Strive for sustainable storage

ONE MAJOR effect of the pandemic was a dramatic change to buying patterns as demand for online shopping rose significantly. Hopefully the worst has now passed but the trend for eComm remains strong with retailers responding by amending their business models.

This has driven demand for additional warehouse space. A recent report by Orderwise showed the full extent of the problem with some areas like Slough having only 0.34 sq. ft of available warehouse space per registered business.

If you’re unable to find warehousing in the right area and at an affordable price, there are solutions. Most of these can be delivered through the backbone of your warehouse – your choice of storage equipment.

Redesign

Maximising space can seem simplistic, fill your warehouse with as much storage equipment as possible. However, this approach, whether you’re starting from scratch or utilising existing racking, can waste opportunities. 

You need to work with experienced designers, such as one of our SEMA Manufacturing members or SEMA Distributor Companies (SDC), who have the technical knowledge and expertise to maximise space. They can design a solution to increase storage capacity by optimising wasted space. Options include reducing aisle widths, doubling the racking depth, increasing the height of your storage or even adding additional space with mezzanine flooring.

One big advantage of dovetailing equipment into your existing system is that it can be significantly cheaper than moving to a larger warehouse. However, this approach requires a significant level of technical knowledge, and your supplier must work to industry standards and manufacturer’s specification. Failing to do so could impact heavily on the structural integrity and safety of your equipment and potentially result in expensive remedial costs.

Look for a supplier who has a support structure like our SEMA Members. For example, SDCs work alongside our Manufacturing Members and this relationship allows them privileged access to their technical departments. When they create a new design you can be assured it will be compatible with existing equipment and designed to meet new weight requirements and clearance. 

Members work to SEMA Design Codes or the European Code EN 15512, both of which are industry acceptable standards which instruct on the structural analysis of racking, what types of loads must be considered, how to test components and what factors of safety are required when designing equipment.

Warranty issues

When adding to your equipment consider whether it will affect your manufacturer’s warranty. When you buy a structure manufactured by a SEMA Member, it provides reassurance that it has been designed by an engineer to meet SEMA codes and has been independently tested. Any unauthorised work that alters this original state could render the warranty null and void – the same also applies if you need any repair work conducting.

Through the supportive structure of SEMA, Distributor Companies and Approved Installation Companies (SAIC) are qualified to conduct work on the manufacturer’s behalf. Both groups are routinely audited to provide reassurances that their work is in accordance with the highest industry and safety standards using SEIRS trained installers trained.

Jaap Vos, president, Storage Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA)

For more information, visit www.sema.org.uk

PULL

Members work to SEMA Design Codes or the European Code EN 15512, both of which are industry acceptable standards which instruct on the structural analysis of racking.