Guidance of Warehouse Storage & Flow Design(2)

Below we dive into each of these steps and the specifics that go into the warehouse storage design and layout process.

1. Specifications and Codes
When starting the design process, first examine the conditions of your warehouse. Work closely with building code officials to ensure your warehouse and its systems are healthy and safe. If your building or systems are not up to code, look for practical, safe, cost-effective changes. In addition, examine your inventory to determine what storage systems will keep it in the best condition until it’s ready to be shipped out. For example, pallet flow or carton flow racks may be best for you if you must move inventory quickly or work on a last-in, first-out system.

2. Understand the Equipment
The type of equipment you use will influence the storage system design you need. For example, if you use large, gas-powered forklifts, you might need wire mesh or mezzanine decking to keep inventory out of the way while pallets are being loaded. If you use smaller equipment or vehicles that can’t be driven into the warehouse, your storage system must flow freely onto the loading dock. Consider selective racks rather than pushback or flow racks; pushback and flow designs can stand several feet high and block loading dock access.

3. Assess Location & Warehouse Dimensions
The layout you need depends heavily on the space you have. If your warehouse is small with narrow aisle space, you should free up as much room as possible for workers to move safely. Avoid using drive-through racks or gas-powered forklifts since they can block entrances and exits. This equipment also makes it difficult to load inventory quickly and efficiently in tight quarters. If you have plenty of space, look into drive-through racks and pushback or flow storage systems. These minimize safety issues often found on loading docks and make it possible to move more inventory per day.
When looking at square footage and assessing the space, don’t forget about vertical space. Upright pallet racks provide an excellent way to maximize space economy and help with inventory management, making access to your supplies much easier. Quicker access means time saved and time saved means money saved, especially when dealing with a large warehouse space. No matter what size the warehouse is, using vertical storage systems will greatly improve efficiency and profits. The options available are varied and robust, providing many options for you to choose from. The high visibility and easy retrieval of this type makes vertical storage an ideal solution for crowded or poorly organized warehouses.

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