partitions could even be taken with you if you choose to move your business elsewhere.

Can be used to divide or create rooms

A large open space can be overwhelming, and as an office space it can be difficult to know how to best place desks to maximise space, and with a lot of workers it can become noisy.

Using office partitions, you can divide up a large room to make sure you are utilising the space effectively. You can have segregated areas for different departments, for example. This will help with laying out your office and to reduce disruption and noise levels.

Partitions can also be used to create smaller rooms, with doors. You could create individual offices or meeting rooms, for example.

You could use glazed or solid partitions, or a mixture of both, depending on whether you want to keep the feel of an open space, or would prefer to have more privacy.

Provide privacy

If you have an open space, it may be difficult to find a private area for meetings and breaks where you will not be seen or heard. Using partitions, you can easily create private spaces or rooms for private meetings and personal time.

Can be moved

Some partitions can be made to be freestanding so that they can be easily moved to suit changing requirements.

These can more easily be transported should you relocate, or can be moved around your workspace depending on where you need privacy, or to change the layout of your workspace.

Whether you’re thinking of carrying out a complete refurbishment, opening new premises or you simply need to create more efficient workspaces within your current office or warehouse, Logical Storage Solutions are here to help.

Posted on: June 7th, 2022 by admin No Comments

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.

Posted on: April 26th, 2022 by admin No Comments

Which businesses can benefit from mezzanine flooring and why?

Mezzanine flooring can offer many benefits to businesses in most industries. They offer versatile additional space which can be used for storage, office, or workspace.

Read on to discover some of the key businesses which can benefit from a mezzanine floor and why. First, here is an overview of what a mezzanine floor is.

What is a mezzanine floor?

A mezzanine is a smaller intermediate floor between the main floor and the floor or ceiling above. It can be freestanding or attached to an existing wall.

It does not cover the whole floor space so you can see the floor below from it and it does not typically qualify as a floor within a building.

Mezzanine floors are a cost-effective solution to expanding a space without having to relocate or undertake major construction work.

Now here are some of the business types or sectors that are most likely to reap the rewards from mezzanine flooring and why.

Self-storage

If you have a company that provides self-storage facilities for your customers, space equals money and, if you experience increased demand, you may find yourself needing more space so that you can take on more customers.

Rather than hiking up rental costs or construction fees, or purchasing more property, consider a mezzanine floor which will be a quicker and more cost-effective solution instead.

Industrial and manufacturing

Ample storage and working space are essential to businesses in the industrial sector. A cramped work area can have a negative impact on productivity and efficiency, as well as being potentially dangerous.

A mezzanine will provide you with an additional work area or storage space so that you can free up more space and reduce clutter elsewhere to avoid errors and accidents.

Another potential benefit of mezzanine floors in manufacturing businesses is that they can also serve as a sort of bridge, allowing you to get from one area to another, or as a viewing platform for visitors and tours of the premises, without having to go through the factory.

Restaurants and eateries

If you operate a restaurant business that is regularly full and you are having to turn customers away, mezzanine flooring may be the solution you need.

Location is often key for eateries so if you move to larger premises you may lose loyal customers and not get the same footfall. Rather than cramming more tables and chairs into the existing space, add a mezzanine on which you can accommodate more guests.

Retail

Much like with restaurants, location is key when it comes to retail space, and the cost of commercial space is increasing, especially in sought-after areas.

When it comes to needing more space, relocation is not always feasible, and expanding outwards or upwards may not be possible if you have shops or other commercial space above or beside you.

If you want to expand your stock, or simply spread out your existing stock, increase your offering to include workshops or a cafe, then consider a mezzanine floor.

Offices

An organised and tidy workspace makes for a productive and efficient workforce. If your offices are starting to look cluttered or you are expanding, or there is little recreational space, consider adding a mezzanine floor.

This will allow you to declutter your offices, add more office or meeting space, or even add a seating area where staff can relax during their breaks.

Gyms and leisure centres

Leisure facilities should be spacious and airy, not cramped and cluttered, both for safety and wellness.

You need to have a safe distance between gym equipment and machinery, and areas for people to warm up and do stretches.

Having a mezzanine floor will allow you to further spread out your existing equipment or bring in additional equipment, or to provide a space in which to run classes. This will attract and allow for more users.

If you think your business will benefit from mezzanine flooring, or for more information, call 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, 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: March 28th, 2022 by admin No Comments

Reasons for a warehouse refurbishment

The warehouse is one of a business’s most significant assets and an integral part of the supply chain, which means it is important to ensure that it is as efficient as possible.

If the warehouse is not operating at its fullest potential or meeting business demands, this can have a negative impact on the rest of the business.

There are many reasons why you may consider refurbishing your warehouse, such as to increase storage capacity, store a new type of stock, bring it up to date, or reduce long-term expenditure.

