Logical Storage News

How to Prepare Your Warehouse for Winter

Whilst the logistics of running a warehouse is always a challenge, they can become even more complicated during the cold winter months. The darker, shorter days and adverse weather conditions in addition to Winter often being the busiest time of the year for many warehouses can lead to potential risks. Here we discuss how to prepare your warehouse for winter.

Monitor the temperature to protect the stock 

One of the biggest challenges for a warehouse manager is maintaining the temperature. Depending on the size of the warehouse, the temperature can vary significantly. As heat rises, it is not uncommon for the temperature at the top of the warehouse to be very different from the ground temperature. If pallet racking is being used, this must be taken into consideration, as the stock layout will have to be organised in the correct way to avoid any stock being damaged or spoiled. Installing High Volume, Low Speed (HVLS) fans can help regulate the temperature. Ceiling fans can also be beneficial to drive the warmer air down.

Protect your warehouse staff 

The stock is not the only thing you need to protect. Your most important asset is your employees and you need to ensure their safety. Extremely cold weather can lead to members of staff getting ill and even suffering from frostbite or hyperthermia. Therefore, all members of staff need to be provided with a list of essential items. They need to wear heavy nonslip work gloves, insulated coats, thin layers to help ventilation, hats, and waterproof boots. This equipment will not only help them keep warm, they can help avoid any slips due to the adverse weather conditions.

Cold weather can also cause muscles and joints to tighten. Therefore staff need to stretch sufficiently before doing heavy lifting and try and avoid being stationary for long periods of time. Small measures such as stretching can help staff feel better and avoid injuries which will cause downtime and staff to potentially be absent in the future.

Protect your drivers  

It is not only employees that work within the warehouse itself that you must take extra precautions for. All your drivers must be trained and well prepared to deal with the adverse winter conditions. They should all have emergency supplies such as a snow scraper, first aid kit, blankets, food and water, an emergency phone, and a torch in case they get stuck in snow or have another emergency en route.

Protect your pallet racking  

Although pallet racking is sturdy, it is not indestructible and therefore should be repaired and inspected regularly. This is especially important just before Winter. This is often a busy time for warehouses and therefore the racking and storage systems need to be in top condition. If there is heavy snow, you should also be cautious of snow on the pallet racking as surplus weight from snow and ice could cause it to collapse if weight restrictions are exceeded.

Inspect doors and ceilings  

Another job for the Autumn is to thoroughly inspect the doors and ceilings. In the roof, check for leaks, stains, or cracks. For those warehouses with a flat roof, also inspect to see if the water is pooling and if so, ensure it can drain to avoid any roof damage or collapses. When the doors are closed, can you see any light or draft coming through? If you can, try and get these blocked up before the bad weather hits to help keep the warehouse temperature more regular whilst also ensuring no bugs or debris can enter the warehouse through gaps.

Consider installing air curtains or high-speed doors. These can regulate the temperature of the warehouse as they minimise the amount of heat that can escape.

Install skylights  

Strategically placed skylights can really benefit the warehouse. Not only does it provide natural light for employees and ensure you are not solely reliant on lighting fixtures, but they also allow the warmth from the sun to enter the warehouse. This has been shown to lower the energy costs of a warehouse during Winter. So they are perfect all year round, install them with retractable blinds to use during hot summer days.

Service forklifts and other equipment

All equipment such as forklifts should be inspected before the season starts. Any issues should be fixed to keep the equipment in the best shape. Cold temperatures can have an impact on machinery, so it needs to all be in the best condition before the cold weather arrives.

Avoid slips  

Warehouses are hectic places and involve walking in and out of the warehouse regularly. If it is raining or snowing, this can easily lead to wet floors and therefore slip hazards. It is always best to be cautious. Therefore, ensure there are mats at every door, any excess water is immediately mopped up and signs are used effectively to warn members of staff.

Be ready for shorter days  

Winter can be inconvenient to warehouses due to the loss of daylight hours. In some cases, the dark mornings and early evenings can adversely affect the loading times and operations. If this is the case, ensure a new routine and schedule are planned well in advance to avoid any delays or issues.

Winter can be an expensive and hectic time for warehouse managers. We cannot control the weather, yet there is still a lot that we do have control over. However, by taking the time to plan in advance and take the right steps, the risks and challenges can be tackled efficiently and a safer environment can be created. These actions can also significantly reduce the negative impact on your bottom line.

6 Common Warehousing Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to running a warehouse, there are always ways to improve how efficiently they are run. Unfortunately, there are many mistakes that warehouse managers can often make which can negatively impact the efficiency of a warehouse and can lead to a loss of revenue. These mistakes can happen for a variety of reasons, such as time constraints or quickly increasing stock levels because of increased pressure to fulfil orders. Here are some of the most common warehousing mistakes and how they can be avoided.

