To ensure the long-term profitability of this investment, comprehensive planning of the layout is indispensable. This planning must envision a sufficiently spacious area, a clear storage system, and user-friendly utilization. If the prospect of making all these decisions seems overwhelming, it is wise to seek the expertise of competent professionals to guide you through this process.
Whether benefiting from external advice or conducting planning internally, certain aspects must be considered to ensure the realization of an optimal warehouse.
The planning in three steps:
Define requirements: This step includes determining the size of the storage space, the available budget, the type of goods to be stored, etc.
Plan the warehouse in detail: This involves choosing the appropriate type of modular shelving and necessary handling equipment. Arrange the warehouse: Once the plan is established, it is essential to implement it while adhering to current standards and regulations, particularly regarding floor marking.
The distinction between storage technique and warehouse layout: It is important to differentiate between storage technique and warehouse layout. While layout mainly concerns storage structures such as shelves and cabinets, storage technique also encompasses other aspects such as handling equipment, workstations, computer systems, etc.
The criteria to consider:
Location: It is essential to choose a geographically accessible, sufficiently spacious, and affordable location.
Warehouse size: The available area must correspond to storage needs while also considering space required for handling equipment and personnel.
Stored goods: It is crucial to determine which types of goods will be stored, their size, weight, etc. Costs and budget: A precise budget must be established to plan the warehouse cost-effectively. Rotation speed: Some items will be moved more frequently than others, which must be taken into account in warehouse planning. Goods in and out: Adequate access lanes must be provided to facilitate delivery and removal of goods. Safety rules: It is imperative to comply with safety and hygiene regulations to ensure the protection of personnel and property. Additional premises: It may be necessary to provide additional spaces for stock management, offices, workshops, etc. Allocation of storage locations: It is important to choose an appropriate stock management system to optimize the use of available space.Different types of shelving and their applications: There are various modular shelving options suitable for different types of goods and warehouse environments. Among the main options are shelving racks, pallet racks, open racks, cantilever racks, etc.
In conclusion, meticulous planning of warehouse layout allows optimization of workflow and improvement of operational efficiency. By considering the specific requirements of the company and selecting appropriate equipment and storage systems, it is possible to create a functional and profitable warehouse.