Don’t Leave Your Warehouse Unorganized

Posted on: 5 June 2020

Materials handling is a skill you should get to know if you want to run a global business. International companies are shipping items all over the world on a 24/7 basis. Even young stay-at-home moms have been able to start businesses in their garage that went on to become large businesses with warehouses and handling needs. 

Organizing your warehouse pallet racks will help you move freight and merchandise skillfully.

1. Install a vertical pallet racking system to clear out some space

Using more of your vertical space is the secret to an organized warehouse. You can get this with a vertical pallet racking system. Using these racks clears out your pallets so that your warehouse floor doesn't get too packed. This will block the flow of traffic and can even create accidents.

Pallet racking systems buy you more storage density. It lets you get more creative with how you manage your shipments and any kind of equipment or inventory that you keep in the warehouse. They're built with solid aluminum or steel. You can arrange the racks however is most effective. Selective pallet racks, pushback pallet racks, and teardrop pallet racks are some that you can choose.

2. Lease or buy equipment that helps to arrange pallets and other shipments

Forklifts are the tool that you need the most to stack your pallets how they should be. These lifts let you arrange your pallets vertically and in whatever strategy is best. First-out (FIFO) inventory management is a common methodology that uses gravity to easily stack your pallets. Study the vertical limits of your forklift and the lifting capacity so you can decide on the methodology that is easiest to stick to. If you have drive-in racks, put clearance signs overhead to discourage accidents. Consider how many forklifts you need. A single forklift can cost $15,000 to purchase. Leasing options can give you quick access to one for cheaper.

3. Label and barcode everything that needs to be scanned and archived

Lost or missing inventory means lost money. Barcode systems and scanners let you track items for every leg of the supply chain. Appoint a manager that can help with all of your shipping and sorting. Subscribe to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) so you can automate as much of it as you can. A good manager and warehouse software help to connect the dots.

Warehouse management becomes a lot easier when you have pallet racking and a system that works.