Whether it’s a small store or a large storage facility, maximum storage space utilization is your biggest problem. Anyone in commercial warehousing understands that timely delivery and convenience must be prioritized for you to have a competitive edge in the industry.
Insufficient storage space, damage to goods, delays, and accidents are common problems in any storage facility. Installing proper shelving and racking systems goes a long way in solving these problems. Many companies offer a wide range of shelving and racking products, each addressing a specific problem. Before deciding which system to install in your storage facility, analyze all of the issues you plan to solve with the new shelving and racking system. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a shelving or racking system.
Storage Space Available
Simple as it may sound, maximizing available space in a storage facility is almost impossible. In small facilities, stacking goods may not be the smartest way of properly utilizing the storage space. Where your facility handles lightweight goods, a shelving system is better suited. Accessing goods and organization in a shelving system is easier. Thus, the movement of goods in and out of the facility is fast and smooth. Racks are convenient in facilities that handle heavier and bulky goods. An adequately arranged racking system will accommodate more goods in the same space compared to stacking and piling them over each other.
Safety
We have a propensity for ignoring safety until accidents happen. Some storage facilities have heavy traffic flow of both people and goods. Lifting equipment requires space to maneuver around inside the facility and poses a danger to goods and people if the facility is not properly arranged. Some shelving systems have safety cargo nets that hold or trap any falling goods. Racks have fastening allowances that allow you to bolt and fasten the whole system to the ground to prevent swaying and movement. You should strive to avoid accidents rather than dealing with injuries and casualties when they occur.
Automation and Accessibility
We cannot deny that technology is changing the ‘normal’ ways of doing business. Artificial intelligence and automation are revolutionizing many industries, including warehousing. With automatic inventory-taking and check-off systems, there is a need to make storage facilities accessible and fully autonomous. Installing modern shelves and racks allows robots to select goods from the facility, depending on the orders made. Magnetic tracks installed on the floor enable autonomous forklifts to navigate the facility with little human interaction. Online shops enjoy automation because it reduces overhead costs, therefore increasing profits. No technology has currently replaced a human being, but they do help improve their work output and service delivery significantly.
Cost
Keeping track of expenses is crucial in business. When you are looking to buy shelves and racks, always explore different manufacturers and their product specifications, and cross-check them with your needs. Then, make price comparisons and select the suitable system congruent with your budget. Also, check for additional costs you will incur, like buying plug-ins and installing.
Loading Bearing Capacity
The aim of installing racking and shelving systems is to increase the holding capacity of the storage facility. The Load-bearing capacity of a shelving or racking system refers to the maximum weight the system can carry before failing or deforming. Most of these systems are made of metal, and exceeding the recommended loading weight may result in damages and, worst case scenario, fatal accidents. You should check with the manufacturer to see how many racks the system allows you to stack. Storied storage facilities should confirm weight specifications with the building’s designers to protect the building against collapsing because of overloading.
Conclusion
Innovation is the secret to remaining profitable in warehousing. Investing in high-quality shelving and racking systems will ensure a safe, smart, and efficient way of maximizing your storage space. Do not ignore your needs when you are looking for racks and shelves; after all, they are the problems you initially intended to solve. Whether you decide to automate operations or rely on manpower, it is vital to have a properly organized storage facility.
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