There’s a reason why pallets can be found in every warehouse and distribution centre across the country. They’re the most efficient way to store and transport a wide range of goods from raw materials to finished products. They’re the industry standard, so everything from lorries, to goods to warehouse shelving can be optimised to store and move anything when it’s loaded on a pallet.
Pallet storage is the backbone of the warehouse industry for good reason. Time and space costs determine the profitability of any storage and distribution businesses. Palletisation helps teams maximise their use of time and space in a few key ways.
Pallet storage systems are useful for optimising warehouse operations across various industries. These systems aid inventory management, streamline picking and packing processes, and help to maximise storage space.
Inventory Management:
Picking and Packing Processes:
Maximising pallet storage space:
Benefits of Techniques:
Pallet storage is useful for retail businesses because it optimises space, organisation, and efficient inventory management. It helps businesses to keep on top of their stock control, which is essential for profitability in retail. Up to four locations in a retail business may benefit from pallet storage;
Stockroom Storage: Retailers can use pallet racking systems in their storerooms to store excess inventory or seasonal items. Proper labelling and inventory management practices are key to keeping order and accessibility when goods are in storage for longer periods.
Warehouse Pallet Storage: For larger retail operations, having a dedicated warehouse equipped with pallet racking systems can streamline storage and distribution processes. Implementing an efficient warehouse layout and inventory management software can optimise operations.
Distribution Centres: Pallet storage is essential in distribution centres where products are received, sorted, and dispatched to retail locations. Cross-docking and automated retrieval systems can improve efficiency and reduce handling time.
Store Displays: In the retail environment, pallets are a practical way to display larger items. DIY and furniture stores, such as IKEA use this strategy.
Pallet storage plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing sector. Pallets offer several advantages when it comes to the storage of raw materials, work-in-progress inventory, and finished goods.
Storing raw materials on pallets means they are easy to access and keep track of, reducing the risk of damage or spoilage. Pallets also make it simpler to operate a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory system, ensuring that older materials are used before newer ones, minimising waste and improving cost control.
Work-in-progress inventory also benefits from pallet storage as it streamlines production processes. Palletised components or partially assembled products can be easily moved within the manufacturing facility. This flexibility enables faster assembly and reduces downtime, ultimately leading to increased productivity and shorter lead times.
Finally, pallet storage is crucial for efficient finished goods management. Finished products can be stacked on pallets, making them easier to handle, store, and transport. Palletised goods are also more stable during transit, reducing the risk of damage and improving overall product quality.
Pallet storage is an integral component of modern manufacturing operations. It enhances supply chain management, reduces waste, improves production efficiency, and ensures that finished goods reach their destinations intact.
Palletisation is central to supply chain efficiency. By placing goods on standardised pallets, companies can streamline loading and unloading procedures. This consistency ensures that products are easily accessible, minimising the time and labour required for manual handling. Pallets also provide a stable base, reducing the risk of damage to goods during transit.
Pallet wrapping or straps are typically used to secure goods in pallet warehouses, preventing shifting or damage during transportation. Plastic wrap has the added benefit of protecting goods from environmental factors, such as moisture and dust, which can compromise product quality. Wrapping ensures that pallets remain intact, reducing the likelihood of pallet breakage, load instability or lost goods.
Palletised load optimisation is critical for efficient shipping and receiving operations. By strategically arranging products on pallets, companies can maximise space within storage facilities and shipping containers. Minimising wasted space also reduces the number of shipments required, and optimised pallet loads are easier to handle and transport, contributing to overall logistics efficiency.
Manufacturing companies are likely to have a standardised set of goods or finished products to ship, so it makes sense to examine the pallets to make sure they are packed efficiently.
Pallet optimisation calculators can help teams work out the best use of space. Entering key data such as unit dimensions, maximum weight, and layers can ensure businesses get as many units per pallet as possible.
The agricultural and food industries need their storage facilities to meet the highest standard of safety and security. Anything destined for human consumption, from the raw ingredients to the finished product must adhere to strict storage and transportation procedures.
BRC Global Standards are recognised as the benchmark for the food and drink industry. Premises and policies are inspected to ensure they meet a wide range of hygiene and security measures, offering supply chain visibility and keeping ingredients fit for purpose.
Storage temperature is another key consideration for perishable products. Dried goods such as rice and cereals can be stored in ambient warehouses, whilst fruit, veg, meat and dairy products will need specialist temperature-controlled storage spaces. Storage temperatures fall into one of four categories;
Cold storage facilities have the flexibility to regulate temperature as needed whether that’s frozen, chilled or ambient, whereas a standard warehouse will only be suitable for storing ambient goods.
InvoFulfilment is rated AA BRC Global Standards across all of our warehouses, making us the ideal storage partner for your food business. Why not get in touch to find out more or to book your pallet spaces now?
eCommerce businesses are increasingly investing in automated warehousing. The high turnover of goods means the sizeable investment makes economic sense. These highly specialised warehouses use robotics and conveyors to automate the packing process. They can operate 24/7 and offer fast and accurate picking every time.
Goods can also be racked higher and aisles made narrower when picks are made by machines instead of humans. There’s less need to have turning circles or aisles wide enough for forklifts, freeing up more space for storage.
Automated warehouses have also seen a move away from the standard wooden pallets towards custom pallets or even bin-style storage. Because these systems are built from scratch they can be optimised for any specific business need whether that’s tins of beans or car parts.
The move from warehouses being B2B towards B2C, when the destination for the product is the customer and not another business, has also changed how warehouses operate. Goods may be stored boxed and ready to ship out to customers or there may be a designated packing area.
Automation fast-tracks inventory efficiency. Manual, human-powered picking just can’t compete with the speed and volume of goods that can be handled by robotics, this is why according to recent research, up to 50% of all e-commerce orders will be processed by autonomous robots by 2024. The average order fulfilment time is also predicted to decrease from 4 hours to 30 minutes by 2028.
The largest barrier to entry to automation is cost. The automated warehouse sector is dominated by large B2C businesses, such as Amazon or specialist parcel delivery services, like DPD.
Traditional palletised warehouses are still the best solution for SMEs and businesses with fluctuating types and levels of stock. They are flexible, universal, and don’t require a large financial outlay, so there’s less risk too.
The cost of warehouse space and installing adjustable pallet racking (APR) can be financially impractical for small businesses and startups. Or even if a business does have its own warehouse space, speed of growth can mean there’s a need for more. A fulfilment partner can support small and growing businesses by providing additional warehouse space.
InvoFulfilment is part of the Involvement group and we have been in the packaging and warehousing industries for over fifty years, so we really understand the benefits and versatility of pallet storage.
We also understand how to run a warehouse effectively and we have the highest AA rating for BRC Global Standards in storage and distribution. Our modern warehouses are fully equipped and we use the latest technology to track each pallet.
So if you’re looking for a third party logistics partner to support your business then why not give us a call?
Whether you’re a business looking to free up valuable space or streamline your supply chain, pallet storage is a practical and cost-effective solution. With facilities across the UK, it’s easy to find a storage option near you that suits your needs. From flexible contracts to secure, accessible warehousing, pallet storage can help your business stay organised and efficient.
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