regaly magazynowe

FIFO storage – what is it? How to prepare a warehouse?

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FIFO storage is one of the most popular methods of storing goods in warehouses. It guarantees the natural flow of goods and works in places characterized by a high pace of management. It is a simple and logical concept for the simplest storage.

What is FIFO storage?

The principle of FIFO storage is simple – the first goods leave the warehouse first. Thanks to this, they do not linger, which is of great importance in the case of products with a specific expiry date. The continuous flow of loads guarantees their non-retention.

How to prepare a warehouse?

The simplest and most effective method of storage is row storage with the use of cantilever or pallet racks. The construction of cantilever racks (brackets attached to the poles) allows for the storage of loads of significant lengths (e.g. pipes). Pallet racks are more versatile and suitable for the storage of all kinds of goods. Cantilever and pallet racks are placed in rows, keeping the appropriate distance between them. This arrangement allows free passage between the racks and unhindered access to the goods, also in the case of forklifts. Row storage is definitely more ergonomic than block storage – it does not require moving loads to gain access to specific goods.

Advantages and disadvantages of FIFO storage

The unquestionable advantage is the continuous flow of inventories, which not only minimizes the risk of losses and waste, but also facilitates settlements. Thanks to this method, it is easy to estimate the real market value of the commodity. The goods in stock have entered the warehouse relatively recently.

FIFO storage also has its drawbacks. It can lead to a bias in income tax calculations as it does not account for differences in inventory prices and factors such as inflation. For an entrepreneur, this may mean showing higher profits than they really are. Temporary price increases generate income losses.

gospodarka magazynowa

Challenges of warehouse management in 2022

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The end and beginning of the new year is a great time to create forecasts for various sectors of the economy. In 2021, the warehouse management grew to levels unheard of in history, and investors, even in a difficult pandemic period, made money on decisions to expand the usable space for storage.

What are the challenges facing the warehouse economy in 2022?

It can be assumed with high probability that the demand for new warehouse space will not fall, but due to higher interest rates some investors will face more difficult choices regarding the location of new warehouses. In 2022, city logistics, quick access to consumers, and automation will become more important. In recent years, consumers have moved heavily to the e-commerce sector and started shopping for basic products in online stores. This forces the warehouse economy to diversify and expand the storage space for various groups of the assortment. Producers of modular warehouse equipment will benefit.

What factors may affect the warehouse management in 2022?

pressure to raise interest rates, thus increasing the cost of crediting investments,

the need to secure the supply chain (paradigm shift from global to local producers),

higher costs of employment and running a business by “Nowy Lad”,

pressure from the EU environmental policy (FIT 55),

high inflation that is already approaching 9% in January 2022. High inflation can significantly lower the demand for products over time, which is a big problem for the warehouse management.

Investments pay off in just a few years

Warehouse market reports make it clear that this sector has been the least affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. E-commerce services will drive the warehouse economy even more in 2022. Distribution centers compete with delivery times. Location close to cities and larger agglomerations will probably become the key to commercial success.

mobilne regały magazynowe

Warehouse modernization – why is it worth choosing mobile shelves?

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One of the main goals of the warehouse modernization is to increase the efficiency of storage and to improve the speed of transporting goods necessary for order picking. Why is it worth choosing mobile shelves when modernizing your warehouse?

Why the modernization of storage space?

Mobile or sliding racks are distinguished by a simple system of moving on rails. Such shelves work best during periods of increased, seasonal traffic. The modular design allows the system to be adjusted along with the development of the entire warehouse. The flexibility of adapting to the needs is one of the most important advantages of mobile shelving. Sliding racks can be used to store light, but also unusual and heavy goods. In many cases, such shelves facilitate access to larger collections and allow for more efficient segregation of the assortment. Moving the racks reduces the communication paths in the warehouse and thus maximizes the use of limited space.

Where is the mobile rack best?

Sliding racks are a perfect solution for cold stores, shops, archives, libraries, but also larger wholesalers, where better adjustment to seasonal fluctuations is required. Rails in mobile racks are protected against corrosion. As a result, they withstand high operational loads. A good drive allows the racks to be mixed even by a person with little strength. Most systems also have safeguards to prevent accidents.

regaly magazynowe paletowe

How to prepare a warehouse to ensure comfort for forklift operators?

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The comfort of the forklift operator is influenced by the quality of the forklift itself, but also by the arrangement of the warehouse equipment, which does not cause additional downtime and does not limit visibility. Pursuant to EU directives, employers must control the risk of a forklift operator’s work and focus on depreciation, efficiency, and regular inspections of racks.

Adaptation of the forklift and access technique to the assortment in the warehouse

One of the basic steps to increase the operator’s comfort is the individual adjustment of the cabin, including reducing the vibration of the seat, proper positioning of the floor, armrests, and placement of supporting accessories. Better trucks use driving assistance systems that eliminate the risk of skidding, warning lights or even bars that protect the worker against accidental fall of heavy goods. Pallet racks are set up in such a way that the trolley has no problems with access and access to the assortment. In case of difficulties, you can extend the vehicle with adjustable forks or invest in a reach truck, depending on the type of warehouse management.

Common accidents at the work of a forklift operator and control assumptions

Most accidents at an operator’s work, based on data from the Central Institute for Labor Protection, occur due to errors in the construction of a forklift, structural defects of racks and external factors, usually random. This ineffective control and neglect of security measures cause the greatest risk, and thus actually reduce the comfort of work. The warehouse must not allow people to be lifted on the forks, the forks to catch on protruding elements of the pallet racks and collisions with other storage devices. Therefore, the operator is expected to constantly concentrate and check the environment in which he performs his duties. This is ultimately the foundation of comfort.

 

The comfort of a forklift operator is an important variable for the efficiency of warehouse management, and at the same time a highly problematic area that requires constant control, not only of the employer, but the operator and co-workers.

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Cantilever storage racks – gain more flexibility when storing goods

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Racks are the basic equipment of a warehouse. When organizing storage space, it is worth analyzing their various types so that they are the most  suitable for nature of the stored goods and facilitate order picking. Cantilever racks are useful for handling an assortment of unusual dimensions and are perfect not only for closed but also open warehouses.

Flexible storage of longer and oversized items

Cantilever storage racks are used to store large-size products without the risk of damage. Most often they include wooden boards, building materials, and plastics. Important advantages of investing in cantilever racks include the possibility of expanding with new modules in the future, as well as vertical development. To facilitate access, equip workers with lifting devices.

Limited space is not a problem thanks to personalized orders from the manufacturer

Cantilever racks partially solve the problem of limited space due to the design that allows goods to be stored on both sides of the columns. Workers should distribute goods in accordance with the principle of sustainable workload. Thanks to this, the structure will not overturn. Manufacturers of warehouse racks carry out personalized orders tailored to the investor’s premises. This greatly facilitates the organization of the storage of oversized materials.

Light or heavy structures with stacking of goods

Cantilever racks are available in heavy and light versions. In many cases, with such a system, goods are stacked on top of each other to maximize storage space. The levels in the racks are adjustable.