Using the same racking system for all stock  

Some warehouse managers opt for simplicity and ease and therefore buy the same racking system to make the job easier. Alternatively, they try and save money by buying racking systems second hand. Although this may be a simpler and cheaper option in the short term, they may soon experience issues.

There are several different racking systems for a reason. They are all built with specific purposes in mind and therefore all suit certain items. A warehouse that understands this thoroughly, and invests in racking systems that suit all of their items will reap the benefits in the long term.

It is also important for companies to reassess their racking needs regularly. The racking system should evolve along with their stock and business to remain at maximum capacity.

Neglecting housekeeping tasks  

This is a mistake that companies cannot afford to make as it can severely impact efficiency as well as staff motivation. It is easy to understand how housekeeping tasks can be left to one side during a warehouse’s busiest periods and therefore when staff is low on time. However, ensuring housekeeping is never neglected will provide a much better working environment that can help increase productivity.

For example, a lack of housekeeping can lead to obstructions which impact how well an employee can carry out their job. Disregarding packaging, items dropped on the floor, or products in the wrong locations will all have a negative impact on efficiency. It can even lead to injuries.

Warehouses need to remain organised to provide a better working environment that staff feel safe working in.

Ignoring vertical space 

When planning a warehouse, some people end up missing a brilliant opportunity to use all their available space. Many warehouses are housed in tall buildings which include a large amount of vertical space, some of which are rarely used. When planning a warehouse, using all the vertical space as well as floor space can increase capacity significantly. One great way of achieving this is by installing a mezzanine floor.

By not ignoring vertical space, some businesses can end up saving an expensive relocation. This not only saves money but also precious time.

Holding too much inventory  

One of the most common warehousing mistakes can be the result of the supply chain and can lead to having excess stock on site. Reducing inventory levels can help create a more efficient warehouse. Although bulk purchasing can benefit a business financially, it may be worth talking to suppliers to see if they can order in large quantities but have the deliveries in stages. This will allow you to store the items as and when you need them.

Poor Health and Safety Management  

Warehouses can be extremely dangerous places to work and they, therefore, require constant attention to ensure that all health and safety measures are met. There are many ways staff can end up with severe injuries in a warehouse working environment.

All warehouses should have sufficient signs, designated walking routes, safety crossings, and more to ensure that injuries are avoided where possible. All members of staff should be trained regularly as well, no matter how long they have been working there. Members of staff can develop bad habits over time and can even pass them on to new employees.

Not optimising picking paths  

Warehouses must establish and optimise their picking paths. If there is no system, it can create a hectic environment that lowers your picking rate. This will have extremely negative effects when it comes to the busiest times of the year.

Ensuring all members of staff know the best routes to take means that more orders will be able to be picked and got out of the door.

There is not only one correct way to run a warehouse as there are many varying factors involved. However, by avoiding the mistakes described above, it will place warehouse managers in a good position to make the most of their warehouse and ensure it is running as efficiently as possible.

Even if your warehouse is currently not making these mistakes, it is key that everyone is aware of them. It is easy for these mistakes to occur over time, especially during key, busy and hectic periods.

If you need any advice on which storage solution is best suited to your warehouse, then please get in touch. Logical Storage are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

LIFO vs FIFO Stock Management Methods

There are many stock management methods available to warehouses. Two of the most popular are LIFO (Last In, First Out) and FIFO (First In, First Out). Here, we compare LIFO vs FIFO to see which one is the most effective method and in which scenarios they should be used.

What is LIFO?

LIFO (Last In, First Out) means that the last unit loaded and entered into the warehouse will be the first one to go out. This method prioritises the last products to enter the warehouse.

When should LIFO be used?

Overall the LIFO method is used significantly less than FIFO and should only be used in warehouses with products that do not have a particular shelf life and do not lose value over time. The stock that arrived in the warehouse first will be the last to leave and depending on the item, they could stay in the warehouse for a long period of time. It is important that these items are not perishable in any way.

Examples of when LIFO is a great option is for items such as building materials or furniture.

Advantages of LIFO

• It is easy to obtain stock as employees do not need to travel far, reducing the use of forklifts in the warehouse. This is because they will always be working down the same aisle when loading and unloading

Types of Storage System for LIFO

Here are some of the storage systems that are suitable for LIFO
• Drive-In pallet racking
• Dynamic Push Back racking

What is FIFO?

