Does your business manage fragile items in a warehouse environment? Without attention to detail and the implementation of certain protocols, the safety of your products could be at risk.
Whether it’s delicate glassware, sensitive electronic equipment or musical instruments – this article discusses proper handling procedures that are essential to protecting your inventory and, ultimately, satisfying your customers.
Packing materials and techniques
We might say that the foundation of warehouse item management begins with the right packing materials and techniques – this is especially true of fragile items.
By investing in high-quality protective materials such as industrial-grade bubble wrap, custom foam inserts and specialised fragile shipping boxes, warehouse managers are protecting items during both storage and transportation.
Standard packing materials like newspaper offer some basic protection but when it comes to protecting valuable and breakable items, professional-grade materials are a safer bet.
Placement within the warehouse
Fragile item storage demands proper placement within the warehouse. Vertical storage on long-span shelving may be a cost saver by offering more efficiency, but fragile items require a different approach.
Fragile items should be stored at lower heights because this minimises risk during both storage and retrieval. If a fragile item is also heavy, it should never be elevated to high shelving units, as this increases the risk of damage during handling.
Selecting storage systems
The right storage system must be in play for delicate inventory. There is a world of options for modern warehouses to choose from including specialized pallet racks, carton flow racks, and mobile aisle shelving.
The key is to match the storage solution to the fragile items’ specific requirements considering things like accessibility, protection, and space utilisation. For example, steel shelving with proper padding or cushioning ticks the important boxes of stability and protection for delicate items.
Cutting out human error
Depending on the nature of the items they are handling (and the depth of their pockets!), warehouse managers can implement mechanical lifting devices with intelligent controls.
These systems cut out human error in handling fragile items offering precise movement control and adjustable speeds.
Achieving item integrity
As we’ve discussed, successful management of fragile items demands the use of the right packing materials, correct storage placement, suitable storage systems, and, in some cases, advanced handling equipment.
That’s the way to maintain item integrity, protect your assets, and carry on making customers happy!
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