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September 23, 2022

How to Make the Most Out of Your Crowded Warehouse Space

 

bulk inventory

Identify underused space

A key element to changing your rack and pallets space is by identifying underutilized space. There is often space in your warehouse that is currently taken up by slow-moving materials, unprocessed inventory, or products that can't be placed. Taking care of this material is an easy way to increase storage capacity, but you should also consider taking an analytical look at the layout of your entire warehouse to improve efficiency.

In order to optimize your warehouse storage process, it's essential to first analyze the way your space is used. This can be completed in four steps:

  1. Calculate your total storage area — This can be done by measuring the total square footage of your warehouse and multiplying it by the warehouse's clear height. Be sure to avoid counting the spaces that aren't used for storage purposes (offices, lunchrooms, etc.) and remove that footage from the final number.
  2. Calculate maximum storage capacity based on the current layout — Multiply the length and width of your racks' external dimensions (the storage area footprint). If you're using shelves, calculate the internal volume of shelves. Then, multiply that number by the height of the highest load in that area.
  3. Determine potential storage area — To calculate this, divide your maximum storage capacity by the total warehouse storage area and multiply it by 100. The ideal result should be around 22—27% because this indicates your warehouse still has enough room for your workers to move around efficiently. If your result is below 22%, this can indicate that you have wasted space. A result higher than 27% can indicate that your personnel doesn't have enough room to work, leading to lower labor productivity.
  4. Calculate storage space utilization using WMS — A warehouse management software (WMS) is vitally important to keep your inventory organized and up to date. In this case, it can help you gather all the data you need to better optimize your workspace. Simply add the volume of your inventory and device the total by the maximum storage capacity and multiply by 100. You can compare this number with the results of your efforts to optimize the warehouse storage process.

If you have completed these steps and are still finding that your storage space doesn't have the right room, it may be time to build up instead.

Evaluate your racks

Ensuring you are using the right racks for your warehouse may seem like a no-brainer, but as your warehouse gets more and more cluttered with little space for product, it can lead to simple fixes being overlooked. There are several different types of racks used in common warehouse setups:

  • Pallet racks — Pallet racks are essential storage racks. You likely have several of these set up already. These basic racks, combined with forklifts and pallets, are efficient ways of maximizing your storage space if you have a variety of inventory.
  • Carton flow racks — Carton flow racks have slanted panels that push down older inventory so it is more easily accessible. These racks are ideal for first in, first out inventory processes.
  • Cantilever racks — Cantilever racks have protruding arms where inventory can be placed. These racks are good for storing long inventory such as piping, lumber, or steel.
  • Mezzanines — Mezzanines are platforms that extend storage space to a second level above your warehouse floor.

Adding more racks to your storage space can also have some pitfalls. For example, before expanding, take the time to be aware of your building's fire code and ensure that you aren't breaking any coding rules by extending racks. Additionally, consider that your employees may need extra equipment to reach higher levels of inventory.

Add half-pallet locations for products that come in half-pallets

If your inventory is coming into you shipped on half-pallets, consider adding a dedicated half-pallet section of storage space in your warehouse. This can not only section off one specific area of your warehouse for optimized organization but also can help your fluid inventory move faster. If you condense your pallets into halves, you can put more pallets (and product) in the same area.

Can't fit? Consider bulk stroage

Bulk storage may be the solution if your storage constraints don't align with your inventory purchases. When you make bulk purchases of inventory, you are creating opportunities to manage within a bulk format. Bulk containers can reduce the number of physical storage bins, and may not even need to be located in your warehouse. Example containers include:

  • Vats
  • Silos
  • Tanks
  • Drums
  • Super sacks
  • Industrial storage bins
  • Bulk containers

Ideally, these bulk containers will be stored at another warehouse that allows you to rent only the space you need to manage your inventory overflow. On-demand warehousing offers the agility and flexibility you may not get inside your limited warehouse space.

Stay organized with a 3PL

Insight into your inventory starts with robust and accurate warehouse management software. Our cloud-based technology updates your inventory in real time and supports long-term fulfillment. Materialogic's team of experts provides this, along with customized solutions, to give your operation exactly the tools it needs to succeed in the supply chain.

Schedule a discovery call with our team to see what custom solutions we can provide for your operation.

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