FIFO (First In, First Out) is a very widely used warehouse management system. The first goods that enter the warehouse will also be the first to leave. Although this system is often used for perishable items, it is a common method that is used regardless of product type.

The main goal of FIFO is to achieve an efficient and quick turnover of stock, ensuring that the older items are removed from the warehouse first before they spoil. This system is proven to work as it is also used in supermarkets and retail stores, not just warehouses.

FIFO is extremely effective for food, cosmetics and medicine.

Advantages of FIFO

• Makes stock turnover efficient if the oldest product is being used first
• Prevents any loss of value of expiration as the oldest products are the first to leave the warehouse.

Types of Storage System for FIFO

Here are some of the storage systems that are suitable for FIFO
• Drive Through Racking
• Dynamic Pallet Flow Racking

Which is better?

Although they both have their purposes and benefits, overall warehouses should try and use the FIFO method where possible as it generates more efficient stock turnover. It allows a company to always use their older products first which is a benefit even if the product isn’t perishable.

Whichever method you use, ensure you are choosing the correct storage systems to facilitate your stock management process.

If you need any advice on deciding which system and which storage racking is best suited to your warehouse, then please get in touch. Logical Storage are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

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.

The Importance of Pallet Racking Inspections

Even if you have just had new pallet racking installed in your warehouse, or you have had the same pallet racking for years, it is equally vital to have the equipment inspected. Here we discuss the importance of pallet racking inspections that all warehouse managers and businesses need to be aware of.

Just like any other equipment, even if the pallet racking is of the highest standard, you need to be realistic and know that over time you should expect general wear and tear. Even though pallet racking is extremely durable and robust, damage can still occur. Nuts and bolts can become loose which, if not detected early can lead to the foundations of the structure being unsteady. This could cause potentially dangerous problems in the future. Damage can also happen if the pallet racking has undertaken any physical hits from machinery such as forklifts accidentally hidden the racking.

Why do you need a pallet racking inspection?  

As part of the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, it is stated that “all adjustable pallet racking falls under the category of work equipment, which must be maintained and inspected on a regular basis”

The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) of 1998 also states that all pallet racking shelving must meet the standards it sets out. This is in addition to the HSE guideline on Warehousing and Storage, HSG 76, states that “all racking systems should be of good mechanical construction, of sound material, adequate strength and installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”

The inspections will observe the condition of the pallets, the positioning and types of loads stored on the pallet, the condition and type of floor the racking is fixed on plus much more. These are just some of the areas that are covered in the inspection. Once the inspection is done, a report will be issued with any recommendations or necessary actions.

By carrying out regular inspections, any issues can be dealt with head-on in a timely manner, reducing the risk of any accidents or further damage that could be costly to a business. By keeping the racking to the highest standards will also reduce the maintenance costs. It also helps towards creating a safer workplace and highlights to all warehouse employers that the business promotes health and safety in the workplace. This can considerably increase employees’ efficiency, happiness at work, and productivity if they know the equipment they are using is safe.

How often should the inspections take place? 

As a bare minimum, an expert inspection should take place annually. However, this is not the only inspection a warehouse needs to carry out. As stated in the EU Directive EN 15635, in addition to the annual expert inspection, internal inspections should also be undertaken on a weekly basis. Doing these regular inspections ensures that the racking remains fit for purpose and safe to use.

How do the inspections work? 

Warehouse inspections use a traffic light system in order to highlight any issues. These are called “damage categories”. Here is a description of the classifications:

Green Risk- The pallet racking system items that are damaged are within the limitations of BS EN 15635.

Amber Risk- The items are damaged beyond the limitations of BS EN15635. The rack should be offloaded as soon as possible within 4 weeks. The pallet racking system should not be used until the repair work has been completed.

Red Risk- Serious damage has occurred that are well beyond the limitations of BS EN 15635. If Red Risk occurs, the racking must be offloaded immediately and isolated from future use until the repair work has been carried out.

Who should do the inspections? 

A Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) should be nominated at every warehouse. Their responsibilities include carrying out the weekly internal inspections.

Although a technically competent person internally can review the pallet racking, it can often be beneficial to use an external company to undertake these inspections. They look at the warehouse environment and condition of the pallet racking with completely fresh eyes. They will provide you with impartial advice, will have a team of experienced inspectors that are used to inspecting a range of different warehouses and will give the warehouse’s PRRS a comprehensive report that highlights any damaged or missing components and/or structural imperfections. This level of detailed inspection and feedback can be invaluable to the management of a busy warehouse.

Unfortunately, there are many accidents that take place in warehouses, some of which are caused by the equipment they are using. Prevention is key. Even if you don’t believe there is anything wrong with pallet racking, having regular inspection reduces the risk of injury and can help the racking last longer as it is well maintained.

