Tag: Warehouse Shelving (page 1 of 3)

Benefits of having an organised warehouse

Warehouse racking is a crucial aspect of any warehouse and plays a significant role in keeping the inventory organised and easily accessible.

An organised warehouse not only helps in improving the overall efficiency of the operations, but also ensures the safety of the employees and the inventory. With the help of proper racking systems, you can easily store, manage and retrieve items, reducing the time and effort required for these tasks. Moreover, the use of warehouse racking can help increase the storage capacity of your warehouse, allowing you to store more items in a smaller space.

Another major benefit of having an organised warehouse is increased productivity. When items are stored in an organised manner, employees can easily locate them, reducing the time and effort required to find items. This results in faster order fulfillment and reduces the chance of human error. Additionally, an organized warehouse also enables employees to move around the warehouse more easily, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the overall safety of the workplace.

An organised warehouse also makes it easier to conduct regular inventory checks and ensures that items are stored in the right place. This not only helps in reducing the loss of items due to misplacement, but also makes it easier to track inventory levels, helping you make informed decisions about restocking and ordering new items.

Furthermore, an organised warehouse also creates a professional and organised image for your business. Customers and clients who visit your warehouse will appreciate the well-organized and neat appearance, which can help build confidence in your brand and your ability to manage your operations effectively.

In conclusion, an organised warehouse is crucial for the success of any business that relies on storage and distribution. With the help of proper warehouse racking systems, you can improve the efficiency of your operations, increase the storage capacity of your warehouse, increase productivity, improve safety, and create a professional image for your business. If you are looking to improve your warehouse operations, consider investing in a high-quality warehouse racking system.

Different Types of Warehouses

Climate-controlled warehouse

As the name goes, these warehouses are used to store items that need to be kept at a specific temperature, mostly perishables. Climate-controlled warehouses can range from humidity-controlled environments that can store fresh fruits, flowers, etc., to freezers that store frozen foods.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Protection against natural elements
  2. Better inventory security

Smart warehouse

Automation is transforming the way warehouses operate, with AI driving everything from packing to delivering items. With minimal human involvement required and smart technologies taking center stage, modern warehouses are facilitating eCommerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba in speeding up their delivery times while cutting operational costs.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Lesser chances of error
  2. Reduced manual efforts and cost

Consolidated warehouse

Need to save money on your startup’s shipping expenses? Consolidated warehouses act as a great resource, collecting small shipments from several suppliers and combining them into one full truckload. This allows you to use the same transportation costs that would have gone towards just one shipment – ultimately resulting in considerable savings!

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Economies of scale
  2. No capital investment

Which Warehouse Is the Best for You?

By now, you must have understood that each warehouse has a purpose of its own. You must choose the type that aligns with your business’s requirements.

The World’s Most Incredible Warehouses & Factories

Explore some of the world’s most amazing factories and warehouses! From a luxurious wine cellar to an awe-inspiring factory where airplanes are built, these incredible photos will show you what goes into creating modern marvels.

1. DB Schenker’s Warehouse in Germany

DB Schenker is a giant in the logistics industry, and Christian Stoll captures their modern structures with incredible precision. His photos showcase just how powerful the organization really is.

2. Volkswagen’s Car Towers, Wolfsburg, Germany

The Autostadt in Wolfsburg is a sight to behold. It consists of two gleaming glass towers that stand side by side, powered by advanced technology allowing cars from the Volkswagen plant to move seamlessly between them and into the waiting hands of their new owners.

3. National Archives inWinsford, Cheshire

At the heart of Winsford, Cheshire lies a mysterious mine that has grown to an immense size – enough for 700 football pitches! Extending 100 miles deep under ground and growing every day, this salt cave is not just impressive in its dimensions; it also protects some very valuable materials. From confidential government documents to hospital records and historical archives belonging The National Archives, important items find protection thanks to stable temperatures and dry atmosphere inside the vast corridors of this unique subterranean complex.

4. Bank of England’s Vault Beneath London

Nestled deep beneath the bustling streets of London is a glittering secret – an incredible £156 billion worth of gold! Held within the Bank of England’s fortified vault, row after row of 24-carat golden bars shining in all their 28lb glory await discovery.

5. Amazon Warehouse

Amazon, the colossal online retail giant that began as a humble bookstore in 1994, owns an awe-inspiring warehouse somewhere out there. It’s whereabouts remain mysterious to this day – adding even more intrigue and mythos to one of our generation’s most successful empires!

6. Champagne Warehouse, France

The world’s best wines are aged to perfection in underground cellars like this one in Reims, France. After decades of careful maturation and nurturing, these champagnes reach the peak of their flavor for a truly exquisite experience.

7. M&S Warehouse, Castle Donington

With its grand opening in 2003, Marks and Spencer’s colossal e-commerce headquarters located in Castle Donington, Leicestershire creates a hub of activity. This 900,000 sq ft facility is capable of processing an astonishing one million items per day to satisfy the online shopping needs customers around the world!

