Category: Warehouse Storage Systems

Different Types of Warehouses

Climate-controlled warehouse

As the name goes, these warehouses are used to store items that need to be kept at a specific temperature, mostly perishables. Climate-controlled warehouses can range from humidity-controlled environments that can store fresh fruits, flowers, etc., to freezers that store frozen foods.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Protection against natural elements
  2. Better inventory security

Smart warehouse

Automation is transforming the way warehouses operate, with AI driving everything from packing to delivering items. With minimal human involvement required and smart technologies taking center stage, modern warehouses are facilitating eCommerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba in speeding up their delivery times while cutting operational costs.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Lesser chances of error
  2. Reduced manual efforts and cost

Consolidated warehouse

Need to save money on your startup’s shipping expenses? Consolidated warehouses act as a great resource, collecting small shipments from several suppliers and combining them into one full truckload. This allows you to use the same transportation costs that would have gone towards just one shipment – ultimately resulting in considerable savings!

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Economies of scale
  2. No capital investment

Which Warehouse Is the Best for You?

By now, you must have understood that each warehouse has a purpose of its own. You must choose the type that aligns with your business’s requirements.

Different Types of Warehouses

Warehousing, however simple it might seem to be, has a lot of diversification. There are a variety of warehouses, each having a niche of its own. How do you decide which type of warehousing is right for your business?

It’s essential to keep an eye on the details when selecting a warehouse that fits your business needs. The industry, location and precisely what you require will determine which option is right for you. Don’t underestimate its importance; having the correct storage facility could make or break customer relations – ensuring orders are shipped out quickly has proven time again to be key in creating happy customers!

Having the right kind of warehousing in place becomes even more important during the festive season when you’ve got a massive surge in orders to manage. Instead of making any rash decisions, you must critically analyse the different types of warehouses available and make an informed decision.

Selecting the right warehouse can make or break your customer relations – and it all comes down to order fulfillment. When you consider several factors, such as industry type, business requirements and location from an informed perspective, making sure orders are fulfilled on time is a given. This well result in content customers who sing praises about you!

Generally, there are 7 major types of warehouses:

  1. Distribution centre
  2. Public warehouse
  3. Private warehouse
  4. Bonded warehouse
  5. Climate-controlled warehouse
  6. Smart warehouse
  7. Consolidated warehouse

Distribution Centre

Distribution centres are a vital cog in the supply chain, making possible rapid and reliable movement of goods from suppliers to customers. These warehouses offer far more space than regular ones and feature computerised systems for improved efficiency. Perishable products can be especially beneficial thanks to their short turnaround time – entering early morning then leaving late evening all on the same day! Ultimately, these centres enable faster distribution at lower cost when located close to transportation hubs, ensuring customer satisfaction every step of the way.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Efficiency of operations
  2. Storage capacity

Private warehouse

Need a place to store your goods that won’t break the bank? Public warehouses could be just what you need! Offering an affordable way for small business and eCommerce startups to keep their products safe, these government- or semigovernment owned facilities are available on loan with a reasonable charge. No long term commitment necessary; perfect for those times when extra storage is required but not permanent.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Less long-term cost
  2. Better regional presence

Bonded warehouse

With public warehouses, small businesses and eCommerce start-ups can deal with their inventory overflow when they need extra storage space. Owned by government or semi-government bodies, these temporary solutions let companies stock up on goods for a fee to provide just the right amount of breathing room until they are ready to purchase additional warehouse facilities.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Low overall cost
  2. Helps in international trade

Keep an eye on next blog for more information on different warehouses!

The World’s Most Incredible Warehouses & Factories

Explore some of the world’s most amazing factories and warehouses! From a luxurious wine cellar to an awe-inspiring factory where airplanes are built, these incredible photos will show you what goes into creating modern marvels.

1. DB Schenker’s Warehouse in Germany

DB Schenker is a giant in the logistics industry, and Christian Stoll captures their modern structures with incredible precision. His photos showcase just how powerful the organization really is.

2. Volkswagen’s Car Towers, Wolfsburg, Germany

The Autostadt in Wolfsburg is a sight to behold. It consists of two gleaming glass towers that stand side by side, powered by advanced technology allowing cars from the Volkswagen plant to move seamlessly between them and into the waiting hands of their new owners.

