You could be on this article as you’re curious to know what you need to maximise your storage capacity and improve your production efficiency without having to expand your current space.
The answer may be simpler than you thought.
Usually, an increase in productivity and efficiency requires new space for storage and employing operations management, else you would need to slow down delivery times. What if we told you there’s another way to increase your production, optimise your logistics and ROI, without employing more staff? Invest in automation and focus on automated Shuttle/Vertical Lift Module or Carousels.
You can make the most of your current warehouse efficiency with an innovative storage solution. Let’s start with maximising the use of your current building’s footprint with a more efficient storage solution.
In warehouses, space is usually a critical factor. 95% of the discussions we have with clients are around how we can make the most out of their current space. Well, carousels and shuttles do that. They not only save space but are easily managed and can be exceptionally efficient. These automated shelving storage systems are built upwards and not out. Enabling you to store hundreds, if not thousands of different items with minimal footprint in a highly optimised retrieval system.
Automated storage systems are vital to the supply chain and can help you effectively steer towards improving workflow. How? Well they:
Reduce variable costs
By minimising the need for manual labour in picking and storing tasks. Variable costs such as head count, overtime, payroll taxes and benefits contribute to the total manual labour cost.
Improve safety
Employees who manually handle repetitive tasks for hours on end can experience fatigue and strain to their body, which increases the risk of errors and injury. Downtime as a result of injury is not only an issue for staff welfare but is also costly to your bottom line.
Improve space utilisation
Carousels allow you to hold more inventory within your existing area. It’s the equivalent of expanding your warehouse two times without there being any building costs. Capitalising on unused ‘air space’ and turning it into a storage area, you’re guaranteed to benefit from using carousels.
You must make sure you have gained a confident understanding with the layout and dimensions of your current space and available access points. Start by drafting out the new layout. Remember, an improper implementation can be very costly and we recommend talking to an expert to be sure you’re getting the best use of your available space.
Ok, so now we’ve established not to neglect the planning phase, let’s talk about how carousel storage systems can improve workflow efficiency. This could be seen as obvious but automated storage systems reduce walking time. Employees can fill more orders per head, lowering labour costs. So, less walking and climbing means there is increased safety and fewer potential compensation claims.
If you need a detailed evaluation of how an automated solution will help improve your productivity, contact our friendly team of experts on 0116 277 0099.
All our machines can be customised to suit your specific requirements. If you’d like to see some of our most popular configurations, you can click here.
Alternatively, watch how Linpic build a storage carousel here.
You may also be interested in our article on automated storage systems improving productivity and putting you ahead of competition.