Tag: Workspace Design (page 1 of 3)

Different Types of Warehouses

January 20, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Warehousing, however simple it might seem to be, has a lot of diversification. There are a variety of warehouses, each having a niche of its own. How do you decide which type of warehousing is right for your business?

It’s essential to keep an eye on the details when selecting a warehouse that fits your business needs. The industry, location and precisely what you require will determine which option is right for you. Don’t underestimate its importance; having the correct storage facility could make or break customer relations – ensuring orders are shipped out quickly has proven time again to be key in creating happy customers!

Having the right kind of warehousing in place becomes even more important during the festive season when you’ve got a massive surge in orders to manage. Instead of making any rash decisions, you must critically analyse the different types of warehouses available and make an informed decision.

Selecting the right warehouse can make or break your customer relations – and it all comes down to order fulfillment. When you consider several factors, such as industry type, business requirements and location from an informed perspective, making sure orders are fulfilled on time is a given. This well result in content customers who sing praises about you!

Generally, there are 7 major types of warehouses:

  1. Distribution centre
  2. Public warehouse
  3. Private warehouse
  4. Bonded warehouse
  5. Climate-controlled warehouse
  6. Smart warehouse
  7. Consolidated warehouse

Distribution Centre

Distribution centres are a vital cog in the supply chain, making possible rapid and reliable movement of goods from suppliers to customers. These warehouses offer far more space than regular ones and feature computerised systems for improved efficiency. Perishable products can be especially beneficial thanks to their short turnaround time – entering early morning then leaving late evening all on the same day! Ultimately, these centres enable faster distribution at lower cost when located close to transportation hubs, ensuring customer satisfaction every step of the way.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Efficiency of operations
  2. Storage capacity

Private warehouse

Need a place to store your goods that won’t break the bank? Public warehouses could be just what you need! Offering an affordable way for small business and eCommerce startups to keep their products safe, these government- or semigovernment owned facilities are available on loan with a reasonable charge. No long term commitment necessary; perfect for those times when extra storage is required but not permanent.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Less long-term cost
  2. Better regional presence

Bonded warehouse

With public warehouses, small businesses and eCommerce start-ups can deal with their inventory overflow when they need extra storage space. Owned by government or semi-government bodies, these temporary solutions let companies stock up on goods for a fee to provide just the right amount of breathing room until they are ready to purchase additional warehouse facilities.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Low overall cost
  2. Helps in international trade

Keep an eye on next blog for more information on different warehouses!

Adjustable Pallet Racking

November 17, 2022 / / 0 Comments

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.

Types of Warehouse Shelving

April 21, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Static Shelving

The most common type of shelf is a static one. These shelves are designed to stay in place and hold inventory that don’t need constant replacement, like food or beverages for instance! This means they’re usually heavier than other types – ideal if you have large quantities on hand but lack space where everyone can access them at once.

Because they’re not compatible with forklifts, static shelving is generally used with inventory that must be manually picked, placed, and/or organized. For your larger inventory, invest in a wide-span shelving system, which can hold more weight and can be used in higher-elevation configurations.

Mobile Shelving

Mobile shelving systems are the perfect way to increase inventory accessibility and make your workplace more organized. Similar to static shelves, mobile units can be adjusted for height so they’re tailored specifically towards what you need them for – whether that’s holding documents or storing office supplies!

Pallet Racking

The largest warehouses have a system that is designed to hold an endless number of pallets, and it’s often treated as the centerpiece for these facilities. Systems can be made out wood or metal with plastic added on in order ensure durability under pressure from heavy items being carried up stairs by forklifts automated mechanisms accessed through conveyor belts running below ground level where trucks pull themselves up using those same tracks we saw earlier!

There are a variety of sub-categories of pallet racking systems, including carton-flow racking, cantilever racking, coil racking, double-deep racking, drive-in racking, drive-through racking, high-bay racking, mobile racking, narrow aisle racking, pallet live racking, push back racking, shuttle racking, and vertical racking. Most often, warehouses will choose systems based on weight limits, flexibility, and whether or not the system demands a change in infrastructure.

