The Way You Store Pallets Can Improve Your Business
There are many reasons why it is important to find a good way to organize the pallets in your warehouse. Not only can a proper storing technique help with efficiency, but it can also ensure the safety of your employees and improve their workflow. Additionally, good storage can keep the pallets you buy for your business in good condition which can also help the lifespan of your pallets. When buying your pallets from Franke’s we will also show you how you can invest in taking care of the pallets you buy from us. Let us show you how you can establish best practices to achieve goals and have a successful business.
Why Does My Business Need Pallet Storage?
Pallet storage is necessary for any warehouse. Having a plan for your product storage will help keep your warehouse tidy and efficient. Staying organized can also help you and your employees get the most out of your space and your workday. Making an investment in the organization can be costly upfront depending on the system that you choose. Having a clear view of your business goals and what you expect the future of your business to look like will help you make the decision of which organizational method is best for your business. Below are a few reasons why you should reconsider how you are storing your warehouse pallets.
Optimize the Space in Your Warehouse
It is important to maximize all the space in your warehouse. This will allow you to make sure every square foot of your warehouse is used efficiently. One way you can optimize your space is by creating a dedicated zone that is only for the storage of empty pallets.
By creating this zone, you are able to keep your warehouse organized and keep the surrounding area clear. This will make it more accessible for forklifts and pickers to quickly get the pallets they need to keep fulfillment at a good pace.
Maximize Your Warehouse’s Efficiency
The way you organize your pallets can majorly affect the efficiency of your warehouse. The strategic placement of your pallets can reduce travel time for your employees. There will also be less risks of accidents and traffic jams. By keeping the zone clear you allow easy and safe picking. All of these things will positively affect the speed at which your warehouse runs.
What Is a Good Way For Me To Store A Pallet?
There are many ways that you can organize pallets. Some ways are more efficient than others. After assessing all of your options, you need to take time to consider how each method will affect your warehouse space and its efficiency. Also, consider working with your warehouse leads and trusted employees who will be the main people working in this space. They will be able to share their thoughts and opinions to help you make the best-educated decision on which method to proceed with. Below are a few different ways you can consider storing your pallets.
Selective Racking
Selective pallet racking is a system that allows you to have easy access to each pallet in storage. It is a popular choice among warehouses as it gives you direct access to any pallet at any given time. This allows workers to pull products quickly and keep a high turnover rate. Pallets are stored in single pallet deep rows. Depending on the organization system you buy, you also have the option to have multiple levels to which a forklift or other equipment can have access.
Drive-In and Drive-Thru Racking
Drive-in and drive-thru racking is a good option if you are looking for a high-density pallet storage system. This system is made up of multiple racks that will make lanes to hold multiple pallets. A disadvantage to this system is the limitation of stock rotation.
Push Back Racking
Push-back racking is another storage method that allows for high-density storage. Like the selective option above, the push-back method also has multiple rows for pallets to be stored. The only difference is with the push-back method, you organize multiple pallets in a row instead of one pallet per bay. Some warehouses may choose to store 2 to 6 pallets deep in each row. The disadvantage to this method is you would need to move any pallets that may be blocking the pallet you may need access to. With good planning and communication, this is a disadvantage that could be avoided.
Pallet Flow Structures
Pallet flow structures use gravity to allow pallets to flow forward for picking. Each rack is sloped with the highest point at the back of the structure. Each structure also has wheels or rollers that allow pallets to automatically move forward. You load full pallets on the back end of the shelf and the product gently flows down to the picking position at the front of the aisle. Once that pallet is clear, the loaded pallet behind automatically moves forward so picking can continue.
Block Stacking
Block stacking is a storage technique that allows you to optimize your warehouse space without racks. Pallets or boxes are stacked on top of one another on the floor of the warehouse. If you do not have a good plan when stacking pallets and boxes, you can over stack which may result in your stacks collapsing. This can be very unsafe for you and your employees. It also could result in injuries or death. You need to be very cautious if proceeding with this method.
Ensuring Safety Is Key
With any storage solution you choose, you should always regularly inspect your storage systems for damage and make sure they meet safety standards. You also should train your employees on proper stacking techniques to prevent accidents. Making the aisles of your facility will help your employees make sure aisle are free of obstructions which can lead to accidents.
Consider the Climate of Your Space
If you have temperature-sensitive products you need to ensure your warehouse has proper systems in place. How you store your pallets will help with the organization of a warehouse’s climate changes. It is also important to consider storing pallets that have similar temperature requirements together.
Mold and Pallet Storage
Often, pallets are stored outside or in drop trailers. Because of this, airflow is key, and having your pallets covered is best. Risks of mold growth are higher in the summer months with the heat and humidity, so storing location as well as inventory turning is important to take extra care during these months. However, there is no guaranteed way to prevent mold, but you can take steps to reduce the chances of growth.
Have A Plan for Your Business’s Future
Thinking ahead of what storage accommodations you may need in the future will help you decide how to proceed today. When deciding on your layout and organizational system, you need to allow yourself to be flexible with changes so you can accommodate changes in inventory size and type.
Find A Pallet Organization Solution Today for Your Business!
There are many ways you can decide to organize the pallets in your warehouse. You need to decide which method makes the most sense for your business and how each will affect the efficiency of your employees. Investing in these storage methods can help your business achieve bigger goals. You have spent so much money getting your business started and investing in well-made pallets, you should make the effort to take care of them to get the most out of your investment. Pallets from Franke’s are made with quality, and you can trust that our products will be of high standard every time. We will always offer reliable products, and we want you to get the most out of our pallets. Contact us today and we will work with you on what we think the best storage solution is for your business. If you have any additional questions or would like a further explanation of any of these options, please email us and let Franke’s support your business further beyond making your pallets!