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Warehouse Management Solutions: How to Maximise Space

It feels like it should be obvious, but when it comes to your warehouse, optimising operations, productivity and efficiency is essential. Warehouse management is a dynamic field requiring continual adaptation to meet the ever-evolving demands of storage and logistics. Maximising warehouse space is a critical task that can improve every aspect of your warehouse management systems. Here, we explore various strategies to enhance warehouse space utilisation and how Link51 can assist in implementing the ideal storage solutions.
 

1. Vertical Expansion: The Low-Hanging Fruit

A pretty simple solution if you’ve run out of floor space in your warehouse: go up! One of the most straightforward methods to increase storage capacity is by extending your racks vertically. Modern warehouses are typically equipped with fire suppression sprinkler systems, allowing inventory storage within 150mm of the sprinkler head. However, before extending racks, it's crucial to ensure the racking uprights and baseplates are adequate for the extra loads. Consult your supplier to confirm viability.


Types of Vertical Storage Solutions:

  • Pallet Racks: Suitable for a variety of inventory types, pallet racking combined with forklifts offer a versatile and efficient storage solution.
  • Dynamic Pallet Racking: Ideal for FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory processes, these racks use slanted panels to move stock to forward to the picking face.
  • Semi-automated pallet shuttles: a deep storage system in which pallets are stored and retrieved by a shuttle vehicle running on rails inside a rack.
  • Mezzanines: Adding a mezzanine can effectively double your storage space by creating a second level above the warehouse floor.
  • Pick towers: A self-supporting tiered rack structure that utilises the available height of the building to create up to 5 floor levels of storage.


2. Installing Mezzanines Above Floor-Level Processes

Run out of floor space in your warehouse? No problem, you can just create another floor. Installing a mezzanine above marshalling areas can nearly double the available floor space. However, it’s essential to ensure that the floor can handle the additional load and that the columns and base plates do not interfere with the processes below. Despite these challenges, mezzanines are a cost-effective alternative to expanding the building itself.


3. Reducing Aisle Width

How wide do you really need your warehouse aisles? Fun fact: you can save 15-20% of space by reducing aisle width in the racking area. This change requires careful evaluation of lift equipment to ensure it can operate efficiently in narrower aisles. Wire guidance systems may be necessary for very narrow aisles, adding to the cost but significantly enhancing space utilisation.


4. Changing Storage Medium

Switching to higher-density storage mediums, such as double deep racking systems, pallet shuttle, push-back racks, or drive-in racks, can significantly increase storage capacity. It is important to note that while these systems enhance density, they may complicate FIFO stock management, as accessibility to the first-in pallets is limited.


5. Directed Put-Away Systems

Leveraging your warehouse management system (WMS) for directed put-away can optimise space utilisation. This system helps in systematically placing goods to maximise available space and improve retrieval efficiency.
 

6. Utilising Underutilised Space

Identify and use underutilised spaces such as areas between dock doors. Installing pallet racks in these areas for supplies, slow-moving materials, or staging products can free up valuable floor space.


7. High-Density Storage Solutions

High-density storage solutions like drive-in / drive-through racking, live pallet racking, and pallet shuttle racking can significantly increase storage capacity by optimising space and enhancing inventory management. VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) racking reduces aisle width to as narrow as 1.5 metres, maintaining direct access to all stored goods while maximising floor space.


8. Automation: The Ultimate Space Saver

Automated warehouses offer a comprehensive solution for maximising storage density and operational efficiency. Automated systems, including stacker cranes and pallet shuttles, minimise handling spaces and maximise every cubic metre of the warehouse. Although they require a higher initial investment, the long-term benefits include:

  • Enhanced goods flow and handling speed.
  • Reduced risk of operational errors.
  • Rigorous inventory control.
  • Improved safety for personnel.


How Link51 Can Help

Link51 specialises in providing tailored storage solutions to help warehouse managers maximise their space efficiently. Whether you need vertical storage solutions, mezzanines, high-density racking systems, or automation technologies, Link51 offers a range of products designed to enhance your warehouse operations.

Contact Link51 to explore how we can assist in optimising your warehouse space and improving overall efficiency.

By implementing these strategies, UK warehouse managers can significantly enhance their storage capacity, streamline operations, and ultimately boost the profitability of their businesses.

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