A Backsafe Australia Storage Solution: How To Get Your Workplace Storage Ship-Shape

08 Apr 2019

1. Assess demand of goods

Before designing any inventory solution, you must assess the demand of goods now and in the near-future. Evaluate which types of goods are in high demand so they are the easiest to access. Looking at sales or demand volume, you can design your space based on frequency of picked goods.

2. Assess types of goods

The types of goods your warehouse stores will determine what kinds of racks and shelves it should have for most efficient use of space. Looking at the example of Komatsu’s build, their requirements were based on maximising space and efficient picking of machine parts. This meant they needed pallet racking compatibility. Their cage needed to be stacked, be of exact sizes, have good drainage, removable sides, and a lasting construction to ensure longevity.

3. Create a useful layout and design

All industries have a workflow of some type – where goods come in and where they end up – and designing a workplace storage system around this principle is crucial for success. The demand of goods can often eliminate some possibilities when it comes to layout design. The layout should be based on all requirements of the workflow. How large does your warehouse receiving area need to be? What about dispatch? Once this is determined, does your warehouse need forklift access to the most in-demand goods? Is it easier to keep them at receiving or dispatch? This can ease bottlenecks before they arise. In Komatsu’s build, pallet racking and stacking compatibility was of high importance, as was fork pocket configuration to ensure futureproofing. This ensured the design of storage was easy to access and transport.

4. Implement Inventory Management Programs

Inventory management programs such as computer inventory management uses barcodes or RFID to scan and track items. In retail warehouses, this can also keep track of prices and stock levels, ensuring re-orders when item inventory is running low. Inventory management also eliminates the need for manual stocktake, which otherwise means lost man-hours in counting stock. This can also figure out changing demand for goods, which means they can be placed more efficiently.

5. Upkeep and consistency

Upkeep is vital to maintaining a robust and efficient warehouse. A warehouse must have a system in place to restock shelves with items that are not in the correct spot and perform quality control. There should be rules about removal and return of tools and cleanliness in aisles. These should be consistent across all areas of the warehouse and be reinforced with regular training.

To get a robust warehouse storage design solution for your business, call Backsafe Australia on 1300 305 314 to get a custom solution that fits you.

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