The food distribution warehouse is a prime example of a sector of the economy where the warehousing process is intricate. There are a lot of guidelines and regulations, but it’s all for a good cause: making the distribution system safer and more efficient for everyone involved.
The good news is that there is always room for improvement and making your systems more efficient. Here are four key strategies to help you effectively manage your food distribution warehouse:
Invest in excellent quality pallets
For the safety and efficiency of your food distribution system, investing in high-quality pallets is a must. High-quality pallets are made to last through repeated handling and hot temperatures. They are essential to the security of your stock in gravity flow and push-back racking systems, which allow for more fluid product circulation and movement.
Pallets certified by the Consumer Brands Association (formerly known as GMA) are the standard for food distribution. Each CBA pallet is graded based on the condition of its stringers (support boards) and boards, and all GMA pallets are a standard 48 inches by 40 inches. Premium Grade A pallets are the best in the industry.
Adjust your layout as necessary
Don’t get too tied to the current layout of your warehouse. There may be better ways to rearrange things to work for your current product flow. Your design should be straightforward to navigate with few dead ends or blockages. Minimize the amount of time spent transporting items between rooms. Likewise, there should be a clear distinction between the shipping and receiving setions, or perhaps a physical wall separating the two.
Consider present and projected needs
Consider present and projected needsA warehouse’s efficiency in storing goods and delivering orders depends on its layout. Stock in the food distribution business may need to be kept in a regulated environment, which can limit available warehouse space.
Carefully planning your layout to accommodate both present and anticipated stock levels is essential. Fortunately, simply shifting a few things around is all you need to do to improve storage capacity and streamline the flow of goods.
You can also improve storage density without adding or removing products by adjusting the width of your aisles. If you reorganize in this way, you can improve your storage space by as much as 60% without spending too much money. Consider this option if your current facility is close to or already at capacity.
Consider vertical expansion
Opportunities for vertical expansion are another way to boost storage density. Designing for future vertical growth into your layout allows you to adapt to the needs of your business as it grows.
Your options for vertical expansion go beyond selected racking alternatives – they can also involve adjustments to catwalk pick modules, air bearings, industrial turntable systems, air casters, air skates, air beams, and many other heavy-load moving devices.
Hovair Systems offers lots of options for ergonomic equipment that encourage careful product handling. Our extensive line of air-powered equipment allows you to effortlessly shift even the heaviest loads in any direction.
If you need professional heavy moving services, give us a call. Our experts will help you decide the most efficient methods of heavy load management for your business.