Maximise Warehouse Space with Optimised Material Handling
In the world of warehousing, efficiently using space is critical to reducing costs, increasing productivity, and maintaining safety. Effective material handling is the cornerstone of optimising warehouse operations.
This guide explores strategies to maximise your warehouse space and improve operations.
Conveyor belt installation in the Midlands, November 2024
To effectively manage warehouse space, start with accurate forecasting of inventory turnover by product and category. This includes considering seasonal peak trends. Modern software solutions can provide advanced algorithms for precise inventory forecasting, helping you avoid overstocking or obsolescence. Future-proof your warehouse by factoring in anticipated growth and expansion needs, then look at optimising your warehouse layout.
How do I optimise my warehouse layout?
1.Create a floorplan
Design your warehouse layout based on the type and volume of products you store. Whether you handle e-commerce fulfilment, product assembly, or storage and retrieval, your business needs will dictate the layout.
2.Strategic storage
Choose storage equipment suited to your products and arrange shelving and pallet racking to minimise travel time for warehouse operatives. Position fast-moving items closer to picking and shipping areas, while slower-moving inventory can be stored on higher or less accessible racking.
3.Aisle configuration
Ensure aisle widths are compatible with your material handling equipment, such as forklifts or narrow aisle trucks. Proper aisle design enhances operational efficiency and safety.
4.Processing and workflow
Allocate sufficient space for processing and production tasks. Mock up workflows to ensure seamless movement and productivity, leaving ample surrounding space for safe operations.
5.Receiving and shipping
If space is limited, combine receiving and shipping dock doors to optimise the area. Strategically plan these zones to ensure smooth traffic flow.
6.Embrace vertical storage
Think vertically to maximise your warehouse space. By installing high racking systems or mezzanines, you can significantly increase storage capacity without expanding your footprint. Ensure racks are structurally sound and suitable for your inventory.
Vertical storage installation for automotive manufacturer, July 2024
How do I choose the right material handling equipment?
Automation
Automated solutions, such as conveyors, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), improve accuracy, reduce manual handling costs, and increase productivity. For example, AS/RS solutions can store large volumes in a compact space while reducing travel time.
Conveyor systems
Conveyors are essential for transporting high volumes of products efficiently and safely. Energy-efficient and low-maintenance systems, such as those designed by Axiom GB, can streamline operations.
Packing and sortation systems
Automated pick-and-pack systems save space, reduce costs, and increase service levels. Sortation systems provide accurate and fast alternatives to manual sorting, boosting throughput and accuracy. Axiom GB’s compact sorters are ideal for space-constrained warehouses. Automated conveyor and sortation systems, including automated sortation conveyor systems and conveyor sortation systems, are vital for handling high volumes of parcels and products efficiently. Parcel sortation systems and sortation conveyor systems can significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of warehouse operations.
Industrial trucks
Invest in powered trucks, such as forklifts and narrow aisle trucks, to handle heavy goods efficiently. Ensure your aisles can accommodate the safe operation of these vehicles.
Enhance inventory management
Effective inventory management is key to maximising warehouse space. Upgrade from spreadsheets to advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools to:
- Reduce on-hand inventory without sacrificing service levels.
- Minimise handling costs and obsolescence.
- Improve order fulfilment accuracy and speed.
Packing and sortation system installation, August 2024
How much do I need to maintain my conveyors?
Regular Maintenance
Schedule routine maintenance for all equipment, including conveyors, trucks, and AS/RS technology, to prevent breakdowns and downtime.
Pre-Shift Checks
Train your team to perform pre-shift equipment inspections to ensure operational readiness and safety.
Clear Aisles and Workflow Areas
Ensure storage does not encroach on movement areas, as congestion can reduce efficiency and increase the risk of accidents.
Optimising warehouse space through strategic material handling can significantly enhance your operations. By leveraging advanced technologies, thoughtful layout design, and efficient storage solutions, you can maximise capacity, improve safety, and reduce costs. Whether you’re operating a small or large facility, careful planning and investment in the right tools will yield long-term benefits.
For expert guidance and reliable material handling solutions, MVR Mechanical can help you design a warehouse system that meets your unique needs. Contact us today to transform your warehouse operations.
