7 Ways to Improve Your Warehouse Space Utilization

Feb 15, 2018

Improve Your Warehouse Space Utilization

Improve Your Warehouse Space Utilization. There are as many “words of wisdom” on how to layout a warehouse as there are warehouses. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. Maintaining a warehouse is a significant expense. And the consequences for laying out your warehouse improperly are steep. You lose time and money on each order, which adds up fast. And if you run out of space and need to look for more warehouse space, that’s a big expense. In other words: Using your warehouse space inefficiently has a seriously detrimental effect on the bottom line of your business.

But there’s a silver lining: The savings realized from a well-laid-out warehouse are just as evident on the balance sheet. There are big consequences for doing it wrong, and a big upside for those who know how to make the most of their warehouse space. Here at Benco Industrial Equipment, we’ve got a demonstrated track record of helping companies in and around the St. Louis Metro Area maximize warehouse space and capitalize on the benefits with innovative warehouse racking solutions.

Above we said that there’s no shortage of “tips and tricks” for improving the layout of your warehouse. Want to know the worst part? A large number of them are good advice! But where do you start? Casting about the internet too much will leave you with a list of more “solutions” than you can comprehend. That’s why we’ve done our best to give you seven pieces of solid advice that can get you going.

Maximize Vertical Space

When all you see in front of you are cramped corridors, look up! The space between your highest item and the ceiling of your warehouse is yours to use—and many aren’t taking advantage of it! Maximize your vertical space with new warehouse racks and you’ll be amazed at how much bigger your warehouse will seem.

Use the Right Container

Loose items need a place to call their own, and that place is a container that you can store on a shelf. Many warehouses overlook the benefits that come from choosing containers that are a good fit for the item or items being stored. You may look out at your racks and see containers neatly organized with no wasted space, while inside, the container is far from full. Using containers of different sizes allows you to optimize in-container storage.

Keep Items Visible

While using all available space is key, it’s imperative that you use it wisely . One of the biggest mistakes we see is items getting “lost” because they’re trapped behind other items. Sometimes, this means it takes workers longer to find what they need. In other cases, they never find the item they’re searching you and you needlessly order more of something you already have. Keep items visible to avoid this problem.

Slot Related Items Together

Okay, so you want to use all available space, but you don’t want to lose track of things. So how exactly do you do that? It all comes down to slotting related items together. Do certain items typically go together? Then why are they on opposite ends of your warehouse? Keep them together, and not only will they be easier to find, but it will take less time to assemble orders. That time is money, and that money belongs to you and your team.

Provide Regular Training

The best warehouse layout is useless if folks don’t know how to use it. Provide regular training on the importance of keeping the warehouse organized, and keep everyone up to date on warehouse changes and best practices. This helps build knowledge and make efficiency part of the culture.

Invest in an Inventory Control System

There are a number of systems out there that can help you and your staff quickly and easily keep up-to-the-minute records of how much inventory you have. Not only can you cut down on overstock, you can also identify opportunities for improvement. Invest in a system that makes sense to you and get started.

Minimize Safety Stock

Cutting down on overstock is key. Many warehouses keep “safety stock” on hand to keep from being sold out. It’s a principle that many households use—How many of you have extra toilet paper at home? But while a backup case of toilet paper is helpful, a closet full is just wasted space. The same applies to your warehouse. Find the right balance and you’ll be amazed at how much space you can open up.

For new warehouse shelving and racking, and advice on how to make the most of the space you have at hand, call Benco Industrial Equipment at 636-486-1693.

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
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