Mastering the Art of Space Optimisation with Mezzanines

Space Optimisation

There’s no question that warehousing and logistics is one of the most fast paced industries in the world. Optimising space in a warehouse can help to maintain efficiency, profitability in productivity. However, with pressures on the supply chain at all points, it is vital to optimise the space in a warehouse without increasing the carbon footprint wherever possible. Sustainability is now being built into the warehouse operation so any way of optimising space must be eco-friendly as well. With this in mind, we take a look at how to master the art of space optimisation with a mezzanine floor.

What is a mezzanine floor?

A common solution to space management issues, particularly in warehousing, is the mezzanine floor. This is effectively an elevated platform that offers a way for facility owners to maximise their existing space. This also allows them to explore a range of benefits that go far beyond simply adding some extra space.

Mezzanines can be adaptable and cost-effective. As they are integrated into an existing structure, they allow for a quick and cost-effective way to expand the usable space within your warehouse. For example, if you are an FMCG warehouse, which requires extra space during busy periods, having a mezzanine floor could be the difference between efficiency and chaos.

The key advantages of mezzanine floors

There are various advantages that mezzanine floors can bring to the warehousing environment including:

  • Versatility – It is entirely possible to have a bespoke mezzanine floor built for your premises. This can be adapted to meet the needs of your business. For example, if you are in need of a pick and pack area that is away from the movement of goods and forklifts, a mezzanine floor can provide a safe and optimised operation. In addition, you can also choose to use a mezzanine floor for a break room, office spaces or extra inventory.
  • Cost effective – Historically, expanding the space within your warehouse meant taking up a bigger footprint. This is not always possible and when it does happen it can be extremely costly to achieve. Not only this, but it can take a long while for such a renovation to be completed. Mezzanine floors can be quickly installed within your current footprint,  and they come with a much lower cost.
  • Optimised storage and operation – A mezzanine floor is particularly useful when you’re looking to optimise the storage space in your warehouse. Depending on the height of your ceilings, you can double or even triple your storage capacity. That way, you can section off parts of your warehouse for specific tasks, allowing for a more efficient operation.

Other tips for optimising space

As well as installing mezzanine floors, there are some other tips and tricks you may want to utilise to optimise the space within your warehouse.

  • Inventory management – There are various pieces of software that can streamline inventory management.  This can help by ensuring that the loads taken into your warehouse are planned for and can ensure there are no large gaps that could be filled with other consignments.
  • Make data driven decisions- If you have warehouse management systems that can help you plan the layout of your operation according to the data obtained from usage analysis, use this to optimise your operation.
  • Waste management – Have strict and regular waste management processes which do not require storing waste in your premises for long periods of time.

Maximising the space within a warehouse operation can significantly improve the productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your operation. A mezzanine floor allows you to do just this, without the heavy costs and problems associated with expanding your operations outwards.