With booming order volumes, maximizing warehouse storage is make or break. But with so many options, how do you pick the suitable storage systems?
Here’s a quick guide to choosing solutions tailored to your operation.
Start with Your SKUs
First, audit your entire product mix: Tally up SKUS, volumes and throughput rate. Identify your fastest movers that require easy access. Make a note of slower items that should get stored in a different manner from your fast movers.
This granular analysis helps reveal ideal storage methods by SKU. You can allocate the appropriate rack types to high-velocity SKUs that turn constantly. Reserve other solutions – like case flow – for slower items, distributed less frequently.
Consider Dimensions
Factor in dimensions, too. Oversized or odd-shaped items may require specialized solutions.
Bulky goods may need pallet racking with specialized bay sizes. Super small goods do well in flow racks or shelving set up for hand picking. Know your biggest, tallest, shortest, and narrowest SKUs.
This ensures you choose storage systems with the right-sized slots, clearances, and accessibility.
Evaluate Expansion Needs
Growth happens, so consider expansion needs. Flexible systems adapt best when volumes or SKUs fluctuate.
Select pallet racking with multiple configurations to flex with your needs. Plan ahead for any rack expansions if you anticipate significant growth.
It is the right size today, but the design is flexible for tomorrow.
Mix Solutions as Needed
Don’t necessarily rely on just one type of storage. Use different solutions across zones based on velocity, dimensions, and access needs.
Fast-pick areas want solutions with high selectivity. Reserve pallet racking for bulk reserve storage. Pick modules and carousels to optimize slow SKUs and so on. There’s nothing wrong with utilizing multiple rack types in your warehouse.