Ways to make your office more productive

January 25, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Do you feel like your office could be more productive? You’re not alone. Many business owners feel like they could get more done if their office was set up a bit better. Luckily, there are some simple changes you can make to your office that will help increase productivity. In this blog post, we’ll outline eleven ways to make your office more productive. Keep reading to learn more!

  • Use a standing desk to promote better posture
  • Add plants to your office for increased oxygen levels and improved mood
  • Set up an ergonomic workspace with the right lighting, furniture, and tools
  • Create a designated space for breaks so you’re not tempted to take them on your computer or phone
  • Take frequent walks outside of the office during your break time
  • Limit screen time by setting aside specific hours where you can only work on your computer or phone

For most people, the workplace is a place where they are expected to be their best. That means being productive and efficient while getting work done in an environment that promotes creativity. So what can you do to make your office more productive? Here are a few ways to help get started with making changes today! Have you tried any of these productivity tips yet? If not, contact us for more information on how we can help turn your company into one of the most profitable in town by helping it operate at peak efficiency. We would love to hear about which ones have helped you feel like things were easier or made life flow better so far.

Innovative ideas to make your warehouse more efficient

September 16, 2020 / / 0 Comments

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.

Tips on How to Effectively Plan a Warehouse Layout Design

September 3, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Principles of an Efficient Warehouse Layout

Before you start designing your warehouse, you should understand what you’re trying to achieve with your warehouse layout design.

Here are 3 major principles to keep in mind when planning your warehouse:

Space

Consider how to maximise the space you can afford, taking into consideration storage, stock, offices, working areas, empty pallet storage, battery charging, etc.

With a wide variety of vertical racks and freestanding equipment, you should be able to design your warehouse in the way you need it initially, while being flexible enough to change it in the future if desired.

Flow

Warehouse flow can be summarised as the uninterrupted movement of materials, people, and traffic within your building.

Your first goal should be to cut down on any areas of high traffic or potential for cross-flow crashes.

So, each activity that an employee performs must be located as close as possible to the activity that precedes it and proceeds from it.

That also means materials used to perform those activities should be situated as close as possible to each workstation.

Your second goal should be to eliminate as much movement and disruption as possible.

Accessibility

Every product and all products on pallets should be accessible by everyone, usually without the need to move one product to get to another.

That means structuring your pallet racks in rows that are wide enough to accommodate pallet jacks and trucks, and stacking and stocking items strategically for minimal interference with one another.

5 Critical Pallet Rack Safety Hazards

June 25, 2020 / / 0 Comments

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.

What are the benefits of pallet shuttle racking?

December 11, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Could a pallet shuttle racking system help your warehouse to save money and become more efficient?

The type of racking system installed in your warehouse has a significant impact on its overall performance. Your racking will affect both the volume of stock that you are able to store and how efficiently your warehouse operates.

Busy warehouses that experience a high turnover and are stocking and retrieving pallets very frequently may find that pallet shuttle racking can greatly increase their efficiency and productivity levels.

What is pallet shuttle racking?

Pallet shuttle racking systems use remotely controlled semi-automated shuttles to stock and retrieve pallets instead of forklift trucks.

The system can be operated as either FIFO or LIFO and will generally place the picked load in the first available free space.

Pallet shuttle racking is also suitable for use in extreme temperatures including freezer chambers of up to -30 degrees Celsius.

