Warehouses do not normally manage inventory in a single format. Palletised products, cartoned items and totes can all be handled within a facility, which means that there will be varying needs for storage, handling and picking of items. This can make the entire process inefficient and cumbersome without a plan in place.
A good warehouse storage solution involves the design of a system where all inventory formats can coexist efficiently without hampering any processes in the process. Rather than treating each individual inventory format as an isolated system, organisations should ensure that inventory zones work harmoniously together.
Understanding The Challenges Of Mixed-Format Inventory
Various storage methods involve various operating requirements. While pallet storage necessitates wider aisles and heavy handling of loads, carton and tote storage entails access to picking locations and replenishment organisation.
Problems typically include:
- Inconsistent use of storage space in the warehouse
- Greater travelling distance for picking operations
- Traffic between storage and transportation paths
- Reduced replenishment speed in inventory areas
- Greater handling errors during relocation
In order to solve these problems, storage density and accessibility must be balanced rather than maximised at the expense of the other.
Building a Balanced Storage Strategy
An effective storage strategy starts with studying the flow of inventories instead of just classifying the inventories according to their sizes.
Some of the factors to take into account are:
- Locate high-turn pallets close to receiving and shipping zones.
- Fast-moving cartons must be near picking stations.
- To locate totes where the operators can replenish them conveniently.
- Separate foot and equipment traffic where feasible.
- Monitor inventory profiles often and change storage allocations as necessary.
This will minimise unnecessary movement and increase efficiency and accuracy.
Improving Material Flow Across Warehouse Operations
Storage options have a direct impact on how materials move around within the warehouse. The flow of materials will be smoother if they move from receiving to storage to replenishing and picking to dispatch without much interruption.
Technology can also play an important part in ensuring continuity of the processes. The automated loading and unloading of pallets is less disruptive and helps ensure continuity, especially in warehouses where huge amounts of materials move in tandem with smaller picking loads.
How Addverb Supports Storage Efficiency
Addverb offers automated warehouse systems that allow companies to maximise their warehousing space, streamline their material flow, and facilitate growth-oriented operations in warehouses, distribution centres, and manufacturing plants.
One such solution offered by Addverb is the FlowT, which is an autonomous forklift capable of moving pallets of up to 2,000 kg without requiring any special infrastructural elements. It uses LiDAR, high-end safety sensors, and accurate dock functionality.
Conclusion
The handling of pallets, cartons, and totes is not just a matter of having more storage space. A good warehouse storage solution includes effective layout, organisation, and material flow to optimise space and achieve productivity and accuracy in order picking. As inventory needs continue to change, companies which implement flexible storage solutions along with proper technology automation will benefit from it.