In a fast-paced and often chaotic industrial environment, it is crucial to have a well-organised and efficient system to deal with the constant flow of inventory. This is especially important for warehouses, which serve as the central hub for storing and distributing goods to customers.
Proper warehouse storage organisation can make a significant difference in the productivity and profitability of a business. With a streamlined system in place, you can maximise your use of space, reduce handling time, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.
How Do You Manage Storage in a Warehouse?
Depending on your business and the type of inventory you handle, various methods and techniques can help you better manage your warehouse storage. Some may be more suitable for certain industries or specific types of products, while others can be applied universally.
Use Pallet Cages
Also known as wire mesh containers, these are a versatile and efficient way to store inventory in a warehouse. Most of them feature a mesh design that allows for easy visibility and ventilation, while also providing strong support for your goods. As such, well-designed and sturdy pallet cages can withstand heavy loads and safely store a variety of items, from bulky goods to fragile products.
They come in numerous designs too - from tall and narrow units to short and wide ones, depending on your storage needs. Stackable models also allow for efficient use of vertical space while keeping your inventory neatly organised. They can also be easily moved around with forklifts or pallet jacks so that you can quickly rearrange them as needed.
Some storage cages even come with a timber base, which can further protect your goods from damage. They consist of evenly spaced wooden slats that offer additional support and maintain the shape of your boxes or containers. If you're constantly dealing with different sizes and shapes of goods, pallet cages with timber bases can be a flexible storage solution.
You could also go for post and pipe stillages that feature a wide base with vertical posts and can hold bulky or heavy items securely in place. They are highly customisable, with options such as half-drop gates, divider bars, or removable panels to suit your storage needs. If you need to store long or awkwardly shaped goods, such as pipes or planks, post and pipe stillages are an excellent choice.
Additionally, transport cages are specifically designed to store goods that are frequently moved from one location to another. They typically have wheels for easy movement and are made from durable materials such as steel or aluminium. This makes them ideal for industries that require constant movement of goods, such as manufacturing or agriculture.
Classify Inventory
When you have a clear understanding of your storage needs and the different types of storage cages available, it is essential to classify your inventory. This means categorizing your goods based on their size, shape, weight, and any other relevant factors. This will help you determine which type of storage cage is most suitable for each category.
For example, you may have small and fragile items that require protection from damage. In this case, wire mesh pallet cages would be a suitable choice as they provide secure storage while still allowing for visibility and ventilation. On the other hand, if you have larger and heavier goods, steel or aluminium transport cages may be a better option as they can withstand more weight and frequent movement.
Organise Your Floor Plan
Once you have identified the type of storage cages needed for your inventory, it is important to organise your floor plan accordingly. This means strategically placing the storage cages in a way that maximises space and efficiency. Consider factors such as accessibility, frequency of use, and the flow of goods when planning out your floor plan.
Let's say you have a warehouse that stores a variety of goods, including pallets, drums, and boxes. In this scenario, it would be wise to place the different types of storage cages in separate areas for easy retrieval. For instance, pallet cages could be stored near loading docks for quick access, while drum cages could be placed closer to production areas.
Provide Labels and Signage
Having each storage cage clearly labelled and marked with the items it contains is crucial for efficient inventory management. This allows for easy identification of goods without opening each one, which in turn saves you time and effort. Additionally, using colour-coded labels or signage can further enhance organisation and make it easier to locate specific items.
Create a Slotting System
This refers to assigning specific locations for each storage cage, based on the frequency of use and size of items. For industries with high turnover rates, such as retail or e-commerce, it is recommended to use a slotting system to optimise pick and pack efficiency. This involves placing frequently used cages in easily accessible areas and grouping similar items together for faster retrieval.
Other examples of slotting systems include the ABC method, where items are categorised based on their demand and importance, or the velocity-based system, which organises items by their movement in and out of storage. This strategy not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of damage to goods by minimising handling and movement.
