According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of buildings used for the warehouse and logistics sector has doubled over the last ten years, driven primarily by online retail sales. However, warehouse owners looking to expand are facing a shortage of suitable warehouse premises, with not enough new warehouses available to cope with demand.
Morgan Morris, a warehouse equipment expert, advises businesses on how to cope with a lack of storage space. Firstly, maximise the use of height. Order new high pallet racking from a storage rack supplier, along with loading equipment and steps that enable workers to reach items stored at heights.
Store warehouse equipment in ways that take up less space when not needed, such as using wall brackets to securely store equipment like ladders or using foldable trolleys and steps.
Another way to deal with space limitations is to order less quantities from suppliers. If there is a danger of supplier shortages, use more than one supplier for the same product, if possible.
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems can help to formulate ways to use space more efficiently. AI can forecast demand to adjust stock levels so that no item is overstocked.
The long-term solution to the lack of storage space is the growth in warehouse construction. Savills property experts have predicted that warehouse construction in the major regions of Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, and Birmingham is expected to significantly rise. There is over 2 million sq ft of warehouse space under construction in Yorkshire.
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