Industry has needed to use space more efficiently in the Covid-19 pandemic. Matthew Grierson, Whittan Group sales director for distributors & shelving, explains how flexible storage can help to maximise space utilisation.
Most industries have struggled in response to the global pandemic – and expanding operations in existing space to manage the impact on stock inventory was just one more challenge added to the continuing disruptions. Store closures, lack of essential materials and supplies and increased e-commerce for products typically bought in bricks-and-mortar outlets called for flexible and innovative storage solutions to keep operations running.
Although expanding space capabilities is normal in operations that are scaling up or branching into new areas, the pandemic has accelerated that demand. Overnight, space had to work harder to handle increased stock inventory and adapt to different configurations.
This all had a ripple effect on performance. Systems that had previously worked efficiently were suddenly put through the stress test. Those that fared best were the ones with flexible storage solutions that enabled rapid-response capabilities. In every instance, this meant that the operation had to have inbuilt flexibility to maximise available space. This is never easy and requires specialist knowledge and planning of space layout, storage facilities and operations.
A business, regardless of the size of operation and industry sector, needs to maximise space utilisation while creating a safe, high-performing environment for processes and work-flows. Space also needs to be highly flexible to adapt to changes, such as those brought on by the pandemic. Sometimes operations can move into larger spaces, giving them more space to grow into. Mostly, they are looking to optimise existing space to go to that next level.
A good example was when Hayley Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing engineering inventory suppliers, wanted to update the way it stores and manages on-site equipment and stock for Accolade Wines, one of its key national accounts. Its multi-award winning operation in Bristol is the largest bonded warehouse and distribution centre in Europe. However, a two-tier system with open shelves in one designated area was no longer suitable or efficient.
The company required a new high-density storage system that would increase the pick rate and create overall better asset management, thereby saving time locating items. The challenge was reconfiguring the existing space with better-designed solutions while keeping the bottling and distribution operation in full flow.
The company’s preferred solution was a bespoke Euro-Shelving system to accommodate all items and include extra capacity for futureproofing purposes. Designed and installed by Whittan Group’s Link 51, it included bespoke features such as pigeon holes and plastic drawers for easier stock location, management and identification, as well as a number of open bays with adjustable shelves and full height dividers for irregularly-sized items. In addition, two of the bays were fitted to store both large and small cable reels and provide safe and efficient dispensing.
The Link 51 solution made the most of every square inch of available space; it provided the flexibility and innovation in storage solutions that the Hayley Group was looking for, with room for expansion and reconfiguration to handle growth and further customisation. There were also real-time improvements of overall efficiency and performance.
Hayley Group chose Link 51 to take advantage of Whittan’s extensive knowledge and experience in storage solutions. Whittan’s UK-manufactured premium products and solutions include Link51 and Apex, providing design, manufacture and installation of racking and shelving products. The solutions are ubiquitous in many sectors and also feature Hi-Store, for mezzanine floors; market-leading display and storage solutions for retail sectors from Polypal UK, and an extensive range of lockers and workplace products from Probe and Link Lockers.
An increasing number of operations are requiring urgent reconfiguration of space to scale up and increase productivity. All Whittan storage solutions are futureproofed to expand capabilities with storage, making them well placed to cope with any space and storage requirements.
Tel: (+44) 1952 682251 | e: info@whittan-storage.com