Warehouse maximization is a key component when owning or managing a warehouse. Over time, you will eventually run out of space due to a number of things including seasonal/quarterly growth, discount selling/buying, and natural accumulation of overstock, to name a few reasons. Although some may think they will never run out of space if they just buy a large enough warehouse, this isn’t necessarily the right approach to take. Despite that type of area, a large warehouse can come with many unforeseen consequences. With the ability to store more inventory, it is less likely for all of the available space to be utilized.
With more space comes higher costs. Often, more travel time between products results in higher fuel costs. A larger warehouse could also be a waste of money if it’s possible to simply make more efficient use of a smaller warehouse space. Learning to run a warehouse with lower costs will maximize your company’s overall productivity and success.
Many assume they should just expand or relocate to gain more warehouse space. Again, better utilizing the current space may be able to solve the warehouse space problem while saving a significant amount of time and money. Just by taking advantage of your current space, you can increase your warehouse efficiency. Within the next few paragraphs, you will learn how to maximize your warehouse space, and realize the benefits of doing so.
Simple Steps to Increase Warehouse Maximization
We’ve compiled a list of tips and steps to help maximize your warehouse storage area.
1. Reorganize based on product type so that inventory can be easily found.
2. Organize neatly, but also logically. This includes leaving walkways clear to lessen obstacles throughout the warehouse.
3. Recognize existing non-used space, and mark it to be used later on.
4. Remove unneeded items to increase available space. By removing this excess inventory, you can create space for the more high volume, high priority items while saving money by not housing unnecessary stock.
5. Change the location of products that are used most frequently to more convenient locations.
6. Minimize aisle widths to increase space for your inventory.7. Make use of the warehouses’ vertical space. Be sure to research any stacking restrictions. Storing inventory vertically with pallet racking can quickly increase the available floor space in your warehouse.
8. Utilize individual container space by measuring products to fit accurately in each designated container, minimizing wasted space. This also includes confirming that products are in their designated container so that the space is fully utilized, saving time when it comes to finding inventory.
9. Find and stick to a method of organization. There are both random and fixed organizational methods one can choose to get a warehouse on the track towards better organization.
10. The Random method places inventory where ever it fits. The fixed method, on the other hand, has designated locations for each product. This second system can be more organized, but can also produce a lot of wasted space.
Are you spending too much time and money on storage? Could you be more efficient with your warehouse? Is your warehouse layout the best fit for its space? Optimizing your warehouse space can help answer all of these questions. By looking at your current and future needs, you can take a step back and figure out what kind of change your warehouse needs. If you follow even a few of the tips recommended, your warehouse space will be better optimized. Always stay aware of your space.