Easy Tips for Maximising Warehouse Storage

Warehouses typically run out of storage space because of seasonal peaks, rapid growth, bulk buying, slow sales or facility consolidation. These space deficiencies typically fall into three categories: having too much good inventory, having too much bad inventory and poor use of space. To address these issues, warehouse owners should understand them and how they’re created.

Too Much Good Inventory

A surplus of products can appear positive as far as order fulfillment and customer service are concerned, but it can make the warehouse operate below safety and productivity standards. A look inside such a warehouse will reveal piles of product stacked on pallet racking in New Zealand, or in dock areas. Poor visibility can create a safety hazard, and it can decrease labor productivity because workers spend too much time locating products. However, inventory usually moves quickly, making this space problem temporary.

Too Much Bad Inventory

Having an excess of the wrong type of product is usually an indication that production planning and sales projections were inaccurate, but it may show that the warehouse is not managing inventory properly. Unlike the scenario above, where peaks can be remedied with more labor, having too much of the wrong kind of product can result in prolonged space issues. The quicker this inventory is identified, the faster the company can cover its losses and manage assets by using pallet shelving.

Poor Use of Space

Such conditions are usually caused by periods of steady growth, increased service requirements and changes in storage needs. Improperly utilised space happens in every warehouse, and it is not related to the warehouse’s pallet shelving or inventory type. To adjust to customers’ demands while remaining efficient, warehouses must accept the long-term consequences of short-term objectives like creating floor-ready inventory, pricing products by hand, or creating blended loads for key customers. These issues can be addressed with workstation design and physical layout modifications.

Making More Space

In many cases, space constraints and inventory excesses can result from the above conditions. However, climbing sales and operational consolidation can create a real space deficiency. Where facility expansion and/or relocation are not an option, customers must leverage tools such as pallet racking, redesign the warehouse or improve inventory management practices. Warehouse owners can call on Novalok for the tools they need to manage their storage space. You can visit us at www.novalok.co.nz to view our full assortment of industrial pallet racks and other storage needs.

The Most Important Health and Safety Requirements for a Warehouse

When it comes to designing and choosing warehouse shelving in New  Zealand, safety should be the topmost priority of a business owner. Well-utilised storage equipment is essential in creating a safer work environment, and it also reduces workplace injuries. Here are the most important health and safety requirements for a warehouse that should be considered.

1. Safety equipment should be used at all times

In a warehouse, it’s important that the hydraulic dollies or forklifts are utilised to lift items that are very heavy. For this, appropriate eyewear and hard hats should be worn by employees whenever it’s required. Employees should also be familiar with the emergency exits and the sprinklers installed in the roof shouldn’t ever be blocked.

2. Be careful when buying used racks

Although buying used pallet racking is definitely more affordable than buying a new one, extra precautions should be taken when evaluating the quality of the used storage.

When buying used rack, look for signs indicating that it has been repaired before – this can be any evidence of welding, or an area that looks like it has been repainted. Be very careful as there isn’t any way to determine if the person who repaired the rack is qualified, or if the rack is still in good condition. That said, buy used rack only when it looks like it’s still in its prime condition and there aren’t any signs of welding, dents, rusts, nor bends.

3. Designing for inventory

When selecting storage for a warehouse, the shape, size, and weight of the items to be stored are some of the important things that would determine the style of racking that’s ideal for it. Pallet racking in New Zealand can accommodate the proper object size, as well as the weight to capacity. This can reduce the incidences of falling items, and injuries related to overloading.

Aside from that, the loads on the racks must be stacked evenly to ensure that the weight capacity is distributed properly. It’s also important to note that the spacing between the items on the racks can have an impact on the stability of the storage.

4. Choosing a provider

The first step when it comes to choosing storage safety is to look for an experienced and reputable provider. Select a company that can assist you not only with the warehouse design, but installation as well. Keep in mind that you’re placing your trust and employee safety in the hands of this company.

5. Offer training and refresher courses

See to it that all staff are well educated and have the knowledge needed to ensure that they can stay safe in the workplace at all times. Accidents usually occur when corners are cut in an attempt to maximise time. Refrain from doing this.

Final words

Taking necessary precautions when planning warehouse storage should ensure a safe warehouse environment. Novalok is one of the best companies that you can rely on when it comes to your warehouse rack storage needs. They regularly assess pallet racking in Wellington to ensure that it’s in proper condition and there aren’t any threats to its structural integrity. To know more about what they have to offer, visit www.novalok.co.nz.

Commercial Storage for Your Business: The Manufacturing Industry

Looking for storage solutions for your business but don’t know where to start? How do you know which system will suit your products and storage space the best? You need efficient but cost effective systems to maximise profitability. User-friendly, safe and environmentally sensitive solutions are available, you just need to do a little research to find a company that can supply the perfect solution for your business.

