What You Need to Know When Designing Your Storage Facility

A business runs only as efficiently as the most inefficient link in the chain. Identifying where the shortfalls are in your business is key to maximizing profitability and often the biggest improvements are found in unassuming places. A well-designed and effective storage facility will save you and your business time and dollars.

Stock Management

The square footage required depends on the size, type of goods and turn-around of your product related business. Effective stock management should be your first port of call, automating the stock ordering process based on previous sales turnaround times so as not to overstock and store product for longer than is necessary.

Logistics

A successful storage facility relies on the interconnectivity of the various zones.

– Deliveries and unloading
– Reception
– Storage
– Picking and packing
– Loading and shipping

Warehouses should have good communication throughout the different sectors and the product should flow uninterrupted in the direction of where it’s headed. Checks and quality control should be implemented at each juncture to minimize errors and, ultimately, returns. There should also be flexibility built into the design with capacity to adapt and expand in the future.

The logistics of building the structure itself is a project that may need to be outsourced. If possible, a dedicated project manager and team is more likely to mean completion deadlines are hit.

The Right Manufacturer

Invest in a high-quality manufacturer with experience in the field. At SteelMaster, quality comes first, using steel that comes from the largest steel mill in the world. The shell of the facility is what will protect your stock from the elements and durability and strength should be a guiding factor.

Make sure you know your local building code and regulations. Once decided on exterior height, interior clearance, roof shape and pitch, you’ll need an engineer to create the blueprints before being sent to manufacturing.

Vertical Storage

Making use of vertical space minimizes the related ground rent costs. Pallet racking combined with forklift reach trucks allow for more of the volume of your storage facility to be used effectively.

The height of your unit should be determined by the mass of the product, load rating of the storage racks and reach of the forklifts. The width of the aisles is also dependent on the size and turning radius of the forklifts.

Security Systems

Cargo that safely arrives at the warehouse is not immune from theft. This is why an effective security system must be used.

A combination of external and internal security measures integrates to create a water-tight system. External cameras facing entry points and perimeter security should be a deterrent to opportunist criminals.

Internally, security measures should tackle thieves that breach the external defences as well as theft from employees. Systems should be in place to limit access workers have to areas they are not required to be, as well as cameras to collect evidence of attacks.

Warehouse security measures include:

– Security cameras
– Security personnel
– Alarm systems
– Security cages
– Stock tracking
– Effective lighting

Smart Packaging Systems

Advances in AI technology have brought the price down of smart packaging systems making them more available to businesses of all sizes. And with labour shortages in some sectors an automated process is not only beneficial, it’s necessary.

Packaging machines are proven to improve on human-related error numbers and during peak hours, are able to meet increased demands. Autonomy should not equate to a fear of workforce displacement; it’s an opportunity for repetitive, menial tasks to be fulfilled by machines that are designed to do them and thought demanding jobs to be created and filled by people.

Semi-automated machines requiring human supervision can be a suitable compromise for some businesses combining increased productivity and reducing initial outlay.

The creation of a storage facility is a critical stage in the development and growth of your business. Make sure you’re taking advantage of these tips to ensure your project is a success.