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The Warehouse industry is constantly evolving. Managing a warehouse in today’s climate can be challenging to say the least. This environment is driving change and revealing new trends and solutions to keep warehouse operations running at peak performance.
The main challenges in the warehouse sector at present are:
If getting hold of additional warehouse space or additional staff isn’t an option, better utilising existing warehouse space and employees is crucial to survival. Get in touch.
Below we offer some tips for consideration in the current challenging climate.
Meeting customer demand and exceeding expectations on fulfilment and shipping time is a priority for online retailers and logistics partners. However, many businesses are falling short of the number of warehouse operatives needed to efficiently run the fulfilment process, adding further challenges to the industry.
Implementing technology such as an order management system (OMS) can help with this. Features offered by these systems allow businesses to become more efficient by using platform data to make more informed and calculated decisions around inventory and returns processes. And automating time-consuming tasks will not only save time but also help to reduce errors. This means warehouse workers can work smarter, freeing up time to allow for instances where there are potential staff shortages.
Efficiency is vital within warehouses and fulfilment, centres-ensuring orders are picked, packed and shipped as quickly and accurately as possible. Having a system that streamlines picking and despatch operations is a no-brainer. OMS ystems can provide an insightful overview of inventory – such as best sellers and less popular items making it easier to decide what and how much of particular stock you need, removing the risk of wasting precious warehouse space.
This problem is being felt globally. Regarding tackling this issue in your warehouse whilst remaining loyal, consider having open and transparent conversations; you could be surprised what you can negotiate.
Additionally, have you considered or evaluated the following:
Provide drivers with optimised routes. One wrong route can make all your planning efforts fall by the wayside. Drivers spend more time on the road stuck in traffic or travelling longer-than-necessary distances,. Leading to rocketing fuel usage and expenses. Add in overtime costs for drivers spending more time than estimated on the road, and the bottom line is looking even worse. To ensure accurate and well-optimised routes, consider using a route planner. This tool automates the route-planning process, factoring in traffic, weather conditions, one-ways, avoidance zones, weight and load capacity, and more.
Ensure regular vehicle maintenance. A breakdown is costly. Avoid breakdowns and keep your vehicles in top shape with preventive maintenance. Consider a program that tracks total distance travelled, number of stops and amount of fuel used, as well as regular vehicle inspections to look after the overall health of your vehicles.
Eliminate failed deliveries. Sometimes, your drivers arrive on time, but the customer is unavailable. Such an event jeopardises your other deliveries or appointments and costs you more, as your drivers will need to return to that stop again. One of the most successful ways to improve first-time delivery success is by empowering customers to choose their preferred delivery windows.
If you run out of space for inventory in your distribution centre for any reason, there are several ways to increase capacity without expanding.
Evaluate: Can you extend your racks up vertically?
Extending racking vertically is usually an easy win in creating more warehouse storage space. However, rack extensions can have some pitfalls – for example, the racking uprights or base plates may not be appropriately sized. In that case, an approved inspector can advise whether a rack extension is a viable option.
Types of Warehouse Storage Racks
One challenge to extending racking is finding the best kind of storage racks for the warehouse. Here are some more popular types of warehouse storage racks for your warehouse utilisation:
We hope this has given you some ideas to consider for your warehousing business during these current challenges. If you’d like to discuss how Ikon can assist in extending, reconfiguring and optimising your warehouse space, get in touch.
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Pallet racking is a crucial component of warehouse storage and inventory management. It is designed to support and organise pallets of goods safely and efficiently. One of the most important factors when using pallet racking is the system’s load capacity. Load capacity refers to the maximum weight a pallet racking system can safely support. This includes […]
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The warehousing world has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the need for more efficient supply chain management. As we enter 2024, several key warehousing trends are emerging that industry professionals should closely monitor. These trends are shaping the future of warehousing and have the potential to […]
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Ho ho ho! Greetings, my industrious friends in the wonderful world of warehousing! As we gear up for the most magical time of the year, I couldn’t resist sharing some merry thoughts about a topic close to my heart – the importance of racking inspections. As I meticulously check my sleigh and gear before embarking […]
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Anyone who works in a warehouse can tell you; some things are more difficult to store efficiently than others. Many items come in awkward shapes, differing weights, odd sizes, or combinations from consumer goods to industrial supplies and everything in between. Most warehousing people dread dealing with these items; however, you can do things and […]
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A-Safe RackGuard is top-of-the-line. With over 35 years of experience, A-SAFE has become a globally recognised provider of workplace safety solutions protecting people and assets across multiple sectors worldwide since its inception in 1984. It’s a no-brainer why we’re proud to stock this iconic brand and product. WHY USE A-SAFE RACKGUARD? RackGuard™ confidently provides a reliable protective […]
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In recent years, the demand for high-quality warehouse space has surged to unprecedented levels in the UK and other developed countries. This surge is driven by various factors, including the exponential growth of e-commerce and shifts in supply chain strategies prompted by global events like the recent pandemic and geopolitical changes such as Brexit. These […]
Pallet racking is crucial in many warehouses and distribution centres, allowing for efficient storage and organisation of goods. However, it is essential to ensure that the pallet racking layout is optimised to make the most efficient use of space, reduce the risk of accidents, and improve the overall workflow. In this blog post, we will […]
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Ho ho ho! Greetings, my dear friends in the bustling world of warehousing! As the festive season approaches and my elves busily prepare gifts at the North Pole, I couldn’t resist sharing some merry insights about the magical world of warehouse accessories. After all, I know a thing about logistics and stocking up, so here […]