Examples of heavy-duty industrial storage solutions

• selective or wide aisle pallet racking
• selective powered mobile
• double deep pallet racking
• drive in pallet racking
• pushback storage systems
• flow through or live storage
• high back racking
• narrow aisle pallet racking
• cantilever racking
• raised storage
• tyre storage
• Novaspan mobile storage

Examples of commercial and light industrial storage solutions

• Novaspan longspan shelving
• Novaspan mobile storage
• Duoguard Z series shelving
• Zincguard Z series shelving
• Ulti Z series shelving
• Works Z series shelving
• Skytrack mobile shelving
• Workbenches

Many solutions are available for retail, educational and institutional storage needs from fixed shelving to mobile units. Trolleys and space saving units all have their multiple uses too. If your business requires storage for food, or health and hygiene products there are many systems that can be custom designed for individual needs.

Novalok is a New Zealand company specialising in supplying sterile storage solutions such as the Novex range. With many products having a lifetime guarantee, you can be assured of quality and great customer service.

What about storage solutions for cool rooms and freezer storage as well as general food storage?

Consider: duoguard, zincguard, stainless steel, skytrack, plastlok, Novatruss wire shelving or mass flow shelving. As well as shelving there is a huge range of storage bins, trolleys and preparation tables available to suit your business requirements.

Have you heard about the Modula Lift Carousel Version 7?

The Modula Lift is a fully automated storage solution that maximises your storage space by utilising the available height within your storage area. Imagine 840m2 of vertical storage space on just a 14m2 footprint! Low energy consumption allows you to automate your storage without having a huge environmental impact. You can save money by not having to lease or buy large storage facilities. The systems are easy to use, with user friendly control panels and integrated software.

The storage systems you choose should suit your business needs perfectly to make it easier to run. Cost effectiveness and efficiency are the keys to your success, so take the time to explore all the options available. With so much choice it would be wise to seek the advice of an experienced company that can source, supply and install a wide range of products. With experience comes knowledge and the ability to assess your needs and supply the ideal solution to increase your profitability.

Novalok has a wide range of storage technology and shelving systems for every business. Novalok has depots in Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton in New Zealand but can ship worldwide. Visit www.novalok.co.nz to view their extensive range of industrial racking and shelving design and cantilever shelves. Novalok can supply and install a wide range of pallet racking in Wellington and throughout New Zealand. Contact them today for a consultation and quote for your business needs.

Hospitality Shelving

Food storage is an important aspect of the hospitality industry. A lot of time and effort goes into organising a restaurant or cafe and it can be a huge waste of both food and money spent if it is not stored right. There are a number of options when it comes to commercial shelves that can help you make the best of every item in your coolrooms and freezers.

What kind of racks are best used in cold or freezer storage?

Not every rack you buy as commercial storage can be used in a cold or freezer store in New Zealand. There are racks and shelves that are specifically made to be used in low temperature conditions. Materials tend to behave in a certain way when exposed to cold temperatures of below zero degrees over many weeks or months. Any type of rack that you set up, be it a single shelf set or a large multiple rack walk-in freezer, should ideally be only placed once and be in perfect working order for as long as it is required.

You do not want to be replacing broken, warped or otherwise weakened commercial storage shelves. They are bound to handle a lot of weight and are typically run at capacity storage, so weight and durability is an issue that should not be overlooked under any circumstances.

Setting up a restaurant: a case study

Consider a restaurant that you wish to open in a large city like Auckland. You need the front of house for the customers to have a particular ambience, with the tables, lighting and even music set up in a certain way. The next thing to consider will be the food and the kitchen set up, for you can have the fanciest restaurant in town but if the food is not up to par, you are sure to lose customers. Food storage is a priority, even if you want to serve only food made from fresh ingredients in all your dishes, you will still need a good freezer facility.

It is important that your storage system is properly made and maintained so that your business can flourish. Commercial shelves for freezer and cold room storage are one of your main returns on investment. A good storage solution will ensure that your shelves and racks are built, spaced and installed in a way that makes it simple to maintain as well as use day to day.

As far as freezer storage in New Zealand is concerned, it goes without saying that Novalok is one of the best commercial storage providers on the market. With over 25 years of experience in putting racks and industrial storage shelving in freezers and walk-ins, we have built up a reputation for being uncompromising in quality while maximising the available space.

Visit the Novalok website at www.novalok.co.nz to learn more about the popular brands, specifications and other technical details of our commercial and industrial racking systems.

Retail Storage Solutions

Storage is something that every business always needs and should be treated as a priority, particularly in the retail industry. Setting up a retail business involves a great deal of storage. Retail shelving needs to be practical, durable and also attractive as your customers will see it when they look at your products on the shelves.

As much a store needs a good product to sell and an even better location to sell it from, it also needs shelves to hold and dispense the items. You also need enough warehouse storage to store your stock so that you have enough product on hand to supply the demand from your customers.

