The features of a warehouse storage system are essential to the arrangement and organization of goods. There are numerous ways to store items in a warehouse that can work for you. There’s no wrong storage system, but there’s the right one for you and your goods.
You may be getting warehouse storage for rent or purchase purposes. Regardless, you need to know the main features that drive a good storage system. Eventually, by understanding the various storage systems, you’ll be able to decide on the best one for you.
The best warehouse storage systems often possess certain vital features discussed in this article. We’ll cover the different types of storage systems available. We’ll also highlight the key elements that make each storage system stand out.
What is a Storage System?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s define what the ideal storage system is. Once you grasp the system, we can dive into the features of warehouse storage systems as a whole. So what is a storage system?
A good warehouse storage system is a collection of solid constructs created to store items as efficiently as possible. The storage systems emphasize space efficiency, accessibility, and product organization following specific parameters.
A common feature of a good warehouse storage system is industrial racking. Industrial rackings are structures fixed onto the floor’s surface of the warehouse. These racks are situated in locations where your goods will be placed.
There are two main types of industrial racking which feature in warehouse storage systems. There’s compact storage which prioritizes space for harbouring many goods. Conversely, there’s direct access racking which enables easy access to your goods in storage.
It’s up to you to decide which industrial racking to use. Both industrial racking options are features of an efficient warehouse and depend on the consumption parameters of your goods.
Related Article: How to Manage Warehouse Storage?
Types of Warehouse Storage Systems
Before we go deeper into the features of warehouse storage systems, let’s look at some of the types of storage systems available. As we said before, there’s no explicitly wrong storage system, but you must choose the right one for your goods.
Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving involves the use of adjustable shelves for storing your goods. This warehouse storage system is ideal for placing items you’ll pick manually. However, mobile shelves are designed to hold fewer items than other forms of shelving.
Nevertheless, the mobile shelves are placed on rails that allow rearrangement, making your items more accessible. Mobile shelving is one of the best warehouse storage features because the shelves possess manual or mechanized tracks for relocating the shelves themselves.
Static Shelving
Static shelving is a more rigid feature of warehouse storage systems. These stationary shelves are crafted to stay put in one spot. However, the fixed shelves can withstand a considerable amount of weight. Hence, these stationary shelves can hold more weight than mobile shelves.
Furthermore, the static shelves are ideal for goods that require frequent replacement. However, despite these features of good warehouse storage with static shelving, forklifts are not compatible with their rigid nature. Hence, you’ll have to store manually picked items.
Multi-Tier Racking
The multi-tier racking is a good feature of warehouse storage for storing large stash of items with small unit sizes within. This system also favours vertical storage so you can stack multiple items on the racks.
The multi-tier racking is a flexible option for ensuring an efficient warehouse storage system. The racks have removable tiers, which ease the stress of organization and allow access to urgent items.
You can stack lightweight items on the multi-tier racking system by packing them together. Nevertheless, you’ll still be able to access any particular cluster of things at any given moment.
Pallet Racking
Concerning large and busy warehouses, pallet racking is the best warehouse storage system. The pallet rack can come in different materials like wood, metal or plastic. Also, the pallet racking system favours the use of a forklift and allows for ample storage of boxes.
Another feature of this warehouse storage system is its versatility. The pallet racking features tons of categories for stacking your goods. These racking options include drive-in racking, carton flow racking, narrow aisle racking, and more.
Wire Partitions
While wire partitions may not have the best warehouse storage features, they are ideal for the unique security of packages. The wire partitions usually last for short periods and are great for building makeshift offices.
So, if you’re looking for temporary features for your warehouse storage system, wire partitions are the way to go. Since you can tear down the partitions, you’ll be able to rearrange space in your warehouse.
Mezzanine Flooring
The mezzanine is ideal if you’re looking for a suitable warehouse storage system with a strategic design. However, the addition of a mezzanine may not be budget-friendly. Nevertheless, the extra floor can create more space for more intrusive items.
Key Features of a Good Warehouse Storage
Now you know what type of warehouse storage in Ontario to look out for. Let’s examine the main features to keep an eye on when choosing a warehouse storage system.
Updated System Software
The organization is the backbone of warehouse inventory. This feature of the warehouse storage system ensures that you have an up-to-date inventory system to keep track of all your goods.
There are different software programs to pick from. However, ensure to choose the one that suits your warehouse management style.
Adequate Security
No matter what type of warehouse storage system you operate, you’re bound to move and store expensive items. Hence, it would help if you were on the lookout for criminal elements that may want to obtain your goods.
Ensure to install working CCTV cameras with efficient guards that monitor every movement. Security is always a worthwhile investment. So, it’s better to prevent any property loss in the first place.
Licensed and Competent Workers
Your staff is an essential feature of a good warehouse storage system. However, you need to ensure that your staff is adequately trained in their fields. A competent set of skilled workers will significantly boost the productivity of your warehouse.
Ensure that your employees get the full breakdown of the warehouse’s day-to-day activities. You’ll significantly reduce the risks of costly mistakes by imbibing the necessary safety measures in your staff.
Related Article: How Do Providers Charge for Warehouse Storage?
Conclusion
The features of a warehouse storage system are vital to its success and efficiency. Firstly, you need to evaluate which type best suits your needs properly. Secondly, you need to ensure that the above-mentioned vital features are present in your warehouse.
However, if you find managing a storage system tedious, we’re here to help. RoadLINX offers adequate and effective warehouse storage services to cater to your needs. We cover all the necessary features needed to make a warehouse run smoothly.
