Warehouse storage can seem straightforward but is as variable as every industry’s business needs. Distribution centres may require compact pallet racking solutions because their inventory contains many small, uniform items. Large operations may rely on bulk storage solutions that can store equipment. Commercial buildings may need an office storage mechanism that makes accessibility and optimal use of space possible. Whatever the demand, companies must apply specific warehouse storage solutions to their industrial shelving and racking systems that accommodate their operations.
This is where this article can come in handy. It outlines seven essential warehouse storage techniques for businesses needing to store large amounts of stock effectively.
7 Storage Techniques Using Industrial Shelving and Racking Systems
Accessibility Technique
Easy access to stored items is a primary goal for any warehouse storage setup. For businesses with frequent product turnover or items that need quick recovery. Using selective racking systems is a constructive strategy that ensures employees can effortlessly access individual pallets without moving other items. Selective racking systems are most ideal for warehouse storage where products have different SKUs or sizes and require immediate access.
A well-organised layout that ensures aisles are wide enough for forklifts or manual handling equipment to navigate comfortably is necessary to improve accessibility.
Turnover (Movement Rate) Technique
Turnover-based racking is a fundamental storage technique to manage high-turnover inventory. High-turnover goods should be stored in a manner that accommodates fast loading and unloading to reduce delays in stock movement. Businesses can optimise how products are stored and picked using flow racking systems or FIFO (First-In-First-Out) racking.
Food distribution centres or retail environments are great illustrations. Because their products must be cycled regularly, they can benefit from warehouse storage techniques that allow for smooth stock movement. This guarantees that items are always ready for dispatch.
Product Technique
The product technique focuses on organising storage racking according to the type of product being stored. Operations with diverse inventory can streamline both storage and retrieval processes by grouping products by their characteristics – size, shape, weight, or fragility. Heavy or bulky items are instances that may require bulk storage racking systems. Smaller items may fit best in compact shelving or pallet racking systems that allow efficient use of vertical space.
Categorising items based on their storage requirements minimises damage risk and improves picking efficiency, which can be crucial for lowering operational costs and improving productivity.
Bulk Items Technique
Warehouses dealing with large, heavy, or irregularly shaped items require bulk storage racking. Bulk storage systems, like cantilever racking or drive-in racking, provide for the secure storage of oversized or palletised loads. Bulk storage racking is mainly useful for industries storing heavy machinery, construction materials, or large batches of raw goods.
Businesses can maximise floor space, minimise clutter, and increase safety by keeping oversized loads securely in place and using warehouse storage techniques designed for bulk items.
Vertical Storage Technique
Leveraging vertical space is a worthwhile way to boost storage capacity without extending your warehouse. Vertical storage racking systems, such as multi-tier shelving or mezzanine racking, are created to utilise the full height of a warehouse and facilitate the structured storage of items from floor to ceiling.
This technique is perfect for depots with limited floor space but substantial overhead room. Businesses can amplify their inventory capacity while maintaining a smooth flow of goods by employing vertical storage methods.
Selective Racking Technique
Selective racking is one of the most common and versatile warehouse racking techniques. It allows direct access to each pallet or item stored so it’s suitable for businesses with an extensive selection of products. Forklifts can access any pallet in the system without moving others, making it highly impactful for warehouses that require flexibility in stock management.
Distribution centres or large operations that need constant entrance to different items can use this technique so that products are always within reach. It helps limit time spent locating and retrieving stock.
Weighted Storage (Heavy Items on the Bottom) Technique
Weight distribution is important for warehouse safety and efficiency. Businesses can prevent the tipping or collapsing of shelving units by storing heavy items on the lower shelves and lighter ones on top. This weighted storage technique is most useful for bulk storage racking and industrial shelving systems, where stability is core to maintaining a safe environment.
Operations can improve safety while enhancing their storage capacity as they correctly balance weight loads. This way, both employees and inventory remain protected from potential accidents.
In Summary
Reviewing and implementing the right warehouse racking and storage techniques can establish a systematic, organised, and safe warehouse. A business that handles high-turnover products or large, heavy equipment can be improved using the right industrial shelving and storage racking systems. They can help improve workflow, maximise space, and ensure accessibility. Between selective racking and vertical storage, these techniques offer a comprehensive guide to creating a developed warehouse that meets the specific conditions of your operations.Krost Shelving’s solutions are specialised design, production, and implementation of high-quality storage systems. Our catalogue contains Shelf Units, Racking Systems, Mezzanine Floors, and Storage Lockers that are crafted with your business in mind. Contact Krost Shelving today to optimise your space.