Adjustable Pallet Racking

The most popular and widely used system for pallet storage. Used in virtually every industry, the adjustable pallet racking (APR) system can be easily configured and adapted to most warehouse locations. When used in conjunction with accessories, it can be tailored to suit many different products and applications.

Low initial investment

APR is cost effective and when used properly it will continue to perform efficiently and safely for twenty years (or more).

Flexibility

Most changes in product dimensions can be accommodated by simply adjusting the beam position to flex the aperture height. Additional parts can easily be added in order to create more locations, or removed to accommodate changes in operational requirements.

Re-use

Suitably trained installers can decommission these structures and relocate them as operational needs change.

Warehouse Safety Checklist

Our warehouse safety inspection service helps you fulfil your legal duty to check the safety of your storage systems annually.

Whether you have a modest installation or several vast warehouses, your storage systems should be inspected at least annually for any safety defects. Our independent warehouse safety inspection helps fulfil your duty of care to employees and comply with HSE regulations.

Peace of mind and compliance

Why risk injury to your operatives, damaged stock and possible prosecution due to unsafe storage, when we can arrange a Level 3 inspection by an independent SARI qualified inspector?

This impartial inspection with a written report will highlight and categorise any defects. It also covers safety aspects such as load warnings and incorrect use of pallets. If racking issues are found, our racking repair service can quickly rectify them.

HSE Safety Levels 1 and 2

The HSE defines Level 1 as reporting damage to the Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS). The PRRS should also make regular Level 2 inspections of all your storage, checking they are suitable for their loads, correctly installed and not damaged.

A PRRS can be anyone familiar with racking damage. They could simply be an experienced person, but ideally they should be specifically trained; we can arrange this.

HSE Level 3

You must also have a Level 3 inspection at least annually, preferably by an independent specialist, such as a SEMA Approved Rack Inspector (SARI). It’s much more extensive than Level 2, and complies with SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) guidelines, which are recognised by HSE.

A Level 3 Expert inspection categorises damage as Red, Amber and Green risks. Red is the most serious; if you continue using storage assessed as Red Risk, you could face prosecution.

Types of Warehouse Storage Systems

Multi-Tier Racking

The centerpiece of any warehouse is the pallet racking system. These are made out wood, metal or plastic and hold inventory that’s received in large boxes- depending on how high up they go with an automated mechanism to help place them onto your desired location for storage/safekeeping!

Mostly, multi-tier racking concerns relatively lightweight items that are picked and organized manually. To get the most out of this warehouse storage system, organize each tier strategically and pack items as densely as possible, while at the same time paying attention to weight limits and ceiling-to-rack height compliance guidelines.

Mezzanine Flooring

Mezzanine floors are effective and space-saving storage options for any company with a budget. They’re an excellent way to keep your warehouse floor open while also providing additional safety against inventory loss or damage in case there’s ever something worth watching out for!

The most expensive option for a warehouse is likely going to be the one that has all of its features customised. It’s not just about what you need in terms on storage space, but also how it can best suit your needs and workstyle!

Wire Partitions

While mezzanine flooring is one of the more high-tech options, wire partitions are on the other end of the spectrum. Wire partitions are, effectively, strategically-placed wire cages that are meant to be installed and torn down quickly and easily.

Often, the inventory that is housed within wire partitions are the items that may need special security. Some warehouses are even known to use wire partitions to construct makeshift, temporary offices for managers who work on the floor.

Innovative ideas to make your warehouse more efficient

Most businesses are always looking to be more efficient, but never more so than in the present day. A variety of difficult business conditions mean that warehouse and logistics operations are increasingly looking to save money and space. Oftentimes, the best way to do this is to invest in technological solutions – upgrading the infrastructure that your business relies on every day.

Some of the improvements that can be made to warehouse and logistics infrastructure are more familiar, while others are more on the cutting edge. From smarter shelving to roving robots to simply investing in your staff, here are five innovative ideas to make your warehouse space more efficient.

Smarter storage for your warehouse: While there are plenty of cutting-edge technologies you can apply to your warehouse, an equally effective solution is simply to reappraise your storage. A higher density form of pallet racking could easily increase your available storage space by more than half – or double the amount of floor space you have available for other tasks – giving you ample room to grow.

Employee training : Many warehouse and logistics businesses offer some sort of training to employees to help them carry out their roles, often in the realm of health and safety. However, by going above and beyond to offer additional skills training, you can both improve the quality of people’s work and reinforce the ties that bind them to your business. Offering and incentivising training courses can be a great way to sharpen skills, improve practices within your warehouse or logistics operation, and even to fill roles that you may be struggling with or anticipating a need for.

Automation: Warehouse automation isn’t just the future – for many businesses, it’s the present. While Amazon has been the front-runner in this field, they have kept most of their advances to themselves. Numerous companies have stepped into the breach to develop similar autonomous robots and other automated systems, which shepherd pallets and individual items around the warehouse.

