Warehouse executives are probably ambivalent about the problem of needing to find more space in their warehouse. They don’t want the extra expense of moving or expanding the building, but they don’t want to give up on new business.
There are options, however, without making any changes to the structure of your warehouse. The options include:
(Courtesy: Robert Smith at flickr.com)
• Narrowing aisles
• Expand up
• Modify pallet rack designs
• Explore storage and pallet racking options
Narrow The Aisles
At first take it may look impossible pursuing a narrower aisle solution. You’re probably wondering if there are forklifts, reach trucks, and pallet jacks available that could maneuver in the smaller space. Actually, material handling manufacturers do offer options for warehouses that utilize narrower aisles. Consult with your manufacturer and/or supplier to see if they off alternatives and, if so, how much space you cut out of your aisles. It is said that aisles can be modified so that they’re generally 8.5 to 10.5-feet wide. There are available equipment that will accommodate the change.
To determine how much square footage might be reclaimed, measure your aisles and then calculate the minimum aisle width necessary to accommodate your current fleet of forklifts.
Expand Up
You can always expand storage space on your warehouse floor vertically. Only the ceiling’s the limit. Of course, if your warehouse is located in earthquake territory, then you’ll have to make sure that you follow rules when modifying your storage upward. You will also have to consider how high your current fleet of forklifts can reach. There are standard lifts that can reach 10 to 15-feet high. If you need even more space, there is equipment that can lift as high as 36-feet.
If your warehouse is bursting the seams with seasonal products, then an upward expansion should work for you.
When making modifications, ensure that you leave adequate open space under light fixtures and sprinkler systems. Moreover, keep in mind safety considerations.
Modify Pallet Rack Designs
Another change you can make to assure more space is to modify your storage system. For example, rows of rack can be repositioned, you can add more metal shelving, and you can modify your pallet racks. You can even design drive-in or drive-thru pallet racks. They take up less space than standard pallet racks.
Explore Storage And Pallet Racking Alternatives
There are different types of warehouse rack storage alternatives you can use in your warehouse. They include:
• Roll form or structural steel racks
• Back-racking
• Pallet flow racks
• Drive-in/Drive-through racks
• Roll-formed cantilever racks
(Source: tmhnc.com)