There are three things to take into consideration when setting up retail shelving:

• Where the shelves are placed – position
• How your products are organised – placement
• The way in which one product flows to the next – pattern

Putting items on retail store racks is a lot more than simple arrangement. There is a specific science to the whole set up of a shop. There are even specific guidelines available so you know how much space is allocated to each item in the store. This all comes down to maximising space and making your store look its best. If your warehouse or back room supplies are attached to the store itself, you will have to find a balance in item allocation.

How will good retail shelving benefit your business?

Facing is a concept that has caught on in recent times. Studies have shown that people are likely to buy more when they can see a lot of a particular product. How does this work? Shelves that appear full are attractive to look at. It is customary for new stock to get added to the back of the shelf and to pull all the items to the front, giving the illlusion that the shelf is full. It is a simple, yet effective tactic. The rest of the product can be kept ready to bring out at any time from warehouse storage.

Steps involved in setting up a retail outlet: a case study

Take for example you want to set up a wine store. How will you go about the basic racking and shelving process? Getting a bunch of retail wine display racks is the first step. You will have to allocate store space and shelf space. While you are likely to have a well organised front office and store, not much attention is given to the back room.

Warehouse storage can mean the difference between an efficient business and losing customers. You cannot have all your products placed on your shelves, there has to be a balance between how much will be left in the back room and how much you will have in your store.

The main aim of your business is profit and stocking is all about maximising your potential profit. If you have all of your product on the shelf, you can visualize the rate at which a fast selling item runs out and this is why it makes sense to have stock ready and waiting to replace what gets sold.

Buying large quantities at a time will also reduce your outlay costs and if you have a well-organised warehouse rack storage system in place, you are sure to make the most of fast sales. For a wine store, that can be at holiday times as well as weekends or at any time when celebrations are in order, like after a successful rugby or cricket game.

Retail shelving design in New Zealand

If you are about to set up a retail outlet, anything from a pharmacy to a grocery store, you need to tap into the benefits of proper shelving. Who better to do it for you than the experts at Novalok who have spent years fine-tuning their craft and offer racking systems for both your storefront and your warehouse. Novalok covers the Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin areas of New Zealand. Contact us via our website at www.novalok.co.nz to learn more about the types of warehouse rack storage, shelving and other storage options available.

Types And Uses of Commercial Storage for Your Business

Storage is something that every business always needs and should be treated as a priority purchase. Unless you run a multinational corporation and can afford to have hangar-sized spaces just for storage, it makes sense to have a space-saving, efficient and reliable method to store your products. While it may not be the face of your business, practical storage is essential to its smooth operation. Storage also needs to be affordable, durable and work effectively for years to come.

If your business is in the medical industry there are some key things you should be aware of when choosing healthcare storage solutions.

The medical industry is always growing and is constantly in need of storage solutions. Healthcare has its own criteria when it comes to storage, depending on what needs to be stored. Everything from drugs to instruments and sterile equipment has to be placed on racks and shelves in hospitals and pharmacies.

Why would you need storage?

Hospitals and other medical facilities are filled with files. Patient data, hospital related information, hard files like scans and X-ray images, as well as lab reports and other test results. There are also highly sensitive documents that need to be securely stored such as patient histories, insurance forms, bills and other sensitive documents. In these situations panel shelves, moving racks and other methods of storing files are both practical and secure.

Health and hygiene

It goes without saying that storage racks and other shelving design in Auckland for medical facilities have to be clean and sometimes even sterile. Every package, especially ones that hold equipment and other patient care items have to be sterile until they are opened for use. While they are likely to be packaged in such a way that ensures their usability when needed, it doesn’t mean they can be stored in an haphazard manner.

Here are some guidelines on medical supply laboratory storage proposed by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

• The type of storage system to use depends on two things – the type of environment the packages will be kept in and the type of packages that will be stored. The handling of the goods should also be considered. It is important to note that there are a number of medical shelving options on the market; from stainless steel wire racks to plastic modular shelves.

• Medical equipment shelving can be open and uncovered if it is in a confined area like a storage room that is properly ventilated. In such areas, the number of people going in and out will be few and only those qualified to handle the packages will have access. In high traffic areas of a facility closed cabinets are recommended.

• There are a number of specific instructions as to how high off the ground sterile equipment will have to be and how high off the ceiling sprinklers and air ducts should be.

• Surgical items, as well as other such sensitive supplies, must not be stored near sinks, pipes or any other points within the room that could wet the equipment. This appplies even if they are packed in safe and rigid containers and packets.

• Medical storage units should be heavier in the middle to ensure that they are easy to manoeuvre and can bear the weight of heavy medical equipment.

Medical shelving in New Zealand

Novalok is an industry leader when it comes to medical shelving in New Zealand. Novalok supply medical grade shelving to every major city and town from Auckland to Wellington and Christchurch to Dunedin. If you are looking for medical storage solutions for your business, or would like to upgrade your existing systems, just visit the Novalok website at www.novalok.co.nz for full details and specifications of our products.