The Essential Warehouse Equipment List
Even though every warehouse is different, they all must adhere to a set of rules. A well-equipped warehouse isn’t just one that maximizes efficiency over other aspects of warehouse management, it also prioritizes safety. The right warehouse equipment can make or break a warehouse’s success. If you want to streamline processes and maximize productivity, here’s the essential warehouse equipment list.
Adequate storage system
The first one on our list is not a piece of equipment per se, it’s the guidebook to storing things properly. Especially if the nature of the warehouse is to store different types of materials or products properly, safely, and in a way that supports efficient workflow, ensure that every employee is up-to-date with the best practices and how things are done operationally in your warehouse.
Racking system
A pallet racking system is ideal for warehouses that want to maximize the use of space. With this system, pallets can be stacked horizontally over multiple levels, they can be spread evenly to allow ease of access, a simple drive-in or drive-through. Each system has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice falls into two major factors. Storage efficiency is one, and efficient pallet racking is the second.
Conveyors
The second piece of equipment on our list also improves warehouse efficiency and time management. If you need a tool that will automate the movement of goods within the warehouse, then you need a conveyor system. These enhance efficiency and make material handling easier, reduce manual labor, decrease turnaround times, and minimize the risk of errors. Depending on your warehouse’s unique needs, you can choose between roller conveyors, belt conveyors, and other kinds.
Material handling equipment
Material handling equipment like forklifts is a necessity in warehouses. They improve warehouse efficiency because moving the goods around with a forklift, pallet jacks, or reach trucks is easier than any other manual way.
Your needs will define which type of material handling equipment will be useful. You can easily find forklift rental services and get additional forklifts during seasonal warehouse capacity increases.
Most importantly, these pieces of equipment increase the safety of a warehouse. So, ensure everyone using the material handling equipment is trained properly and also check the equipment during regular inspections.
The right storage
Aside from having an adequate storage system, you must also optimize it with appropriate shelving units and storage binds. The right bins and storage units will enhance overall warehouse productivity, from easy access to inventory to easily accessible stored products.
Warehouse productivity boils down to organization, storage systems, and proper shelving. This is the key to improving order fulfillment needs as the workflow will be optimized, errors will be reduced to a minimum, and you’ll also maximize storage space.
Inventory tracking tools
Every warehouse manager knows you need to track inventory properly to run a successful operation. Just like any other warehouse area is automated, so is this manual work. You can use different tools, such as barcode scanners, labels on storage bins, and other digital tools to ensure everything is counted properly and you know what is in stock.
Warehouse management systems
While discussing inventory management, an efficient warehouse has embraced the functions and features of a Warehouse Management System (WMS). It aims to ensure seamless warehouse operations, from inventory management to shipment tracking to the entire fulfillment process.
If you want your warehouse to remain competitive in today’s market, you should introduce this game changer into your organizational practices.
Efficient loading docks
You must pay attention to your loading docks to ensure everything runs smoothly from the beginning until the end of the fulfillment process. Since they are the gateway to the warehouse, where goods enter and exit the storage, they must be as efficient as possible.
Invest in equipment like dock levelers, seals, and dock plates to ensure products remain intact during transportation to and out of the warehouse.
Proper packaging
Another important item on this list is the tools for packing, wrapping, and keeping products in an optimal condition during transport. First of all, you need to secure an area for proper packing. This is where you’ll need to place packing surfaces or similar. Next, you’ll need stretch wrappers, sealing equipment, and any other tool to automate the packaging process further. The goal is to save time on packing and ensure products are not separated for better inventory management.
Safety signs
Safety is why warehouses have embraced different tools and processes. Even though you can’t operate a warehouse if it’s not up to safety standards in your country, you still need to ensure additional measures. Label everything correctly, from proper signage to emergency exits
Every piece of equipment on this list is worth the investment as it will improve safety and efficiency. Moreover, errors will be reduced to a minimum if not completely eliminated.
