Efficient use of storage space

Expansion, in other words, is rarely the answer. But a correct and adaptable shelving system often is. After all, it helps make the best use of the space available in each dimension. 

A warehouse is a bit like a living creature. It constantly evolves with a business. But as you want to put more and more items in it, capacity becomes increasingly limited. Expanding is often the first thought that pops into your head then. But land prices in Belgium continue to go into crescendo, even if only to put a warehouse on it. And not everyone will find a piece of building land to the left or right of their existing facility. That is also becoming increasingly scarce. The alternative is to take a hard look at the space you do already have available. Are the footprint and height of your building already optimized? Because there are often opportunities there to grow further without logistical concerns. Opportunities that are still too often overlooked today. Think not only in terms of space but also in terms of people. Are they optimally deployed within the current logistics flow? Or is there room for improvement there as well?

Important criteria to consider

Anyone who wants to make the best use of the space available will first of all look at the height. Has every cm³ of space been used? In addition, the type of product you want to store is important. Is it about classic pallets? Heavy loads? Solutions for small pieces? Or is there a lot of long goods waiting in your warehouse? In addition to the type of product, you should look at how quickly materials enter and leave your warehouse and at what frequency. After all, that tells you something about how good accessibility should be. Further, are there certain seasonal peaks to consider? If so, flexible solutions should be considered earlier. Finally, you need to think about your products of tomorrow. Will they still look the same? After all, if you invest in your warehouse today, you want to sign for a solution that will remain suitable in the long term.  

Rack systems good answer to a lot of challenges

To utilize available space in any dimension, shelving systems are a smart solution. After all, they themselves put only a modest footprint down on your available work surface, while creating a lot of additional space in height. However, keep in mind that even if you resolutely choose shelving, there are still a huge number of possibilities to work out a solution tailored to your products and production. So don't take any chances, but discuss with suppliers what will work best in your company and save you time and money in the long run. 

Mobile shelving

For long loads, mobile shelving is sometimes a better solution. They can often use the available space more efficiently than their stationary brethren, especially if this only involves a limited portion of inventory. Moreover, with the many options available, for example to turn on lights only when someone approaches or automatic detection of forklifts, your warehouse can become much more energy efficient but also speed up the work of your operators. Connection with software (MES or ERP) helps push efficiency even higher.

Platforms and systems across multiple floors

By adding a floor or platform, you create additional space without having to make structural changes to the warehouse. They allow staff to work efficiently. Moreover, this solution can also be easily adapted to customers' wishes and needs.

Stationary rack system

Shelving does not have to be mobile to be a good logistics solution. Stationary variants also offer a way to organize your inventory efficiently. A wide range of accessories is available to ensure that shelving systems can be fully customized to your needs. Many shelving systems also allow flexible adaptation as your needs change.