Benefits of pallet shuttle racking

  • Reduces the risk of accidents – Replacing forklifts with remotely controlled shuttles reduces the risk of collisions and accidents occurring in the warehouse.
  • Reduces operation costs – Using automated pallet shuttles can dramatically reduce operation costs by eliminating the need for multiple forklift trucks and operators.
  • Reduces repairs and maintenance costs – Improved handling and a reduced risk of accidents means less expensive damage to racking, pallets and goods.
  • Maximises storage space – Pallet shuttle racking helps to maximise the space available to you. The system requires less space than those that use forklift trucks, allowing for higher density storage.
  • Increases efficiency – Pallets can be stocked and retrieved quicker and more efficiently, saving your business both time and money.

To find out more about our pallet shuttle racking and whether it is suitable for your warehouse, give our team here at Millennium Storage and Interiors a call on 01942 603 344.

5 signs it’s time for an office refurbishment

November 15, 2019 / / 0 Comments

A tired or outdated office could be having more of an impact on your business’ success than you realise.

Your office’s appearance can have a big effect on employee mood and wellbeing, directly impacting productivity, retention rates and even your business’ profit margin.

Look out for these 5 signs that your business could benefit from and office refurbishment.

The interior is tired, dark or drab

Does your office’s interior communicate the right message to employees and visitors? Faded curtains, stained carpets, and outdated decor can give the impression of a business that isn’t doing very well or doesn’t have high standards. Revitalising your office to create a space you are proud of and enjoy spending time in can also help to inspire and motivate employees and win the trust of clients.

Your business has re-branded

If your business has rebranded or your company culture has evolved, then refurbishing your office can help to reflect these changes and ensure continuity in your branding.

It’s feeling cramped or cluttered

A cluttered, cramped or untidy workspace can be distracting and demotivating for employees. If you’ve run out of room, or your office is beginning to feel claustrophobic, a refurbishment can help you to gain more space.

Employee morale is very low

Employees working in uninspiring or neglected spaces can feel undervalued and demotivated by their work environment. If morale is low, then productivity often suffers too, ultimately having a negative effect on your business’ reputation and bottom line.

Health and safety are being compromised

As well as creating an unpleasant work environment, an old and tired office can also pose a significant health and safety risk. Trailing wires, faulty electrical items, overloaded plug sockets, broken chairs and tables, and blocked fire exits are just some of the common health and safety issues that can easily be rectified with an office refurb.

Need some advice and help with refurbishing your office? Get in touch with our team here at Millennium Storage and Interiors to discuss your requirements and find out more about our office refurb services.

Racking safety checklist

April 20, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Use this handy racking safety checklist to check your racking’s condition and ensure that it is being used safely.

It’s important to have your warehouse’s racking inspected by a professional on a regular basis to ensure that it has not become damaged and still meets all building and safety regulations.

Whilst professional racking inspections are important, it’s just as important to keep up with your own regular checks to make sure that employees are always working in a safe environment.

Familiarise yourself with the different parts of your racking and then use this handy checklist to perform regular safety checks.

  • Racking use

Your racking will have been designed, built, and positioned according to safety regulations and with its original purpose in mind. It should not be used for a different purpose unless this has been cleared with an expert.

Is the racking being used as it was intended?

Is it in the correct location?

  • Check for damage

Racking can easily become damaged over time, particularly in warehouses where machinery like forklift trucks are used. Inspect the different parts of the racking for signs of damage like dents, rust, and missing or loose parts.

Parts to inspect include:

  • Beams
  • Posts
  • Base plates
  • Frame bracing
  • Beam safety locks
  • Column guards

 

  • Debris

Your racking and the area surrounding it should always be kept clean and tidy to prevent accidents and avoid it becoming damaged. Empty packaging should be removed and disposed of immediately and not left on or around the racking.

Is the racking and the area surrounding it free from rubbish and debris? 

  • Maximum load

Your racking will have a maximum load limit that should always be adhered to. Make sure that all employees are aware of what this limit is and check that it is being adhered to.

Is maximum load limit being adhered to?

Is there anything extra leaning up against the racking?

To book a professionalrack safety inspectionfrom one of our qualified personnel, give us a call on 01942 603 344 or email info@millennium-si.co.uk.

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