Warehouse management in itself is a tough job. However, keeping everything organized in a limited space poses greater challenges. While expansion is a good option, it’s not always economical, especially for smaller businesses and start-ups.
Limited space often compromises functionality. Sometimes, it can make inventory and movement of stocks more tedious. In some cases, small warehouses may even require more effort to organize than larger ones due to many issues like the following.
- Failure To Utilize Vertical Space
One typical warehouse organization issue is the failure to maximize every foot. Small warehouses may have limited gross floor area, but vertical space is always available for utilization. Finding ways to use this free space can save time and increase the number of stocks you can hold in one place.
Using a cantilever racking system is the best way to utilize a warehouse’s vertical space. It allows proper and safe stacking of heavy and bulky items while keeping everything organized and accessible. Stackit cantilever racking and other systematic storage solutions can help make your warehouse more efficient.
- Using Inefficient And Outdated Racks
Using the cheapest solution to stack items doesn’t always save you money or time. It’s not enough to find a rack to utilize the overall height of the warehouse. The type of racking system you choose matters more, especially for bulky objects.
Heavy-duty shelves aren’t the most efficient storage solution. One of the most effective solutions is using a cantilever racking system with adjustable arms. This way, you can store items in various lengths and sizes without using different types of racks.
- Lack Of Proper Organization
The lack of proper organization can be challenging, even for large warehouses. In small spaces, organizing the stock is even more difficult since the movement is limited. Whether you’re storing heavy and bulky items or light and tiny ones, disorganized supplies make the job twice as hard.
Creating a systematic plan makes the smallest spaces sufficient for your storage needs. One way to organize your stock is to group them by categories. Place the items frequently bought together next to each other to reduce unnecessary traffic.
Another tip is placing the most popular items in the most accessible areas. The rest can then be placed on the top of the shelves or at the back. The overstock can also be stacked together in one corner with the least traffic.
- Inefficient Floor Layout
An inefficient floor layout is a common challenge in small warehouses. Proper floor planning is often skipped when you focus on cramming the space with as much stock as possible. This issue can make inventory and item movement more complicated.
As a solution, it’s best to set a schedule for stock rearrangement. Sketch a sample floor layout as a guide. It’s best to consult an architect and other professionals to ensure efficiency and safety. After the reorganization, it’s best to conduct refresher training for your staff to introduce the new system.
- Excessive Stock
Overstocking isn’t always wise, mainly if you have limited space. Keeping a ‘safety stock’ is a common practice in warehouses. While it’s good to hold some items to keep them from being sold out, you may have to let them go to create more usable space.
Letting go of excess stock is an excellent solution to maximize your small warehouse. You may still keep a limited amount based on the available space to keep everything organized. Having one designated rack to keep your safety stock is best to avoid overcrowding.
- Poor Item Visibility
Bulky items are easier to find than small ones. However, they become less visible when they’re crammed in a small space with inefficient storage systems. Spending excessive time looking for specific items can compromise warehouse productivity in the long run.
Increasing the visibility of items, regardless of size and weight, relies on an efficient storage system, proper layout, and ample lighting. Having a small warehouse doesn’t automatically save you time for moving items and doing inventory. Innovative space management through the right equipment and modern technology are the keys to better productivity.
- Obstructed Aisles
Another common warehouse organization issue is obstructed aisles. In a crowded environment, obstructions in high-traffic areas can slow down the job. Or worse, it can result in injury-causing accidents, further delaying your schedule and burdening the workforce.
Keeping all the aisles free from obstructions helps to prevent productivity loss and dangerous accidents in the warehouse. Once you move an item, keep it moving to its designated place.
Since the space is limited, it’s best to keep the high-traffic areas clear at all times. This solution is possible by implementing an efficient system and training the workforce to abide by it.
Conclusion
These common warehouse organization issues in small spaces can be solved with simple and straightforward solutions. In most cases, the lack of space isn’t the main hurdle. Instead, it’s failing to imagine and plan how the area should work to accommodate your goals.
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