Being a regional commercial and logistics hub, Singapore has a bustling business landscape that is fast-paced and highly competitive. While warehousing and distribution operations in particular need to ensure that they have optimised the layout and utilisation of storage space, this need extends to businesses in multiple industries.
For instance, a retail operation such as a supermarket will require a storage solution that allows stock to be kept in optimum condition and in a manner that it can be quickly replenished on shelves when needed. Similarly, a hospital or clinic will need to ensure that pharmaceutical drugs and equipment are stored efficiently, hygienically, and in a manner where they are used within the appropriate time frame.
In such cases, a poorly designed or ad-hoc storage solution would give rise to severe consequences. This could be in the form of extra manual labour required, or delays in storage and retrieval that hamper productivity and increase costs. In more extreme cases, it could result in workplace injuries or damage to products and equipment, leading to costly lawsuits and a damaged reputation. Thus, the importance of an efficient commercial storage solution cannot be understated.
Additionally, when investing in a commercial storage solution in Singapore, it is important to implement a system that is appropriate for the scale at which you intend to operate. If your business, for example, requires the storage and distribution of heavy loads, your warehouse will need to contain enough space for the use of heavy-lifting equipment such as forklifts. While this may seem obvious, it is not uncommon for businesses to neglect such factors over time, especially if they upscale rapidly. Unfortunately, this results in glaring inefficiencies over the long term that can cause growth to be bottlenecked.
Fortunately, with advancements in technology, modern storage solutions in Singapore can help your business overcome these inefficiencies to stay on par with a highly competitive industry. Here are some of the more commonly implemented storage solutions that have helped businesses optimise their storage space and streamline their operations.
Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet racking systems are among the most common types of warehouse racking due to their relatively low cost and the ease of access they provide. With selective pallet racking, all pallet positions on a rack can be directly accessed from the aisle without the need for one pallet to be moved to access another. This system efficiently utilises the vertical space within a warehouse and makes loading and unloading faster and easier. It is also cost-effective, as the pallets are cheap (used pallets can be easily sourced in Singapore) and can be used with standard forklifts without the need to invest in additional equipment.
Selective pallet racking systems are best suited for warehouses that store a large number of different products at low stock quantities, as they allow items to be easily identified and accessed. As they come under a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) type of racking system, they are ideal for storing products that are perishable or have a short shelf life. However, selective pallet racking systems require ample aisle space between racks to provide direct access to items and allow the operation of forklifts. Thus, they lose their advantages when the volume of stock increases, as they will tend to require excessive warehousing space in such instances.
Vertical Carousels
Vertical carousel systems feature a series of shelves attached at fixed points to a vertically oriented chain drive that is rotated by a motor. When operated, the series of shelves is cycled through until the operator has access to the specific shelf required. These systems allow full use of the vertical space within a warehouse without requiring employees to use forklifts, ladders, or other specialised equipment to store or retrieve items at higher levels. This increases worker efficiency while reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents. Furthermore, these storage solutions can be integrated with inventory management systems such as ERP software for more accurate and efficient tracking.
Vertical carousel systems are appropriate for businesses that need to store and retrieve a high volume of small to medium-sized items. This ranges from the storage of files in an office environment to the storage of parts and equipment in an automotive repair business. The reduction in time to retrieve items also makes them ideal for use in industries with time-sensitive order requirements, such as food and beverages. However, these systems come with restrictions on the amount of weight that can be placed on each shelf, limiting their applications to some extent.
Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving systems utilise shelving racks with mobile bases placed on rails along the floor, allowing them to be moved laterally. This helps maximise storage space in a facility by greatly reducing the amount of space used in comparison to traditional racking. Since the racks can be moved aside as required, aisle space does not need to be allocated between every rack, allowing more items to be stored within the same area.
The high-density storage this system provides is most effective for businesses that lack large storage facilities. This includes the storage of records in a hospital, university, or government facility; personal safe boxes in banks; and archives of tapes and CDs in a radio/TV station. Large-scale mobile shelving systems are also used in warehouses and similar facilities to maximise the use of storage space.
Effective Storage Solutions in Singapore by Tysen Technologies
In many cases, storage systems are not seen as having a major impact on the bottom line of a business, but, as highlighted, this is not the case. An effective storage solution can not only help your business eliminate much of the minor inefficiencies that go unaccounted for, but can also serve as a strong foundation for you to upscale your operations to their full potential.
Tysen Technologies can assist you in the implementation of advanced storage solutions in Singapore. Our comprehensive range of storage solutions includes pallet racking, bolt racking, mechanical and electronic mobile shelving, vertical lift storage modules, vertical carousels, and more. We also offer an array of material handling equipment and safety systems, and can put our expertise at your service to design a customised solution that meets all your requirements. Contact us today to streamline your operations.
