Warehouses are the bustling hearts of countless industries, and efficient storage solutions play a pivotal role in their success. Proper cabinet storage planning is vital to ensure your warehouse operates smoothly, maximising productivity, and minimising downtime. In this guide, tailored for industries with warehouses, we'll delve into essential considerations and tips for planning cabinet storage that will streamline your operations and boost overall efficiency.
Assess Your Storage Needs
Before diving into cabinet storage planning, conduct a thorough assessment of your warehouse's storage needs. Consider factors such as the type and size of items you need to store, the frequency of access required, and the quantity of goods you handle regularly. This will determine what types of cabinets you will need and where they will need to go.
Types of Cabinet Storage
Steel Cabinets
An industrial strength steel cabinet will suit most use cases in a warehouse space. Be sure to find steel cabinets that have adjustable shelf levels to allow for storage of various sizes of items.
It is also important to take note of the weight bearing capacity of the shelves to ensure the items you will be storing will not overload the cabinet storage and cause bends and breaks. This is typically given as a measurement in kilograms/UDL (Uniformly Distributed Load). Higher quality cabinet shelf levels will have a rating of 80kg/UDL or more.
Tool Cabinets
If you need to store tools and hardware safely in your warehouse consider Tool Cabinet options. Tool Cabinets are fitted with pegboard or louvre panels for easy storage of tools and small parts with pegboard hooks, shadow board and small parts bins.
Some Tool Cabinets are even fitted with tool drawers for tidy and efficient storage. An easy way to keep tools in order is with cut foam inlays placed inside tool drawers to keep everything in its place.
Some Tool Cabinets are even fitted with tool drawers for tidy and efficient storage. An easy way to keep tools in order is with cut foam inlays placed inside tool drawers to keep everything in its place.
Locker Cabinets
Need somewhere for warehouse workers to store personal items, uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Narrower Steel Locker cabinets are a great option for this. Taking up roughly half the footprint of a standard steel cabinet, Locker Cabinets are often equipped with adjustable shelves and optional hanging rails for clothing and safety gear.
Dangerous Goods Cabinets
If your warehouse requires the storage of flammable, toxic or corrosive materials, it is important to source cabinets that are suitable. Dangerous Goods Cabinets are specifically designed and manufactured for the task and are equipped with signage that adheres to Australian standards for safe storage of dangerous items.
Utilise Vertical Space
Space is often at a premium in warehouses, so make the most of your vertical space. Tall cabinets or shelving units can significantly increase your storage capacity without expanding the footprint. Consider adjustable shelving to accommodate changing inventory sizes and maximise vertical storage potential.
Choose Durable and Efficient Materials
Opt for high-quality and durable materials for your cabinet storage. Industrial-grade steel cabinets and heavy-duty plastic small parts bins and trays are excellent choices as they can withstand the demands of a busy warehouse environment. Powder coated steel is the best option for cabinet storage as it is corrosion-resistant to withstand harsh Australian conditions and is easy to clean and maintain.
Implement a Logical Layout
A well-organised warehouse layout enhances productivity and minimises the time spent searching for items. Group similar items together and place frequently accessed items near the warehouse entrance for easy retrieval. Utilise signage or labelling systems to identify cabinet contents, making it quicker for staff to find what they need.
Seek Expert Help
Find a local or online supplier of steel storage who you can trust to give you advice on steel cabinet storage. Often the task of planning storage for a warehouse can be a daunting task, don’t be afraid to seek the help from experts in storage. If you’re unsure as to the best layout or type of cabinetry for your space, we have a team of experts available via phone, email or online chat who can assist with the planning and drawing of small to large scale warehouse fit outs.
Consider Security and Safety
Warehouse security is paramount, especially if you store valuable or sensitive items. Opt for cabinets with lockable doors to secure high-value inventory. Additionally, implement safety measures to prevent accidents, such as installing safety rails, anti-tip mechanisms (wall mounting straps or cabinets mounted in steel frames), and anti-slip flooring near the cabinet storage areas.
Modular/Expandable Options
Opt for cabinet storage that is expandable and modular. Your warehouse storage needs are never static and the high paced warehouse environment means accounting for growth is paramount. Choose cabinet storage that can be later expanded with other cabinets, work benches and shelving so that your storage system can grow with you.
Conclusion
Effective cabinet storage planning is the backbone of a well-organised and productive warehouse. By assessing your storage needs, utilising vertical space, selecting durable materials, implementing a logical layout, ensuring security and safety, choosing a modular system, and seeking expert help where necessary, you'll increase your storage capacity by at least 50% and also optimise your warehouse efficiency. With a well-organised and efficient storage system, your Australian warehouse will be poised for success, providing seamless operations and contributing to your business's growth and profitability.