Here we explore some of the common reasons for a warehouse refurbishment to help you determine whether it is time to renovate your warehouse.

Futureproofing

Many companies refurbish their warehouse to ensure that they will work effectively in the long run and to create room for future expansion.

Assess whether your warehouse could facilitate growth and house new stock and employees, should the business expand. If you are already at capacity, then it may be time for a renovation.

Overcrowded

If your warehouse is cluttered or overcrowded, employees will not be able to work to the best of their ability. This will slow down work, as they have to maneuver around obstacles, and spend additional time looking for stock.

This can result in delays and frustration and is a clear sign that you need to refurbish your warehouse to increase capacity and better organise your stock.

To increase storage capacity, you do not always need to expand your warehouse or relocate, you may be able to just better utilise the space that you already have to meet your needs.

Revenue loss

Time equals money. If your warehouse is overcrowded or unorganised, employees will be spending more time carrying out tasks and picking stock.

They may also need to use equipment such as forklift trucks to move things around to get to what they need, which also takes time and costs money.

Poor systems

The equipment, tools, systems, or storage solutions that you have should be regularly reviewed and maintained. If they are not, or if you have had them for a long time, then they may not be up to scratch.

Whether they are broken, ineffective, or outdated, they will be a hindrance to not only your warehouse but also your business and may cause further issues down the line.

In this case, renovating your warehouse and updating your systems is essential and will significantly improve efficiency.

If you are unsure whether your warehouse requires an overhaul, or you do not know where to start, get in touch with our expert team at Logical Storage Solutions on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected], for professional advice.

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: 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: December 30th, 2021 by admin No Comments

5 Things to consider when planning a new warehouse racking installation

When it comes to planning a new warehouse racking installation, there are several factors you should consider to help ensure that things go smoothly and you get the best results from your new racking.

There is a variety of racking types available, and it can be difficult to know which would be the ideal solution for your warehouse.

For example, do you need standard wide-aisle racking, or would drive-in racking be better suited? But, then again, instead of drive-in racking, why not use dynamic push-back racking instead? We think you get the picture!

Having suitable racking can contribute towards improving the efficiency and productivity of your warehouse, and maximise its storage capacity. Planning out your new racking setup will help to ensure that you do not waste time or money, and achieve the best results.

To help guide you to selecting the ideal racking for your warehouse, here are some key things to consider when planning a new warehouse racking installation.

Why do you need the racking?

The first thing you should do is ask yourself why you are considering getting new racking installations. What do you wish to achieve? Do you need a larger storage capacity or easier access to stock?

Once you acknowledge the main reasons new racking is required and how it could benefit you, it will be easier to identify what the best solution for your warehouse would be.

What stock do you store?

The type of stock that you store, and how quickly it moves in and out of your warehouse, will have a considerable influence on which type of racking would be most suitable and effective.

Different types of racking are better suited to different types, shapes, and sizes of product, and some types of racking are better for a fast turnaround of stock than others.

What types of racking are available?

Do some research into the various types of racking available and familiarise yourself with them. This will help you to identify which type of racking will best suit your needs.

Here is a selection of the different pallet racking systems available:

● Wide aisle

● Very narrow aisle (VNA)

● Double-deep

● Drive-in / drive-through

● Dynamic push back

● Dynamic pallet flow

● Mobile

● Shuttle

What are the building requirements?

When planning the installation of new racking, you need to take into account your building requirements as this will influence what types of racking you can have.

Take a look at the flooring in your warehouse. The flooring is what is going to bear the weight of the racking and its contents so it must be able to support the load.

The thickness and material of your flooring, and having underfloor heating, can have an impact on the amount it can hold.

You also need to ensure that there is adequate clearance above the racking for a sprinkler system, and the height to which you will be able to reach, as this will determine the maximum height of your racking.

What is your budget?

Whenever it comes to spending money wisely and making a good investment, you will need to consider your budget.

To help you to determine an appropriate and realistic budget, you should consider how beneficial this investment will be to your warehouse and business, both in the short term and long term. Consider how much time and money this investment could save.

Once you have a budget in mind, this should help to narrow down the potential options by eliminating those that would exceed your budget.

With so many options available and a lot to consider, it can be difficult to identify exactly which particular type of racking would be best for your warehouse.

Thankfully, our experienced and helpful staff are on hand to guide you through the process to ensure that your racking meets your needs as well as safety requirements.

At Logical Storage Solutions, we do not have a “one size fits all” approach. Get in touch with us today on 0845 689 1300 or via [email protected] for free and independent advice.

Posted on: October 30th, 2021 by admin No Comments

How to get your warehouse ready for the Christmas season

The holiday season is almost upon us which means it is time to start preparing for one of the busiest times of the year.

