Warehouse optimization requires detailed and thought-out planning and preparation. You first need to assess your existing facility’s blueprint and its high-priority needs. Three of the most common needs when planning a warehouse expansion or upgrade include needing additional space to store parts and tools for production, additional storage for finished goods, and more organized packing stations. Once you have decided on the top priorities you will have to establish the changes to processes new equipment will create. The changes in processes will ultimately improve efficiencies and increase productivity, but only if you are able to have a holistic view of operations, including workflow and organization.
The first need is more space to store parts, and this has to be achieved without adding additional square footage to a facility. A simple solution investing in high-density storage solutions. This includes cabinets and carts that feature modular drawer systems, rollout shelves, and deep bulk bins. This will allow for the organized storage of large quantities of parts and tools that are essential to production in your facility. Our e-commerce store HeavyDutyCabinets.com features cabinets and mobile tool carts that are built to last, even in the most demanding environments. They are handcrafted from heavy-duty steel to be able to withstand the elements and high loads of your facility. All our workstations are made here in the USA. Our industrial cabinets can also be customized to meet your exact storage needs, such as additional shelving and drawers, or different colors and security options. Keeping your parts organized will allow for quick assembly because needed pieces will be easily found.
Additional storage for finished goods is the next goal. Investing in pallet racking will provide a high-density solution that is ideal for the storage of finished goods and products that are ready to be picked and packed. There are multiple options for pallet racking system types these include dynamic pushback, drive-in/drive-through, pallet flow, and more. Pushback rack allows you to store pallets 2- to 5-deep while retaining easy access to a variety of different SKUs and each level or lane is independently accessible and allows up to 90% more product storage. Drive-in/ Drive through allows storage of pallets multiple positions deep, reducing the space required for aisles. Pallet Flow is a gravity storage system consisting of flow rails that are set at an incline in the rack structure, allowing loads placed on one end of the rack to move down to the unloading end. We can help you specify the right system for your needs. Each of our pallet rack solutions are able to withstand daily wear and tear, dependable, impact resistant, finished with a powder coat, and can be manufactured in the United States. In addition to having a positive impact on your bottom line, in the long run investing in pallet rack systems will reduce risks, downtime, and maintenance costs for you and your team. These projects can be large and overwhelming, but our team of engineers is here to assist with layouts and any questiona.
The final goal is more organized packing stations to drive down the work in process time. A well-designed warehouse packing station will ensure there is a place for everything and everything in its place. In order to design your ideal packing station, you will have to understand which materials are used to prepare orders to be packed and shipped. Commonly needed packing supplies include boxes, envelopes, packing paper, and tape. Modular and ergonomic packing stations can increase productivity by eliminating the need for workers to bend, reach, or leave the packing area to retrieve supplies. Roll storage stands can be added to hold wrapping paper, bubble wrap, or foam keeping additional necessary packing products handy. Overhead toolbars can provide a place for the tools like scanners, and scissors, and will be easily accessible by the packer. You can also add flow tracks which are a gravity solution and will provide a place to store orders that are completed and ready to be shipped. This will increase efficiency within high-volume operations and ensure you have an ergonomic and well-organized workspace for all packaging tasks.
As always our team of material handling experts is here to help answer any questions and design any projects. Contact us today to start working towards optimizing your facility and processes!
