Find the storage approach that is right for you

There are four inventory principles that are often applied in inventory management. The first principle is that of consistency, which states that inventory levels should be continuously monitored and replenished to avoid shortages. The second principle is the principle of economy, which aims to minimise storage costs without compromising efficiency. The third principle is the principle of flexibility, which emphasises the adaptability of the storage system to changing requirements and conditions. Finally, there is the principle of transparency, which calls for clear and structured warehouse management to ensure effective control and monitoring of stock levels. By applying these warehouse principles, companies can optimise their storage and ensure a smooth supply chain.

When choosing the right type of warehousing for your company, there are various important factors to take into account. You need to consider the storage capacity requirements, the type of products to be stored, the rate of product throughput and the processes followed. Distribution warehouses are well suited for fast throughput of goods, whilst buffer warehouses offer additional, often temporary, space for seasonal fluctuations. Picking warehouses allow items to be picked directly for fast processing of customer orders. Block stacking is an ideal approach for storing large quantities of goods that do not need to be differentiated or sorted. Shelving is a flexible option that is suitable for smaller quantities of a wide variety of products that need to be separated and picked. Automated warehouses offer efficient solutions through the application of technology. Reviewing the different types of warehouse will help you make the right choice and optimise your logistics and production processes.

What types of storage are there?

There are different types of warehouses that are used depending on the requirements and needs of a company. Common types of storage include block stacking, pallet live flow racking, high-bay pallet racking and shelving. Block stacking is a simple form of storage in which goods are floor stacked in blocks. Flow racking is ideal for fast loading and unloading of goods as they are stored on levels with roller track beds. High-bay racking makes optimum use of the height of the warehouse by stacking goods in racks up to the ceiling. Shelving is good for storing smaller items that need to be picked, and each type of storage has its own advantages and disadvantages and should be selected according to requirements and building capacity.
 

When storing large quantities of goods, block stacking is often the ideal choice. This approach enables efficient utilisation of the available space and organised storage of products in large quantities. Companies with a high turnover of goods can benefit from block stacking, as it optimises storage capacity and is easy to organise. The clear allocation of individual groups of goods or batches also makes it easier to manage and pick items. Using block stacking as part of your warehouse storage, you can ensure that your products are always clearly organised and quickly available to meet your customers' requirements.

Pallet racking is a popular choice for companies looking for a space-saving and efficient, traditional storage solution. This type of storage makes it possible to store products in an accessible way and thus sitable for picking. Thanks to the clear structure and organisation of the racking, goods can be stored clearly and tidily. Pallet racking is particularly suitable for companies with a large number of products that need to be available quickly. Stock or buffer storage can be organised effectively as a back up to support periods of high usage.

Shelving offers flexibility for the efficient storage of small items and is particularly suitable for products with a low volume or weight that require special handling due to their size. The clear arrangement on the shelves enables direct access to the goods and thus facilitates the picking process. Thanks to the clear structure, pickers can easily identify and remove the items, which speeds up order fulfilment. Shelving is ideal for optimising the use of space in a warehouse enabling fast and precise processing of orders and thus increase customer satisfaction.

Automated warehouses are revolutionising the logistics of companies by ensuring efficiency and precision through state-of-the-art technology. This type of warehouse optimises the flow of goods and minimises sources of error during picking and shipping. Automated processes transport products safely and quickly to their destinations, increasing customer satisfaction. With the help of innovative systems such as automated shelving and robots, stock levels can be precisely managed and continuously monitored. The automated warehouse is particularly suitable for companies with a high throughput and complex logistics structures. It offers the opportunity to optimally utilise warehouse capacity and maximise productivity. By integrating technology into warehouse management, companies can strengthen their competitiveness and differentiate themselves in the market.

Optimising the use of storage space is crucial for the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a warehouse. This can be achieved through various measures. Firstly, vertical space utilisation can be maximised by installing high-bay racking,mezzanine floors or multi-tier sahelving. Efficient item location through ABC usage analysis helps to minimise picker travel times. Automation technologies such as automated storage systems and warehouse management software can further optimise processes. Flexible shelving systems, such as adjustable and mobile shelving, can be adapted to different product sizes and increase flexibility. The standardisation of packaging sizes also contributes to more efficient storage. Regular stock checks ensure that no unnecessary stock takes up space. Ergonomically designed work stations and well-organised aisles increase efficiency and safety in the warehouse. All of these measures together enable optimum utilisation of storage space and improve overall warehouse processes.