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Well, what a way to start 2022! Yes, it’s official, we’ve qualified as a SEMA Distributor Company (SDC), meaning that you no longer have to take our word for it; this SEMA qualification indicates that Ikon Solutions is dedicated to the supply of quality storage equipment. If you’re part of the storage equipment world, you’ll know that […]
Pallet Racking is an essential part of any storage facility including warehouses, distribution centres and manufacturing facilities. A pallet racking system will maximise your storage space by making the most of the existing space by allowing the pallets to be stored horizontally and on multiple levels effectively and of course safely. Ever thought how an […]
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Becoming a Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) member was a no brainer. Their values of Building excellence in materials supply align with our own as we always aim to build excellence in materials supply, design, customer relationships and service. The BMF is the only trade association that represents and protects the interests of builders’ merchants and suppliers to […]
Investing in the right pallet racking system optimises warehouse storage space. Pallet racking maximises storage capacity and ensures efficient inventory management and seamless operations. However, navigating the purchasing process can be daunting, especially when deciding whether to engage with a distributor or a manufacturer. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the advantages and considerations […]
Temporary warehouses are increasingly being used to address warehousing space limitations. These structures are versatile, cost-effective, and time-efficient, making them a viable substitute for traditional brick-and-mortar buildings or remote storage facilities. In recent times, permanent buildings have proven to be impractical for investment in warehousing due to their lack of adaptability and lengthy construction times. […]
This year, warehouses have found themselves increasingly dynamic environments as events in the 2021 global supply chain have impacted local businesses. When thinking about longevity and sustainability for your warehouse, having flexible and scalable processes in place are essential. Warehouse management needs to monitor and track changes in the business environment and adopt responsive solutions. […]
If you are considering outsourcing your warehousing, weighing the advantages and disadvantages is essential. On the one hand, outsourcing can enhance your business efficiency and organisational processes. On the other hand, certain factors may influence your decision to outsource your company’s logistics. Keep reading to discover the key benefits and drawbacks of outsourced warehousing. OUTSOURCED […]
In the final part of this blog series, we will explore the strategic aspects of embarking on a warehouse redevelopment project. This endeavour requires thorough planning and a deep understanding of the space involved. Whether you are revitalising an existing facility or designing a new one from scratch, the decisions made during this process can […]
Drive-in racking is a pallet racking system designed to maximise storage space and improve efficiency in a warehouse. It’s a great storage solution for warehouses that store large quantities of similar products that are frequently inaccessible. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of drive-in racking and how it can make a big […]
Properly maintaining pallet racking is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of the system. Regular maintenance can help to identify and prevent potential problems before they occur, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to the system. This blog post will discuss the critical steps for properly maintaining pallet racking and why it is necessary. REGULAR INSPECTIONS. The first […]
and what better way to help the spring clean of your warehouse than by organising your Longspan Shelving. Most businesses, big or small, will have long span shelving. If your business is expanding, you may find that Longspan Shelving is a good alternative for keeping additional paperwork or stock rather than relocating to larger premises. Don’t let […]
Warehouses are a wonderful place (well we think so) but can be filled with many hazards. From fork-lift trucks to heavy items stored on high racking, the list goes on. So It’s important to get your health and safety measures right so that staff can perform their work as safely as possible. The Health and […]
Imagine this scenario – despite their similarities, warehouses are like fingerprints – each is unique. With a wide range of products, diverse service areas, and distinct positions along the supply chain, the operations within these busy spaces can vary significantly. However, there are a few crucial tools that are often overlooked but can inject a […]
Without a doubt, the peak season for European and US warehouses is from October to January. During this period, consumers place orders for the Christmas holiday season, leading to a significant influx of orders at warehouses. This year, peak season promises to be just as challenging as ever due to the significant growth in eCommerce. […]
After much deliberation and planning, we are thrilled to announce that we have relocated our office to the charming town of Belper.
Have you taken a stroll around your warehouse lately? Is it feeling a little errr…. flat? Then, this could be your opportunity to expand your storage capacity. While many warehouses focus on horizontal space utilisation, the often-overlooked vertical space could hold the key to unlocking additional storage without compromising valuable floor space. Let’s explore some […]
When it comes to pallet racking systems, one of the key decisions businesses must make is whether to use wire mesh decks or timber decks. Both types of decks have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on the business’s specific needs. However, this blog post will focus on the benefits of using wire […]
The past year has brought numerous technological advancements in the warehousing industry, paving the way for “Smart Warehouses” – the new frontier in warehouse management. With significant growth in market expansion and automation, 2024 promises to be a highly successful year for forward-thinking managers and teams embracing innovation. Indeed, the advancement of AI and its […]
Warehouses are essential to logistics and supply chain management. They ensure the smooth and efficient distribution of goods. Businesses in the UK have access to a diverse range of warehouse options, from traditional storage facilities to cutting-edge automated warehouses. This blog post will explore each warehouse type, highlighting its unique features, advantages, and suitability for […]
Chances are, if you’re currently perusing this text, you’re likely in the position of managing a warehouse, inventory, or transportation of goods. But have you ever paused to wonder about the origins of warehouses? We certainly have. WHEN IN ROME Throughout history, civilisations used granaries to store extra food in times of scarcity, and modern […]
The warehousing industry is vital to the global supply chain, ensuring goods flow seamlessly from manufacturers to consumers. However, rising operating costs are becoming an increasingly common challenge in this sector. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of escalating costs in warehousing and discuss strategies to overcome them. UNDERSTANDING THE COST DRIVERS Several factors […]
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