18 February 2021

8 Teachings to Consider In Your Warehouse Storage Design

In the planning of a warehouse storage design can be a complicated method as a result of all the factors included. The process of the design of a warehouse storage layout includes strategic creating of plans for the storage layout that is maximising the efficiency of the warehouse, which promotes a consistent operations workflow and improves productivity.

The Value of an Effective Warehouse Storage Design

The designing of a warehouse storage layout is a critical process that has a direct bearing on the performance of your warehouse. The planning of the warehouse layout should be such that considers a sensible warehouse flow to increase the warehouse efficiency and lessen overheads. A quality design will allow clear paths to the inventory in the storage system and reduce picking times

Other warehouse necessities to take into account need to take place while in the planning stage. It is an added cost to make adjustments to the arranged layout once the installation is underway, it will potentially have additional costs in material and labour. In the planning stage, it is a good idea to engage with a racking expert in the industry who can look to your current and future needs and create a plan based on these requirements. At Abbott, we offer complimentary warehouse design consultation sessions.

In considering the following 8 teachings of a warehouse storage design, it can assist in creating an effective and productive operations flow.

Warehouse Productivity

Warehouse productivity includes all processes of the warehouse including; receiving, putting into their location in the storage system, then picking, packing and dispatch of orders. It is important to investigate the current data available to create an efficient workflow of inventory and allowing the required warehouse equipment to be operated in the zone.
Warehouse Productivity

Budget Allocations

Prior to the commencement of planning the flow of the warehouse, it is important to evaluate all the current and potential future needs of the company. Examine budgets set out for the setup of the operations and base a plan on the allowed funds. In the researching and planning of a warehouse racking layout, some plans and ideas will be more costly than others to implement. With this in mind, consider the most fitting and efficient racking layout that will suit your operations.

Warehouse Equipment

Warehouses can consist of a variety of different material handling equipment and machinery. These can include forklifts and pallet jacks for lifting, order pickers for the picking of orders, conveyors for the transporting of stock around the warehouse and lastly the racking and shelving structure for the storage of inventory. Work out the warehouse equipment that your warehouse will need and base a layout design that will suit the use of this equipment.
Warehouse Equipment

Standards & Regulations

It is a requirement on all Australian businesses that all applicable Australian Standards and rules are complied with. In keeping with the guidelines, it guarantees the safety of your staff in the warehouse as well as warehouse equipment and assets. On the other hand, it also assists in remaining compliant and evade any potential legal issues. Some applicable Australian Standards in the warehouse relate to Steel Pallet Racking, the standard is AS 4084-2012.

Employees

The ones that will work in the warehouse environment need to be accounted for; such as knowing the number of personnel needed to keep operations functioning, the current trained state, future training needs and the shift times of the warehouse. This will help in keeping the warehouse productivity to a high level. The warehouse storage design can be customised to support the oncoming of new staff members.
Warehouse Employees

Warehouse Area Available

All available warehouse area must be utilised correctly. It will improve stock visibility, decrease picking times and improve warehouse performance. It is well known that the most warehouse space possible should be designated for the racking and shelving of the warehouse, as well as the picking and processing areas. On the other hand, the reception zone and workstations should be kept to a minimum amount of space where possible. The designation of the warehouse storage area will alter the storage configurations and possibly inventory locations.
Warehouse Storage Area

Warehouse Layout & Flow

In consideration of the points above, it is critical to consider the flow through the warehouse. This includes the inventory flow path, staff paths and the warehouse equipment routes. Taking great care in this step as it will allow you to foresee any potential hindrances to the continuous flow of activity in the warehouse. Plan for each stage of the inventory order and aim to design the layout to accommodate the flow in a consecutive path.

Processing

The processing in a warehouse includes the following stages; receiving, storing, picking, packing and dispatch. The analysis of the data around all these warehouse sections, can assist in creating an efficient warehouse based on the current data of the operations, as well as see the current pain points and areas to improve.
Warehouse Flow

Summary

In the selecting or planning of a warehouse storage design for your operations department, it is important to aim at maximising efficiency and productivity to get the most from your warehouse. Based on the 8 factors listed above it is a breakdown of some steps to take in the design of the warehouse and storage area. Every warehouse aims to improve its order fulfilment rates to the best it can achieve.

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Abbott Storage Systems

At Abbott Storage Systems we have a long history in the warehousing and storage industry. A strong focus is on ‘Delivering Trusted Solutions’ according to our tagline. We have become a trusted brand in the storage industry as a result. So to this end, we ensure that each storage solution is tailored to every individual clients’ specific needs. As well as, focusing on the need for increased safety, productivity and efficiency. Our achievements are built on our experience in the industry. We design and manage entire storage fit outs.
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