The advantages of automation are numerous. Autonomous vehicles and robots can be more reactive, as they receive an order from a WMS and immediately know where to go to carry it out. They also present safety benefits, as they can support heavy loads and pose no risk of injury to human operators, with sensors to prevent them from colliding with people. Their suitability for menial, repetitive work also reduces the physical and mental load on human operators, who can be moved to other tasks.

What Can Your Business Gain From Installing a Mezzanine Floor?

Mezzanine floors are beyond being able to create extra floor space or saving money on rent, and there’s a lot more. Of course, being able to create extra space in your commercial building without any major construction work is quite a benefit. However, the versatility of mezzanine floors means there’s a lot of pros to having one.

Here’s what we think your business stands to gain from installing a mezzanine floor:

A Boost to Productivity and Efficiency

An additional working place will go a long way to increase the output of your business. With mezzanine floors installed, you will have new office, lunchrooms, bathrooms, secure rooms and even a fitness centre all within the existing office space.

One of the ways to increase productivity is to look into the work space. More importantly, being able to provide specific amenities can be a morale booster. To provide these amenities, you will require extra space which you cannot afford except through a mezzanine floor.

A Cost-Efficient Approach to Expansion

Compare the cost of the building extra space in your business from scratch to having a mezzanine floor installed. You’ll always stick with the mezzanine option. Building a new structure involves a lot of investment which your business may not be able to afford currently.

However, with mezzanine floors in place, you will be getting value out of every square metre of your current business space. Mezzanine floors help you to achieve maximum and optimal space efficiency.

Quicker Installation Time

It does not end here. Mezzanine floors are made with prefabricated materials. As a business, you do not have the luxury of time to pause business activities. However, there’s no need to disrupt business activities when mezzanine floors are to be installed; the turnaround time is quicker.

When compared with building a new structure, a mezzanine floor saves you time. Depending on the size and space, installing a mezzanine floor is comparatively faster.

Customisable to Suit Your Taste and Needs

The beauty of the mezzanine floor extends to being able to create an interior environment that captures your business philosophy. A mezzanine floor can be customised for an industrial, warehouse, retail, or regular office interior.

We are referring to having a mezzanine floor with decorated walls, wallpapers, ceiling, windows, doors and carpets. What matters is knowing what you intend to achieve out of the new extra space created.

If you believe your business stands to benefit from mezzanine floors reach out to us on  (01942) 603344 or email info@millennium-si.co.uk

 

What Is External Racking?

Are you looking for a way to utilise your yard space that will be completely unaffected by adverse weather conditions? External racking could be the solution for you.

External Warehouse Racking is a storage system that has been galvanised to ensure that the racking will have the longest lifespan possible.

By galvanising the racking you are providing the system with extra protection, ensuring that rust and corrosion are not a problem that you will encounter.

If you have an outdoor space, installing an external racking system will provide useful space for your materials whilst utilising the available space.

Where Could External Racking Be Used?

There are multiple applications that external racking is ideal for:

  • Outdoor retail storage
  • Storage yards
  • Builders Merchants

Advantages of External Racking:

  • Weather resistant – the racking is galvanised to prevent any rust and corrosion
  • Ideal for cold or damp locations
  • Utilising available space in your facility – outdoor space is often under-utilised, outdoor racking allows you to use this space efficiently

Disadvantages of External Racking:

  • The racking must be galvanised to protect it from the elements – this increases the costs and often lead times
  • The products stored must also either not be affected by the elements or be protected from them – this may mean protecting the racking with some form of cladding
  • The floor area must be concreted, flat and level as in an internal warehouse

If you would like more information regarding warehouse racking solutions, call us today on (01942) 603344 or email info@millennium-si.co.uk to arrange a no obligation visit.

5 Critical Pallet Rack Safety Hazards

Physical damage to the pallet rack

Often this damage occurs from lift truck collisions. Sufficient clearance space and clear aisles are both great ways to prevent this kind of damage. Always encourage employees to promptly report all minor impacts or observable damage.

Misaligned Racking Safety Hazard

This can cause collapse or failure of your pallet racking system. During inspection, use the manufacturer’s instructions to check that racks are properly aligned, plum, and level.

Loose Floor Fittings

OSHA is clear that rack columns are bottom-anchored to the floor with column base plates secured with anchor bolts.

Suitability of forklift truck

Your material handling equipment and pallet jacks should be sized to meet your needs.

Weight of stored goods versus capacity of racking system

To prevent dangerously overloaded racks, ANSI/RMI MH16.1 suggests posting the maximum permissible unit load, average unit load, and maximum total load per bay.

In the end, whether your racks are damaged, overloaded, improperly anchored or misaligned, they’re a serious safety hazard that can result in serious injury. OSHA recommends warehouse managers develop a thorough maintenance and inspection program. Be liberal with safety audits that include everything from pallet rack signage all the way up your material handling equipment.

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