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Essentials Every Warehouse Needs for Distribution

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Knowing when to make the jump to purchase warehousing equipment can be hard as a small business that is beginning to grow. Finding the balance between keeping up with growing orders and timing large investments is part of any emerging business. In this guide, we take you through what warehouse essentials you need for an efficient warehouse, ensuring you spend your money wisely on this big investment. Let’s delve into our warehouse equipment checklist! 

  • 1. Storage Equipment
  • 2. Lifting Equipment 
  • 3. Packaging Materials 
  • 4. Safety Equipment 
  • 5. An Inventory Management System 
  • 6. Packing Equipment 
  • 7. Dock Equipment
  • 8. Conveyor Systems 
  • Benefits of Improving the Efficiency of a Warehouse 
  • Find Your Warehouse Essentials at Schott Packaging

1. Storage Equipment

First things first, you’re going to need somewhere to store your products. You should take the time to consider all the storage equipment available to you and find what suits your facility. From industrial shelves to pallet racks, each storage option will be better equipped to handle a specific type of product so make sure you do your research before choosing one. 

You should opt for a storage unit that helps you easily identify products and organise items neatly. You also need to think about whether it is most efficient to store your products on their own on the shelves or within bins, totes or pallets. This will determine the type of storage unit you choose. Some examples of storage units include:

  • Industrial Shelves
  • Pallet Racks 
  • Wire Mesh Baskets

2. Lifting Equipment 

Next, you need to determine how you will be putting your products onto the shelves. For smaller businesses, you may decide to simply hand pick and place your products as you don’t have a large inventory. However, medium-sized businesses will have more stock that may need to be stored in large boxes or pallets. To protect the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your staff, we recommend you use a lifting and transport aid. This can include:

  • Forklifts
  • Pallet Jacks 
  • Hand Trucks 
  • Service Carts
  • Dollies and Castors
  • Cranes and Hoists 

3. Packaging Materials 

Of course, you will need materials to package your products. It’s not just about the design of your packaging! There are many obstacles your product must face when in transit. From unexpected bumps in the road to careless delivery drivers, your products can go through a lot during the delivery process. That’s where protective packaging comes in. Although there are a lot of packaging options available, you must always have at least the basics:

4. Safety Equipment 

Safety should be a priority in your warehouse to not only protect the wellbeing of your staff but also comply with health and safety regulations. With 138 fatal injuries to workers in the workplace in 2023-2024, it is clear to see why the safety of your employees should come first. As a bare minimum, you should ensure your warehouse has:

  • A First Aid Kit 
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Where Applicable 

5. An Inventory Management System 

No matter how big or small your business is, it is always a good idea to have some form of inventory management system on hand. This will ensure you have an accurate measure of what stock you have in your inventory and what items you will need to order. 

We recommend you have a software system to oversee your inventory levels as this will make tracking easier with automation. However, if you are a smaller business, you may opt for a simple spreadsheet as there is less stock to manage so a smaller chance of making mistakes and it’s free compared to an expensive software system. 

6. Packing Equipment 

If your business sells wholesale products, you may want to think about investing in large scale wrapping products to add an extra layer of protection during transit. We recommend:

These particular items are essential for businesses that work with wholesale products as they effectively strap and wrap products together, making it easier to transport large quantities in one big parcel. With the help of machinery, this process can be made more efficient helping you get your orders out the door faster. 

7. Dock Equipment

For medium-sized businesses, you may find yourself with a docking area. This is where vehicles load and unload items. To optimise your warehouse and enhance the safety of the area, you should install these docking area essentials:

  • Dock Boards and Plates
  • Edge of Dock Levelers and Dock Lifts
  • Dock Seals and Shelters
  • Dock Bumpers
  • Truck Restraints 
  • Yard Ramps 
  • Wheel Chocks
  • Dump Hoppers 

8. Conveyor Systems 

Conveyor systems can transform the way a warehouse operates but they are a large investment. You may not need a conveyor system if you are a smaller business but, as your business grows, it may be something to bear in mind for the future. With a whole range of conveyor systems on the market, there are lots of factors to consider before delving into an investment. Some examples of conveyor systems include:

  • Gravity Rollers
  • Conveyor Belts 
  • Vertical Conveyors
  • Spiral Conveyors
  • Flexible Conveyors

Benefits of Improving the Efficiency of a Warehouse 

Knowing exactly what is needed in a warehouse can not only save you money but also improve the efficiency of your warehouse. With warehouse staples such as storage equipment and an inventory management system, you can reap the benefits of:

  • Increase Efficiency: These warehouse essentials help to streamline operations, leading to faster order fulfilment and a reduction in the number of mistakes during order processing. 
  • Improved Space Utilisation: Especially for a small business, maximising your space is key. With proper shelving units and a well-thought out layout, you can make the most of your space. 
  • Enhanced Safety: Safety should be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to setting up a warehouse. With the appropriate safety equipment in place, you can keep your staff safe and comply with regulations. 
  • Better Inventory Management: Keeping track of your inventory can be difficult without the use of an inventory management software to oversee everything. Experience accurate stock levels and avoid stockouts with an organised inventory! 
  • Cost Savings: With warehouse essentials in place, you can reduce your labour costs, lower shipping costs and minimise the amount of products damaged during the packaging process. 
  • Improved Customer Satisfaction: Enhancing the efficiency of your warehouse can result in faster delivery times and more accurate orders, leaving your customers satisfied with their experience. 
  • Scalability: By starting your upgrade to a warehouse today, you can easily scale your business up as it continues to grow. 
  • Enhanced Employee Productivity and Wellbeing: With these warehouse essentials in place, long gone are the days of rifling through unorganised shelves and manual lifting. Your staff can experience a well-equipped warehouse, boosting their pride in the workplace. 

Find Your Warehouse Essentials at Schott Packaging 

Now that you know exactly what you need for an efficient warehouse, it is time to start making investments. At Schott Packaging, we have all the essential warehouse supplies to get your warehouse started on the right foot. From Hand Pallet Trucks to Strapping and Strapping Machines, find everything you need in one place. Shop Schott Packaging today to take the next step in growing your business. 

FAQs

What equipment is needed in a warehouse?

This depends on how big your business is and what products you stock. The warehouse essentials we recommend you consider include:

  • Storage equipment such as industrial shelving 
  • Lifting equipment like forklifts 
  • Packaging materials including cardboard boxes
  • Safety equipment such as first aid kits 
  • An inventory management system 
  • Packing equipment including strapping machines
  • Dock equipment like dock boards
  • Conveyor systems such as gravity rollers 

How do you layout a small warehouse?

Setting up a warehouse in a small facility can be difficult as you need to make the most of your available space. To layout a small warehouse effectively, start by designating clear zones for receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping, ensuring a logical flow of goods. You can also maximise vertical space with appropriate shelving and racking systems, keep frequently accessed items easily reachable, and maintain wide enough aisles for safe equipment operation.

What does a strapping machine do?

A strapping machine automatically applies straps or bands around packages, boxes, or pallets to secure and stabilise them for shipping or storage. It increases efficiency and consistency in packaging operations, reducing manual labour and improving the overall security of bundled items.

Related Articles 

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How to Use a Strapping Machine and Boost Packaging Efficiency