Managing a large-scale warehouse can be costly. If not done efficiently, it might see the business lose lots of money. Therefore, every warehouse manager should strive to optimize the available warehouse space, without jeopardizing the quality of stored goods.
It takes critical and innovative thinking, pared with logistical knowledge, and embracing technology to run a warehouse efficiently. There are many ways to save space in your warehouse and make your storage easier to use. For example, automated picking system can help you to reduce walking time and shorten picking routes, integrate with your existing WMS and support accurate picking and packing. These four tips will help you make the most out of your warehouse space.
1.Utilize Cross-Docking
The whole idea behind cross-docking is to minimize handling required between suppliers and manufacturers to the end consumer. The warehouse can receive, sort, and scan all inbound stock and load it in outgoing trucks without intermediate storage. Therefore, the products will only stay at the warehouse for a few hours.
By consolidating the incoming and outgoing shipments, you save space, shipment costs, and long labor hours. Besides, minimal handing reduces the chances of damaged goods. That translated to fewer complaints from the consumers, which would otherwise lead to compensation or a ruined reputation. Although this logistical technique might be quite hard to manage, it is worth investing in since it saves a lot of commercial real estate resources.
2. Offsite Warehousing
In some cases, overstocking products that haven’t been purchased yet can cause warehousing challenges. You might run out of space to store goods that are due to be shipped. In such a situation, it would be best to consider offsite warehousing.
Offsite storage relieves you from the stress of building another warehouse. Instead, you can focus on more important issues like bringing in more business. You also get a chance to choose a storage facility close to the target clients, enhancing quick delivery.
Alternatively, you can negotiate with your suppliers to store items for you. They can then ship them in installments, such as weekly, saving you a lot of warehouse space.
3. Get Rid of Unnecessary Aisle Width
Aisle widths help determine how much space is available for utilization in a warehouse. Although redesigning your warehouse layout might cost you some money, it pays off. Decreasing the aisle width leaves you with the much-needed storage space. You can choose from the three systems of warehouse aisles.
· Wide Aisle
The wise aisle is the standard type. It is usually wiser than 10. 5 feet. This type of aisle is ideal for warehouses with high volumes of orders.
· Narrow Aisle
A narrow aisle measures between 8.5 feet and 10.5 feet. A warehouse with this type of aisles can store up to 20% more than they would with conventional aisles. Besides, they still allow unrestricted access to the products.
· Very Narrow Aisle
These aisles measure less than 6 feet and can see you save up to 50% more than you would with standard aisles. However, you might incur additional costs, such as getting a special lift.
4. Choose the Right Warehouse System
There are many warehouse storage systems, and they continue to evolve daily. However, the system you choose depends on factors such as the type of products and the size of your warehouse. Choosing efficient warehouse systems, such as mezzanine flooring, can help to optimize your vertical space.
Another way to optimize your warehouse management and organization is to use high density automated storage systems. Their primary benefit is optimizing your space capacity and giving an opportunity to free up a huge portion of your warehouse floor space. You can turn to Southwest Solutions for automated parts storage solutions to a variety of industries.
Take Action
The process of optimizing your warehouse space can require a lot of time and money. Speaking of money, let’s not forget that you need to invest in proper cargo handling. Primarily on forklift vehicles and their associated parts. Although these vehicles can be costly at the first instance of purchase, they make the ongoing expenses of running the warehouse much more affordable and efficient. Provided the forklift vehicles are regularly maintained; that entails the replacement of components like the forklift mast bearings, lift cylinders, and the fork themselves among other parts.