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There are various shelving ideas for small storage facilities that provide solutions to limited space. There is a rising need for new ways to maximize warehouse space in small, middle-sized, and large-scale enterprises. All businesses can improve the effective use of the available space. The following shelving ideas can help you free up space in the storage facilities.
Using the right storage equipment
Warehouses with the wrong storage equipment have poor management of space. Therefore, it is key to ensure that your store has the right equipment to facilitate proper storage, especially for harmful products. It would help if you also carried out an audit of your warehouse processes to ensure compliance with the set standards and regulations.
You need to invest in the right warehouse tools, such as spill controls, warning labels, safety cabinets for flammables, and warning cards.
Clearing dead stock
Most of the warehouses have dead stock that comprises slow-moving commodities, damaged and obsolete goods. These commodities occupy space whose worth cannot meet storage costs. The management should take measures to get rid of this stock to provide room for active inventory.
It is necessary to do stock-taking to identify poor-performing stocks and develop ways of getting rid of them.
Storage techniques
Businesses can use vertical space to maximize shelving for small warehouse spaces by adopting over the dock, aisle, and mezzanine storage techniques. These systems create space in the warehouse by utilizing the traditionally unused areas. Over-dock storage creates space above the dock, while the over-aisle adds space above the aisles. Mezzanine storage creates a new layer of shelving for the storage facility by introducing a second-story platform on the entire warehouse.
It is advisable to seek the competence of a professional installation expert when considering different storage techniques. The experts will guide you on the best system to install depending on the storage needs, the safety of the employees, and the structural requirements.
Examining the flow of stock
When considering changing the layout of your warehouse, it is important to look at the current organization and slot. Organizing the slots can make a tremendous improvement to the storage space and efficiency. It is important to adopt slotting systems that allow easy picking and access to commodities.
Warehouses can transition storage facilities with slow-moving stock-keeping units into a double deep warehouse system to enhance efficiency in stock management.
Building high racks and narrow aisles
You can enhance the storage space in your business warehouse by building shelving racks that are high and adding racks to accommodate more products. It is commendable to seek the guidance of a professional to construct structures that do not compromise the safety of employees and meet the warehouse construction requirements.
Narrowing your aisles can also make a big difference in the creation of additional space in a warehouse. However, it is required to ensure that the remaining space is sufficient to accommodate movements and forklifts. You can use storage planning aids to help you in the calculation of the ideal spacing needs.
Warehouse Safety Tips
Apart from the solutions to shelving for small warehouse spaces, it is vital to consider the safety of employees working in storage facilities. Warehouse accidents can be reduced by providing a safe work environment and following warehouse safety practices. These include;
- Repair and maintenance of warehouse tools
Warehouse equipment needs regular checkups and maintenance services. It is commendable for businesses to develop a maintenance plan and replace any dysfunctional and damaged tools. Regular inspection of the racking system and proper loading will ensure stability and efficiency. Employees need to report any damage and ensure that all machines and guards are working correctly.
- Proper lifting techniques
Lifting is among the leading causes of injuries among warehouse employees. Therefore, it is important to adopt the recommended lifting practices to avoid back sprains, hand, and spinal injuries. Warehouse management should put signs that show the ideal lifting practices and train employees on lifting basics. Employees can also use lifting equipment and use a back brace when needed.
- Staff training
Warehouses must have a safety orientation program for all their staff members to ensure that they are adept with the safety procedures. Businesses can implement a continuous training program for all employees on the safety procedures relating to their job.
Shelving for small warehouse spaces also involves writing instructions for the employees to follow and reminding themselves of the precautions. All workers should have personal protective equipment to enhance safety at work. Operation of heavy equipment and handling harmful products should be authorized by the management.