Warehouse storage is key to effective warehouse design, but it is not a one size fits all challenge. Bulk storage can present a challenge. Businesses must balance effective bulk storage while also maximizing usable floor space. Here are five strategies to maximize warehouse storage and help keep your business running smoothly!
5 Strategies to Maximize Warehouse Storage
1. Pallet Racking: Drive-In and Drive-Through Racks
Pallet racking allows businesses to organize their maximize warehouse storage. One option is the drive-in and through pallet rack. These racks are tall, requiring fewer aisles and much higher pallet density. These racks allow a lift truck to drive up and retrieve a pallet.
This can be a great option to minimize floor space used for bulk storage. Drive-through racks can store up to 75% more pallets in a space than simple stacking. They can also be designed with flexibility in mind. If you need first-in first-out storage, then a drive-through rack will allow for loading from both sides. On the other hand, these racks will undergo more wear and tear thanks to the machinery involved.
2. Pallet Racking: Selective Pallet Racks
Selective racking is a more straightforward storage option for bulk pallets. Selective storage allows pallets to be stored vertically, giving you direct access to all pallets at all times. This ability to remove or handle any pallet without moving all others provides a lot of flexibility.
This option is simple to design and is a great option for maximize warehouse storage with a wide variety of products. For warehouses with high SKUs keeping all products accessible is key. A downside of this system is that it can require more floor space.
3. Pallet Racking: Push Back Racks
A third option for pallet racking is push back rack. These are ideal for maximize warehouse storage that prioritizes first-in first-out sequencing. Pallets will be nested on rails and pushed back as more are loaded. When the first product is removed the rest will roll forward.
A pro of this system is that retrieval is quite easy. It also is effective in terms of floor space. Because this system doesn’t use multiple aisles it can actually store up to 90% more product within a space than a selective system. It’s a very high-density system, so while it works well for its intended sequencing it won’t be effective for retrieving a wide range of products.
4. Automated Storage and Retrieval
This is the highest tech option to maximize maximize warehouse storage. An automated system can handle pallets or boxes with maximum flexibility. These systems can involve a wide range of technologies, including shuttles, cranes, lifts, and much more. Automated systems are generally among the most efficient in terms of floor space.
There are many advantages to an automated system. They reduce labor costs and increase safety. They also can effectively use vertical storage space without the added risk and manpower. Of course, they are also by far the most expensive option. While fully automated bulk storage and picking is out of reach for many companies, it’s worth looking into various automation options.
5. Floor Storage:
This is the most basic option, and therefore the cheapest. Floor storage is exactly what it sounds like, storing products directly on the floor. While the pro of this strategy is that it requires no other physical storage mechanism, it presents challenges for accessibility. It can work well for stackable items but will not work well for first-in first-out sequencing. Additionally, moving products will be more challenging. Even the most basic pallet rack will improve pallet accessibility.
Maximize warehouse storage effectively is essential to streamlining corporate processes. We’ll look at five smart ways to optimize warehouse storage in this blog post, which will help companies become more successful by cutting expenses and increasing productivity.
