Warehouse Layout and Design
With the recent shift towards online retail and huge increase in e-commerce, the number of warehouses in the UK has grown significantly. Along with challenges in logistics around the world, many businesses are now finding that they have a need for a strong supply of inventory to keep their online store stocked and ready for orders. Any business or organisation that requires a warehouse should ideally invest in warehouse planning and set up to ensure smooth workflows. Factors such as layout and warehouse temperature mapping are crucial to consider when developing your warehouse space, no matter how small or large it may be.
Warehouse Equipment and Machinery
Investing in great warehouse machinery and tools is a great way to ensure your workspace is set up for success. A well-planned storage facility will lead to fewer errors, a reduction in lost or incorrect orders, and will allow your employees to move goods in and out efficiently, safely and easily.
The best machinery for your warehouse depends on the type of goods it stocks. For moving large crates and pallets into and around a warehouse, there are various types of pallet trucks available. These include electric pallet trucks, stainless steel models, and scissor lift trucks for lifting pallets onto higher shelves. Other useful warehouse equipment that may benefit a facility includes the following:
- Stacker trucks and hoists are ideal for packing larger goods onto shelves
- For heavier items, warehouse cranes are very useful
- When transporting products around the warehouse, opt for conveyor tables and transport rollers
- Stainless steel racks and shelving are sturdy and durable. Choose adaptable models that let you change the storage space as needed
- Climbing equipment such as warehouse ladders let employees reach items on higher shelves safely and comfortably
- Cleaning and sweeping equipment is necessary for warehouse hygiene
Efficiency and Safety
Any warehouse needs to have safety procedures in place and a well-organised warehouse is generally a safe one. Whether you stock large items like home appliances, or smaller products such as clothing or small household items, careful warehouse planning will ensure your facility is easy and safe for employees to move around. It will also mean orders can be prepared and shipped quickly and easily. In general, maintaining a clean warehouse floor that is free from obstacles is crucial. Other factors to consider when designing a warehouse include warehouse size, layout, loading docks and bays, how goods will be moved around the facility, and automation.
Equipping your warehouse with high quality machinery and tools, and building an adaptable storage space will let it grow and develop as needed as your business evolves. Whether you expand your inventory by adding new product lines or need to re-position goods in the warehouse based on demand or logistics, having the equipment and planning to hand will let you do so with ease. Businesses are constantly evolving and changing so having an adaptable warehouse space is essential if you wish to avoid major obstacles and pitfalls that could hinder business growth and progress.
Warehouse Automation
The use of robots and computers is becoming more and more popular in warehouses across the UK, and is set to be the way of the future. Automated processes such as order picking and labelling take the burden off employees and reduces the number of tedious, repetitive tasks they need to perform. Automation is an interesting area to research and invest in for long-term growth and sustainability in any warehouse space.
By considering all of the factors mentioned above and investing wisely in warehouse equipment and machinery, you can set up a smooth flowing storage space that ensures customers receive their orders quickly. Customer satisfaction is one of the most important success factors in online retail, so building an effective, efficient warehouse that runs seamlessly is a wise business move that will support the growth of your brand or organisation long into the future.
