7 Clever Ways To Increase Warehouse Storage Capacity
Warehouses are costly. Managing every square foot of storage takes resources and time, and sad to say, not all companies have the luxury of both. In many instances, owners prefer a warehouse with less space because it lowers the overall inventory holding expense.
Though physically extending a warehouse might not be an option, it’s still possible to maximize the space available by implementing these innovative options:
- Utilize Used Pallets For Your Racking System
Utilizing used pallets for your racking system is an excellent way to increase capacity in your factory or other buildings at a reduced rate. It’s also called used pallet racking. These pallets may be used on a variety of pallet racking systems, including the following:
- Floor Stacking: Pallets are arranged in rows on the ground. If items or stacks may be piled on top of one another, this choice allows for exceptionally high-density storage.
- Selective Racking: The racks are arranged in adjacent rows or against pathways. This alternative has a low storage density.
- Double Reach Racking: This alternative minimizes aisles while increasing storage density. Remember that this system requires a specialized forklift to function.
- Push-Back Racking: Pallets are stored on a set of interconnected, modular carts that glide on tracks. This is advantageous if storage capacity is small and the commodity is uniform in size and shape.
Inspect the used racks before buying to ensure you’re getting the right items for your racking system.
- Install A Mezzanine
Installing a mezzanine deck is among the most effective methods to increase storage space without expanding. It’s a bit more costly, but it’s quick to mount and relatively durable. A mezzanine gives entry to the idle level of your warehouse. Engaging this space multiplies the capacity of your storage.
Mezzanine decks can be constructed using steel, timber, or a harder medium such as concrete. If you work with low-density, fast-moving merchandise, a mezzanine is the best choice for your storage.
- Reduce Aisle Space
Floor space is usually determined by the products within each aisle. By eliminating dead space, you maximize the number of racks and aisles, allowing you to store more products.
A considerable aisle can be between four to five meters, so by reducing the aisle space to one to two meters, 15% to 20% of storage can be spared. Equipment should be assessed before exploring this alternative. It’s critical to plan the entire area needed to accommodate forklifts without sacrificing operational performance. Is the machinery able to maneuver along such small aisles?
- Maximize Your Vertical Space
While mezzanines are one way to gain from the upper space in your warehouse, being able to store up is another resourceful tool to store more goods. Building the roof of your storage unit a level higher will help maximize your space. The extra feet will free up room for extra rack storage levels.
Although technical limits and construction regulations must be considered before proceeding with this alternative, if you’re tight on floor space, creating space vertically may be the best option.
- Consider Cross-docking
Cross-docking enables a warehouse to maximize its holding capacity by collecting, arranging, and screening incoming product and then moving it directly onto outgoing trucks. This process eliminates the need for unnecessary storage during deliveries.
Through cross-docking, products can be easily sorted and brought back into the logistics chain. Although this logistical strategy may be challenging to practice, it has the potential to optimize available room successfully.
- Modify Your Warehouse Planogram
A planogram is a schematic that illustrates the configuration of the factory floor in relation to individual pallets, shelves, or stock-keeping units (SKU). The majority of warehouse planograms are produced before using the facility. However, inventory capacity, SKU sizes, and a range of storage conditions may have changed significantly.
An unorganized planogram may lead to messy storage, make your warehouse seem underutilized, and contribute to organizational deficiencies. Adjusting the warehouse planogram to accommodate the volume and container size of present SKUs would enable you to increase warehouse room and efficiency.
- Proper Inventory Management
Inventory control and warehouse room optimization are closely connected. Stock inventory assists you in identifying SKUs piling up at a pace greater than their demand rate. Accumulating excessive stock equates to increased storage. Thus, estimating stock and maintaining optimal inventory levels is critical for optimizing the storage capacity.
Bottom Line
Maximizing your warehouse’s storage capacity is a critical component of cost-effective strategic plans that increase profit and reduces operational cost. There are several techniques for improving the storage capacity of your warehouse, including those mentioned above. Using these tips, you’ll be sure to take advantage of the extra room available.
