A 9 step checklist to help you plan what you need for your storage system.
1. What's your workflow?
Storage will affect your workflows, speed and productivity if not planned with efficiency in mind. Key factors could include if you operate a FIFO (first-in-first-out) or Last-in-first-out (LIFO) stock system, if there are items you need to access frequently, or if you're on a production or fulfilment line and there are items that need to be close to your working areas.
2. What access do you need?
How do people and vehicles move around your storage areas? Make sure your floorplan takes into account access for people, trolleys, forklifts or other vehicles so that you can maximise both productivity and safety.
3. Weight & Dimensions
A common mistake made with DIY racking systems is that the shelving cannot take the weight required, all too often we've seen shelving that has bowed, creating a safety issue. Different shelving types will take different loads, check your requirements to ensure your system is up to spec.
4. Have you got an accurate floor plan?
Measuring up can be more tricky than it looks. A common problem is shelving creep where measurements haven't accounted for space needed for attaching uprights and even door jams. A good shelving and racking supplier will be able to help you here - and even more importantly, they can often design a system that gets you more storage space that you thought was possible in the space.
5. Types of products - food to tyres
Your shelving needs will be different depending on the product you're storing; for example, food and healthcare stock will need to factor in hygiene and temperature requirements, whereas mechanical parts or tyres may simply need to account for weight and access.
6. Integration with existing interiors
Updating your storage system is a great opportunity to look at your overall workspace and what improvements you can make to accommodate a growing team or changes in the way you work. This might include looking at adding in a mezzanine floor which could accommodate offices, workspaces and further storage.
7. Vertical space
Do you have too much unused airspace? Racking (as well as mezzanine systems) can help you make use of the full height of your unit by using all you roof space. Multi-tier racking needs to be installed by experts but can be an excellent use of space, potentially reducing the need to invest in new buildings for additional working areas or storage.
8. Research you racking system options
There are many types of racking all designed for different scenarios; this could include pallet racking, cantilever, multi-tier and even drive-in industrial racking systems. Each will have its benefits and an experienced racking installation company will be able to help you with the specifications for your business.
9. Safety and compliance
The Health & safety Executive (HSE) and the Storage Wequipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) both have industry standards to follow for the safe installation of storage systems. The standards will affect what you can do in your space, some key considerations include:
Check the loading capacity of the planned system and do not exceed it
Train employees on safety, load capacity and safety requirements working around industrial shelving and racking.
Add regular inspections into your annual storage budget. Accidents can be prevented when businesses take action quickly when signs of wear and team and excess loads are identified.
And finally, safe and effective storage systems can be complex to plan and install. By working with a professional installation company like Phoenix Systems you can make sure you meet your requirements without wasting time or busting your budget.
Contact us at info@phoenix-sys.co.uk or call us on 01903 765366 to discuss all your racking needs!
