Warehouses and godowns are essential units of business. Every production facility or distribution center needs a warehouse or a godown where all its products can be efficiently stored and maintained.
Apart from manufacturers and distributors, logistics and shipping partners are also people who need to maintain a warehouse. Clutter and inefficient racking can disrupt the process of maintaining stock and products in a warehouse.
Efficient racking and shelving is an important subject for organized and efficient warehouses. To maximize the warehouse, smart products such as corner shelving and motorized or automated racking systems are now being used by warehouses and godowns to make sure that the floor plan is utilized to the fullest and the products are stacked and tagged efficiently.
Racking and Shelving
Racking and shelving may seem like similar terms and are usually used interchangeably. Racks and shelves serve the same purpose but have different sizes and functionality. Racks are bigger and can store huge sizes of products in boxes and drums whereas shelves are smaller and more suited to store smaller items in cartons and boxes.
Both of them are fitted in most warehouses and are used distinctively to serve various purposes based on the kinds of products that are handled in the warehouse. Racks are now fitted with motors that can slide and push out the boxes as and when required.
Automated tracking systems can help in finding lots more efficiently and place less strain on employees. Optimized solutions such as these can help in effective organization and efficient warehousing of items and stock in warehouse units.
Tips for Efficient Racking and Shelving
Every warehouse, especially those that work with FMCG goods, garments, chemicals, construction materials, and other such supplies requires plenty of racks and shelves to store products and stocks effectively. Below are some of the best tips to use racks and shelves in a productive manner:
1. Knowing the Product
The kind of product that the warehouse is dealing with is the primary key to choosing the right kind of racks and shelves for the warehouse. Smaller lots require more shelves and lower racks whereas bigger-sized items require high racking and less shelving. Designing the warehouse after knowing which products one would be dealing with is the best way to go.
2. Weight-wise distribution
Weight is one of the primary factors for warehousing. Based on the weight of the items, the right kind of racks and shelves must be decided. Heavyweight items need to be placed low and the center of gravity must be identified to avoid collapses and accidents.
3. Maximum use of floor
The floor of the warehouse can be full of racks and shelves with just the right amount of aisle space if planned properly. Optimum usage of spaces by using high racks, automated or motorized racks, and corner shelving stands can be very useful in storing items more efficiently and also ensuring that the warehouse is used effectively in the most optimum manner.
4. Automated Racking
Racks can be motorized and pellets can move back or forth in a motorized manner when fitted with an automated system. Most of these can even pick the right lot and can be computerized for improved efficiency in warehouses.
5. Regular Inspections
Inspections can help warehouses avoid damages and accidents. The policies and rules of warehousing as per government norms and policy of stakeholders need to be evaluated regularly for quality and weight management of racks.