Space management: a real headache for warehouse managers! | RAJA
4min read
07/11/2019
Lack of free space is becoming a major concern in the design of a logistics warehouse. Between storing supplies and storing different products, it is often not easy for warehouse managers to make the best use of free space while ensuring good circulation. However, there are better tools available for optimal use of warehouse space. Here are some tips.
How to optimise your warehouse space?
making the most of available space has become a challenge for warehouse managers, who must also ensure that there is sufficient stock of products and packaging supplies.Setting aside large areas for packaging storage may sometimes be necessary, but there are several other effective ways to reduce storage costs and make the most of available space, while minimising waste and ensuring that packages are well protected.Here are some effective tips for optimising space in your warehouse:
Optimise your use of pallets
Some alternatives to explore
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Moulded wooden pallets are twice as light and stack more easily (optimising space in height) while supporting up to 1250 kg in dynamic load!
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Nestable cardboard pallets are even more compact(50 pallets nested on 1 m high).
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The mini click-pallet is sometimes sufficient.
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Finally, the pallet box is a fast and compact solution for export.
test the instant crate
Delivered flat packed, the instant crate (also known as a self-bottom crate) not only saves time in assembly but also space in storage.
With standard crates, we had to form the crates up front and then make a pile of crates next to each picker. This cluttered up the space and reduced the flow of traffic in the warehouse. The self-bottom crate saved time in preparation while reducing the amount of working space required
Jean-Baptiste de Premesnil, buyer at QuiToque (RAJA conference, Paris Retail Week 2017)
the advantages of the instant boxes are as follows
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Reduction of preparation time for each package;
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Reduction in the amount of work space required;
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Reduction of RSI (fingers and wrists);
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Improved overall profitability for each operator.
Managing empty space
The different ways of freeing up storage space include the use of an A4 paper pack and the use of foam.
The use of an A4 paper pack / crumpled paper
The use of crumpled paper cushioning
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Creates the same fill as three large bags of polystyrene particles;
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Frees up storage space;
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Etc.
the use of foam
Foam
works by a chemical reaction resulting from the fusion of two substances that can spread inside the protective bag.
It is only after the bag is placed inside a box where the foam continuously spreads around the contours of the item to form a solid protective bulwark.This is a solution that allows shapes to be fitted to the protective foam rather than storing bits of solid foam of various sizes and shapes.
Foam works by
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Forms a strong protective envelope, which fits snugly around the strength of the object.
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Reducing the need to store quantities of pre-formedfoam tips or corner protectorson site.
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The foam can be supplied in the form of polyurethane foam bags, which are delivered folded and flat, to be shaped by hand: easy to use, they take up little storage space and are very light
revisiting storage spaces
Modular shelving and storage bins allow you to make the most of your storage space. Take the time to run simulations by calculating shelf dimensions, aisle widths, etc
To save time, you can ask a RAJA expert to visit your warehouse free of charge.
BONUS – Should you switch to mobile racks?
To free up space and make your storage racks mobile, you should opt for a mobile rack. If you have 10 rows of storage racks, for example, that’s like 9 aisles that take up a lot of floor space. So, by eliminating 8 of those aisles, you can almost double the amount of storage space you already have.
However, to do this, you simply put your rack and shelves on sliding trolleys that can be pushed to free up the aisle space. By doing this, you’ll make it a lot easier for you to access the racks and rows of shelves.
The
benefits of mobile racks are many
- It increases your availablestorage space;
- It makes storage logistics easier for your employees;
- It makes it possible to move the shelves;
- It facilitates the circulation within the premises.
it is a potentially heavy investment, so you have to weigh it up
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the gain of space in the long term (thus your capacity to stay longer in the same warehouse)
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and the cost of installation
Conclusion: the three key points to remember
- Poor utilisation of space in warehouses is one of the problems that hinders efficient warehouse operations.
- Improving the speed of picking can also reduce the amount of picking space
- There are many low-cost solutions to save space, but you need to take the time to rethink your space, and ideally test the new layout during a slow period in your business.