3. National Archives inWinsford, Cheshire

At the heart of Winsford, Cheshire lies a mysterious mine that has grown to an immense size – enough for 700 football pitches! Extending 100 miles deep under ground and growing every day, this salt cave is not just impressive in its dimensions; it also protects some very valuable materials. From confidential government documents to hospital records and historical archives belonging The National Archives, important items find protection thanks to stable temperatures and dry atmosphere inside the vast corridors of this unique subterranean complex.

4. Bank of England’s Vault Beneath London

Nestled deep beneath the bustling streets of London is a glittering secret – an incredible £156 billion worth of gold! Held within the Bank of England’s fortified vault, row after row of 24-carat golden bars shining in all their 28lb glory await discovery.

5. Amazon Warehouse

Amazon, the colossal online retail giant that began as a humble bookstore in 1994, owns an awe-inspiring warehouse somewhere out there. It’s whereabouts remain mysterious to this day – adding even more intrigue and mythos to one of our generation’s most successful empires!

6. Champagne Warehouse, France

The world’s best wines are aged to perfection in underground cellars like this one in Reims, France. After decades of careful maturation and nurturing, these champagnes reach the peak of their flavor for a truly exquisite experience.

7. M&S Warehouse, Castle Donington

With its grand opening in 2003, Marks and Spencer’s colossal e-commerce headquarters located in Castle Donington, Leicestershire creates a hub of activity. This 900,000 sq ft facility is capable of processing an astonishing one million items per day to satisfy the online shopping needs customers around the world!

Warehouse Safety Checklist

Our warehouse safety inspection service helps you fulfil your legal duty to check the safety of your storage systems annually.

Whether you have a modest installation or several vast warehouses, your storage systems should be inspected at least annually for any safety defects. Our independent warehouse safety inspection helps fulfil your duty of care to employees and comply with HSE regulations.

Peace of mind and compliance

Why risk injury to your operatives, damaged stock and possible prosecution due to unsafe storage, when we can arrange a Level 3 inspection by an independent SARI qualified inspector?

This impartial inspection with a written report will highlight and categorise any defects. It also covers safety aspects such as load warnings and incorrect use of pallets. If racking issues are found, our racking repair service can quickly rectify them.

HSE Safety Levels 1 and 2

The HSE defines Level 1 as reporting damage to the Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS). The PRRS should also make regular Level 2 inspections of all your storage, checking they are suitable for their loads, correctly installed and not damaged.

A PRRS can be anyone familiar with racking damage. They could simply be an experienced person, but ideally they should be specifically trained; we can arrange this.

HSE Level 3

You must also have a Level 3 inspection at least annually, preferably by an independent specialist, such as a SEMA Approved Rack Inspector (SARI). It’s much more extensive than Level 2, and complies with SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) guidelines, which are recognised by HSE.

A Level 3 Expert inspection categorises damage as Red, Amber and Green risks. Red is the most serious; if you continue using storage assessed as Red Risk, you could face prosecution.

Types of Warehouse Storage Systems

Multi-Tier Racking

The centerpiece of any warehouse is the pallet racking system. These are made out wood, metal or plastic and hold inventory that’s received in large boxes- depending on how high up they go with an automated mechanism to help place them onto your desired location for storage/safekeeping!

Mostly, multi-tier racking concerns relatively lightweight items that are picked and organized manually. To get the most out of this warehouse storage system, organize each tier strategically and pack items as densely as possible, while at the same time paying attention to weight limits and ceiling-to-rack height compliance guidelines.

Mezzanine Flooring

Mezzanine floors are effective and space-saving storage options for any company with a budget. They’re an excellent way to keep your warehouse floor open while also providing additional safety against inventory loss or damage in case there’s ever something worth watching out for!

The most expensive option for a warehouse is likely going to be the one that has all of its features customised. It’s not just about what you need in terms on storage space, but also how it can best suit your needs and workstyle!

Wire Partitions

While mezzanine flooring is one of the more high-tech options, wire partitions are on the other end of the spectrum. Wire partitions are, effectively, strategically-placed wire cages that are meant to be installed and torn down quickly and easily.

Often, the inventory that is housed within wire partitions are the items that may need special security. Some warehouses are even known to use wire partitions to construct makeshift, temporary offices for managers who work on the floor.