In a recent survey, 47% of respondents said that their warehouse facilities needed more space. Data analysis is key to better utilisation of space.
Analysing data from warehouse management software provides insights into the use of space, including when areas are busier, where bottlenecks are, and which are the most fast-moving goods. This information is used to help reorganise the warehouse space to store more items and create smoother traffic flow.
The first point to look at is how to save floor space. The strategy with the highest impact on this is vertical storage systems, which utilise all the vertical space. In partnership with a warehouse rack supplier, a storage system can be designed that not only stores more goods required for orders, but takes items normally kept on the floor away from ground level, where they present a trip hazard.
Logistics expert Emily Newton recommends building what she calls a “digital twin warehouse”, which uses data analysis to create a digital copy of the warehouse. This should be capable of running simulations of new warehouse space-saving layouts before they are implemented in the real warehouse. This prevents expensive mistakes if a new layout does not work well when implemented. The “digital twin” shows how positioning warehouse equipment affects workflows. It can help position goods according to demand levels, which shorten picking journey times.
Reorganising warehouse space is time consuming and costly, but worth it if the result is a more efficient and productive warehouse.
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