How to Choose the Best Material Handling and Storage Equipment

How to choose a material handling and storage system.

Material handling and storage systems comprise various pieces of equipment that streamline warehouse processes, such as shelves and racks, conveyor belts, and pallet trucks. These tools let Houston businesses store and distribute products, and are an essential component of any supply chain. Choosing the right material handling and storage equipment depends on the scope of the business. Here’s how companies can transform the way they manufacture and store goods.

Choosing the best material handling and storage system for your warehouse..

Different Types of Equipment

Handling and storage equipment lets companies process, package, store, and ship materials and products. Some of the most frequently used handling tools include conveyor belts, which move materials from one location to another quickly and safely. These engineered systems facilitate the speedy transportation of heavy and valuable goods.

Companies also benefit from storage systems, such as pallet racks —which store products on horizontal platforms — and wire partitioning, a useful tool that protects products until they are ready to be shipped to their end destination. Metal and wire shelves are the cornerstones of any warehouse or production facility: these sturdy surfaces let businesses store and display goods, and are useful for product inventory management.

Regulations for Specific Materials

The type of handling and storage equipment a company invests in depends on the type of products they store or manufacture. Some businesses are bound by federal or state regulations that pertain to the storage of specific goods, such as hazardous materials or food products. Other companies, including those that want to diversify their product range, require permits if they want to keep particular items in a warehouse or storage facility. Therefore, organizations should research industry-specific regulations before they purchase equipment.

Handling and storage tools need to protect goods from damage and prevent warehouse staff from injury. Companies should choose equipment approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and other niche-specific organizations that develop industry standards for products, such as the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI). Senior staff should train employees on how to use equipment such as pallet racks and automated warehouse systems, too.

Upgrading a Storage Space

A well-organized storage space makes product inventory management less of a chore. Businesses can locate products and send them to their customers and clients in a quicker time frame, something that could boost revenue and a brand’s reputation. Still, many companies fail to optimize their warehouse space, and fewer than 20 to 30 percent of warehouses are efficient, according to one study.

Businesses in Houston who redesign their storage space can optimize warehouse efficiency. Modern depositories — those that are equipped with handling and storage equipment such as pallet racks and wire shelves — expedite production and distribution processes and make it easier for staff to manage and control goods.

For businesses that want to incorporate bulkier handling and storage systems — large shelving units and automated conveyor belts, for example — relocating to brand new premises might prove to be a solid investment. A bigger space allows companies to incorporate more equipment into a warehouse and hire more staff.

Warehouse management has recently become a bigger concern for companies, and the number of storehouses in the U.S. has increased by nearly seven percent over the last five years. Businesses that want to enhance operational efficiency should invest in material handling and storage equipment, find out about regulations for specific materials, and upgrade their storage space.

If you have a business in the Houston area and you need help choosing material handling and storage equipment, contact the storage specialists at Cato Industrial Rack Company. We can help you make the most out of your space.