With an increase in sales, comes an increase in demand and work, and also workplace injuries. Therefore, it is important that while you are planning for the holiday rush, you take steps to maintain a safe workplace.

Layout Review

The first thing you need to do is conduct a review of the warehouse layout, and assess whether it is fit for purpose and equipped to take on the increase in demand and traffic through your warehouse.
Check that everything is well-organised, that you have enough space to store additional stock, that inventory can flow effectively through the warehouse, from arrival to departure. These should be your main priorities.

Process Review

There will be more stock passing through your warehouse than usual, which means any potential issues will be exacerbated.

Follow the process from goods in to goods out to identify any potential pinch points or areas for concern, and take action to make improvements as soon as possible.

Space Requirements

Warehouses often see a large increase in inventory towards the end of the year, in anticipation of the holiday rush.

Bear in mind that you may receive an influx of inventory that needs to be stored away for weeks or even months before the busy period.

Free up as much space as possible by performing pallet consolidation, filling primary locations to maximum capacity, and adding racks or temporary storage solutions, if possible.

Material Handling

Making improvements to your material handling, by installing mezzanine floors or conveyor systems, will improve safety, increase efficiency, and help to maximise storage capacity.

Contingency Plan

Try to have contingency plans in place for any potential failures. Where possible, have back-ups for anything your warehouse relies on for its smooth operation, such as its power, equipment, tools, or machinery.

Staff Requirements

Many companies take on extra staff to help during busy periods. Determine whether this is something that you need to do in order for the warehouse to run efficiently and cope with the increase in demand.

Ensure that all staff are fully trained in their area of work and are familiar with the health and safety policies and procedures to try and reduce the risk of injury or error.

Review the holiday policy and leave requests to make sure there will be enough staff working each day to effectively get the required work done without stretching them too thin.

Inspection & Maintenance

You should inspect and test all equipment and machinery to ensure that everything is working properly. If anything is not in full working order, ensure that it is fixed or replaced as soon as possible – this includes any back-ups.

Making sure that all equipment and machinery is maintained before the rush, will increase your chances of you getting through the busy period without a hitch.

Post-Rush Review

Throughout the holiday season and the lead-up to it, you should take note of what steps you take, what goes well, and what does not go well. You can then review this and learn from it so that you can be prepared for next year, and everything will go more smoothly.

Consultation

To ensure the smooth running of your warehouse not only throughout the festive period, but all year round, you should seek advice from professionals.
Logical Storage Solutions can help you to create a warehouse that is productive, efficient, and maximises space. Contact our expert team on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected], to find out how.

We are 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: September 28th, 2021 by admin No Comments

Factors to consider when buying new pallets

Pallets are an essential item in most warehouses, which are required to effectively store and move stock.

Although pallets may appear the same, there are many different types of pallet available. They can differ in size, durability, capacity, and construction.

Here are some important factors you should consider when selecting the ideal pallet type for your warehouse or to transport your products on.

Location

When it comes to pallets, location matters. Will the pallets be kept inside or outside? Will they be in a hot or cold environment? Will they be on the floor or on racking? Where and how your pallets will be stored should be taken into consideration when selecting new pallets.

Destination

If you plan to ship abroad, you will likely require heat or chemically treated pallets. These treatments protect the pallets from mould, rot, and pesticides, which pallets tend to become prone to in transit, if not treated.

Load

You need to consider what is going to be stored or shipped on these pallets and how this will affect the type of pallets that you will need.

The size, shape and weight of the products will also have an effect on what type and size of pallets you will need, and the required load bearing capacity.

Size

The standard size pallet in the UK is slightly bigger than the European standard. There is no universal standard size of pallet. Therefore, you need to make sure that you always check the dimensions before buying pallets as sizing can differ.

Construction

The material and method of construction of a pallet will have an effect on its durability and life expectancy. Pallets are most commonly made from wood, but the type of wood used can make a significant difference.

For example, pallets made from hardwood such as poplar are less likely to stain or leach. However, poplar in particular is less durable than other types of hardwood. You can also get plastic pallets which are typically more durable, but also more expensive.

Hygiene

There is no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has made people more conscious about hygiene and cleanliness.

Particularly if you will be storing or transporting food items or pharmaceuticals, you should look to invest in pallets which are hygienic and easy to clean, such as plastic pallets.

Sustainability

People are also becoming increasingly conscious about the environment, in an effort to work towards a more sustainable future.

Although plastic pallets are more expensive, they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. You can get recycled and recyclable plastic pallets, and they should outlast wooden pallets by up to 20 times.

Picking the ideal pallets for your requirements can be difficult and overwhelming. For expert advice, consult our expert team at Logical Storage Solutions so we can help you make the right choice. 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 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.