By understanding these potential risks and having pallet racking inspections on a regular basis can help minimise the damage caused, fix any problems quickly and therefore minimise the risk of any serious damage or industry to equipment or staff considerably, making it a safer workplace.

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.

Ultimate Safety Tips for Your Warehouse

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.

Fitting Out a New Warehouse- Warehouse Storage Options

When planning a new warehouse, storage solutions will be high on the list of priorities. However, there are many options to choose from, which can be overwhelming and a daunting task. The type of storage solution is dependent on a variety of factors including the type of stock, the turnaround speed of stock, and accessibility among others. To decide what will work best for your new warehouse, here is our guide to what storage options are available.

Pallet Racking

We begin with pallet racking as it is the go-to choice for many warehouses due to its fantastic ability to store large quantities of stock and the range of sizes and styles it is available in. Depending on your warehouses’ specific requirements, there will be a type of pallet racking that will suit your needs. For those needing to maximise their available floor space as much as possible, there are narrow aisle or double deep racking. Racking solutions are made specifically for pallet goods, so if you are not planning on having your stock stored in pallets, then you will have to opt for an alternative storage method. Discover more about our pallet racking options here.

Shelving

For those items that are not being stored as pallets, shelving will offer the most versatile option for you. Warehouse shelving systems are available in a range of sizes and configurations, allowing them to perfectly fit your needs. They are also easily adjustable once they have been installed as well which is vital for when you re-organise your warehouse or get new stock lines. Shelving provides storage that is practical and space-effective. They can also be used effectively alongside other storage solutions such as pallet racking.

Static shelving, as the name suggestions, involves storage that is designed to stay in one place. This type of shelving is commonly used to store inventory that has a quick turnaround and therefore needs restocking regularly. Mobile shelving, are designed to move around and are built for the purpose of holder more items when less space is available and are mounted onto guidance rails built into the floor. This system is great for those warehouses that are short of space and need to make the most of it.

Mezzanine Flooring

Installing a mezzanine floor is a popular way of expanding the storage capacity of a warehouse without relocation. They are highly versatile and effectively create an additional level to your warehouse. Although installing a mezzanine floor involves significant investment, it is an effective way of creating more space. However, a major benefit of mezzanine floors is the options to potentially add lift systems and conveyor belts to aid the warehouse processes even further.

As you can see from the list above, the storage options available are extremely versatile and can be made specifically to meet your requirements. All of the above are great options to choose, however it is imperative that before you decide which ones to go for you not only consider your current storage requirements, you also consider any future growth and try and plan for this in advance to aid the speed in which you can grow and have the storage capacity already set up to aid this process.

Storage solutions are key to ensure smooth logistics within the warehouse, so it is vital that the best options are chosen for your needs. Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality storage solutions, racking inspections and mezzanine flooring for your business. Call us on 0845 689 1300 for more information.

Pallet Racking Safety- Warehouse Safety Tips

Pallet racking is a great addition to any warehouse as they are a great storage solution and can improve efficiency and productivity. However, warehouse managers should be aware of measures regarding pallet racking safety. Issues can occur if the racking is damaged. These include collisions, incidents involving forklifts or overloaded pallets.

Here we discuss 7 ways you can improve the pallet racking safety in your warehouse

Always Use Suitable Forklifts

Forklifts should be suitable for the warehouse. Although the decision may be price-driven, a consideration should to the pallet contents should be given. Factors include the height and type of racking as well as aisle width. All of these factors will impact which forklift is suitable.

Handle With Care

Ensure all members of staff treat the pallet racking with care and use equipment in the correct manner. Place pallets evenly and squarely on the rack beams and remove damaged pallets from service.

Staff Training

Before anyone starts working with pallet racking in the warehouse, always ensure they have undertaken sufficient and detailed health and safety training which covers all aspects of how to correctly work with pallet racking.

Don’t Overload Pallets

Staff need to be aware of what the load capacity of the racking is and never exceed this. Overload pallet racking is asking for trouble and there is a reason why there are limits in place. Not only can it be dangerous for the employee, but it could also end up damaging equipment and products.

Keep Aisles Clear

Check for any obstructions in aisles as these can easily cause forklift collisions and other accidents.

Install Rack Protection

Invest in-rack protection to prevent damage from forklift collisions. Forklifts are heavy and can easily cause structural damage. To avoid any costs of damage or potential injuries, rack protection is a good option to help absorb the shock and impact of a potential collision.

Health and Safety Checks

Ensure safety information signs regarding the racking are visible and up to date. Implement clear processes for staff to follow in the event of an accident. Even though accidents cannot always be foreseen, an efficient accident process can help prevent any re-occurrences.

