5 Essential Warehouse Resources and Equipment

Many companies that are involved in manufacturing and retail maintain warehouses as an essential facility needed in the supply chain process. But managing a warehouse is a highly challenging task. Warehouse efficiency has a direct impact on company profits. If there are frequent instances of overstocking, understocking, mishandling of products, and wrong shipments, the company will lose money and clients.

Part of effectively managing a warehouse is to ensure that you have the necessary equipment and resources that can get the job done right and on time. Here is five of the necessary materials and equipment every warehouse needs.

1. Weighing systems

Weighing product quantity is an essential step in quality control and inventory monitoring. In most warehouses, there are various types of scales owned by themselves or from scale rental services, used to measure different product quantities and sizes. Heavy-duty scales such as floor and platform scales provide the necessary capacity and features compatible in an industrial setting. Bench scales, on the other hand, may be used to measure smaller objects and retail quantities. Features such as ramps and cages may be added to scales for versatility and convenience.

2. Storage systems

The type of shelving and storage racks needed for a warehouse depends on the size of boxes, packages, and pallets which will be stored. Pallet racks are used for products stored on pallets, so it is important to know the standard pallet dimensions as that determines what size rack to use. Racks may also be customized according to the required specifications for the products being handled. In addition to these racks, it is best to have a variety of industrial shelves which can hold large quantities of products.

3. Packaging materials and equipment

The packaging is essential in keeping products secure during transport. Shipping may lead to damaged goods, and the only way to minimize losses is to ensure that before items leave the warehouse, they are correctly packed. In addition to weighing products before putting them in boxes, crates, or palettes, you also need to bundle them using a stretch wrap machine or any similar device. You may also need packing tables, bubble wraps, and packing peanuts to protect fragile goods.

4. Lifting and moving equipment

Another obvious necessity for any warehouse is lifting and moving equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks. Minimizing manual labor will not only increase efficiency but also eliminate human error.  For minor tasks, you can also have custom utility carts that warehouse employees can use to move and pick up small product quantities. By stocking the warehouse with a variety of lifting and moving equipment, you can ensure a faster turnaround in shipment and inventory monitoring.

5. Conveyor belts

Conveyor belts are a useful addition for large warehouses dealing with large orders all the time. Moving orders from the packaging station to the shipping dock may take a lot of time if done manually. A conveyor will increase efficiency and keep products safe during this stage of the process.

There are different types of conveyors used in warehouses. If you are dealing with heavier products, a motorized conveyor is the most suitable option in transporting products whether it is intended for shipment or storage.

With that said, a growing business model offers small warehouse spaces for rent that provide shared access to much of the equipment and supplies you’ll need, including forklifts, loading docks, and grade-level bays. Learn more about warehouse locations near you.