MAXIMIZING WAREHOUSE SPACE BY MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Dr.D.SathishKumar, Professor

Sankara Institute of Management Science

Warehouse storage space is more expensive, it makes sense to make the most of the warehouse storage capacity to reduce carrying costs and increase material handling efficiency.

Making some changes in warehouse operations will pay off with big savings.

Forecast Accuracy and Inventory Management:                      

           Inaccurate forecast results in excess inventory that complicates warehouse inventory management. Modern forecasting tools include best-fit algorithms and take seasonality and planned promotions in to account. Improved forecasting will save money on inventory acquisition, handling costs and obsolescence.  An Effective ERP or inventory management solution will help by generating inventory requirements to reduce on-hand inventory without reducing customer’s service levels or increasing stock outs. Fewer inventories takes less space and overall warehouse storage management performance will improve.

Effective Warehouse Layout Design

            Analysing the physical characteristics of the warehouse, the materials to be stored and the material flow, design the warehouse to optimize storage. Materials which are picked at regular intervals are stored near the entrance of the warehouse to minimize travel time within the warehouse. Small and large items should be stored in different racks to optimize shelves spacing and minimize the chance of losing.

Effective Space Utilization:

           Warehouse space management to be viewed in all directions. The right industrial storage systems can be implemented instead of adding more space to the warehouse. The right warehouse storage systems make all the difference in operational efficiency.

Improving Warehouse Material Handling Equipment:

        The right material handling equipment can increase productivity and improve safety for the warehouse. The choice of the material handling equipment should be based on the warehouse design. Material handling equipments is the key to operational efficiency for the warehouse. Trained team members are advised to operate the materials and maintain regularly.