Having the correct layout for your warehouse is vital for a smooth running and efficient operating system. Whether you are looking for practical ways to improve an existing warehouse, or you are beginning from scratch, this guide shows you what factors are essential in creating the ideal layout.

Planning

To begin designing your ideal warehouse layout, it is best to draw it all out on paper, or a suitable computer program, first. No matter what size or shape of space you have to work with, drawing a plan will give you an overview of what shelving and walkways you can fit in.

Measure your internal space first, and draw an accurate representation on your paper, as this will allow you to visually place shelving in the best position to maximize space and allow for staff to pick or replenish products on shelving with ease.

Temperature

The right temperatures are essential for your warehouse in order to provide a comfortable environment for staff, as well as for keeping stored items in good condition. Warehouse owners will benefit from temperature control systems, such as evaporative cooling systems.

Efficient temperature management will also help your business save costs on energy bills, and measures include reducing drafts, using ceiling fans to redistribute warm air that has risen, and turning off fans in spaces that are unoccupied.

Traffic Flow

When you are designing the ideal layout for your warehouse, you need to make sure that staff are able to move around freely, including carrying or using any equipment they might need. You should also make walkways between using wide enough for machines such as pallet trucks or forklift trucks, should you need them. Creating enough room for traffic to flow between your shelving or racking makes your warehouse run more efficiently and increases production output.

You should also place the different operations that take place within your warehouse in as sequential order as possible, to increase efficiency, For example, you might want to put the materials needed for packaging and shipping close to the distribution area.

Other options to consider for warehouse traffic flow are where to place staff areas, such as break facilities, toilets, as well as office areas within the warehouse.

Scalability

A warehouse that is well-designed will perform just as well when demand is high, as it does when demand is in the normal ranges. It might mean you need to have more staff in the warehouse during busy times, or you might even look at automating some parts of your process. However you decide to design your warehouse, it needs to facilitate your operations and allow them to be flexible enough to meet the changing demands of the market you are in.

Having the ideal warehouse design is something that any owner should strive for. Once you have made your plan, spend some time testing it before committing to its design. It is also recommended you get the professional opinion of a warehouse designer, who will be able to give you solid advice that is based upon your unique circumstances and business needs.