Carry out regular pallet racking inspections. Although damage may not be visible, the reassurance from a professional will provide peace of mind and will also keep your racking in the best condition for longer.

Ensuring your pallet racking remains in a safe condition is an ongoing task. Not only can damaged racking be harmful to employees, but it can also result in damaged inventories and associated costs. Implementing thorough safety measures can reduce this risk and therefore should be a priority for all warehouses that use pallet racking.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality storage solutions, racking inspections and mezzanine flooring for your business. Call us on 0845 689 1300 for more information.

Warehouse Relocation- 11 Tips For A Smooth Move

Warehouse relocation projects are complex to undertake and can be extremely time-consuming so there are many things you need to consider to ensure the move goes as smooth as possible. Here is a quick checklist to go through to ensure you have all the essential tasks completed in plenty of time.

1. Plan the Move

Having a checklist of all the tasks you need to complete before and after the move will help you ensure nothing is missed and everything remains on schedule. No task is too small to include on the list as it avoids something being missed. Delegate jobs to a group of trusted employees as it’s impossible to orchestrate a large warehouse relocation single-handed.

Be realistic with timeframes when you are organising a move. It will inevitably take longer than you originally anticipated, so ensure you plan for this.

2. Contact a Moving Company and Schedule the Move

Ensure everyone knows the move date. From suppliers to employees and contractors, keep them all abreast of the plans. Obtain a few quotes from different moving companies in order to secure the best quote from a reliable company.

3. Evaluate Your Space

Moving warehouse is a perfect time to analyse and review the new space you have available. Knowing your space in advance means you can optimise the layout. This is a great time to rearrange your supplies and organized your stock. Don’t be tempted to stick completely to how stock was organised before. Yes, this is what people are used to, but if there is a more logical option available that will make your process more efficient, saving time or space, then you should try it.

4. Consider Additional Storage

If you are moving to a warehouse that is high, do you have room for a mezzanine floor? This is a great opportunity to have one installed without interrupting production. Also consider getting additional racking if you have more available space than your previous warehouse.

5. Organise Your Inventory

Account for everything and organise it before you move it. Doing so will save you time later. It also means you can move the stock you do not need as urgently first, leaving you with vital equipment up until the last minute, reducing the amount of necessary downtime.

6. Tidy Up

It can be a challenge to keep a warehouse spotless all the time, however, ensure you tidy as you go to avoid have clutter around the warehouse and leaving items in places that could be a trip hazard. As you pack up to move, throw aware anything you do not use or anything that has aged and no longer needed. There is no point moving it to the new warehouse if you will not use it as it will take up valuable space.

7. Look For Damaged Items

As you pack away, ensure you check the quality of your equipment. Also check your pallet racking is in good condition and not damaged before you relocate it. Check again once you are at the new location in case something is broken during transit. If you do not have regular maintenance, you are at risk of a serious accident and repair work can lead to delays in productivity, so it is best to spot any damage early.

When pallet racks or shelving are moved or unloaded, there is a risk of spillages or damage to the stock. Always ensure this is being done carefully. Also ensure that when the pallets are being restocked, all items are safely secured, especially at the higher levels.

8. Ensure Safety Measures Are In Place

When you get the new warehouse, ensure you have implemented safety measures immediately. Check that all the floor markings are clearly visible and all safety signs are clear and correct. Having this all set up in advance will make the transition smoother.

9. Communicate Clearly With Employees

Ensure all employees are aware of the new layout of the warehouse, what their specific tasks are during the relocation and who they are reporting to. Knowing this in advance will hopefully avoid any chaos and confusion during the move.

10. Be Wary of Theft

Unfortunately, a warehouse move is an opportunistic time for something to be stolen due to the busy environment. Stay on top of this risk by assigning trusted employees different zones to manage during the move and keeping an accurate log of the inventory when it moved from the old location and again when it arrives at the new location.

12. Notify People of Your New Address

Whether they are your customers, suppliers, utility companies, banks or insurance company, make a list of everyone you need to update on your address in advance. Having the list at hand makes it easy to keep track of who you have notified and who else needs to know.

Although a warehouse relocation is always going to be a mammoth task to undertake, splitting the task up and organising as much in advance can make the process go smoothly. Although a warehouse relocation is a big change that can impact the company’s productivity whilst the move takes place, it is a great opportunity to install additional shelving, make the most of your space and improve the efficiency of your processes, which will ultimately increase your productivity and lead to more sales.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality storage solutions, racking inspections and mezzanine flooring for your business. Call us on 0845 689 1300 for more information.