Example of a mezzanine floor. Image credit: Aaron Huber via Unsplash, free license
In the sections below, we show you how to exploit your warehouse mezzanine floor storage space so that you can handle an influx of business, whether on a short or long-term basis, and improve your efficiency.
Understanding the advantages of mezzanine floors
A cost-effective option to improve your storage space within a warehouse is to install a floor in an overhead area that is not usually used. Some warehouses use this as additional office space, whereas others use it to expand their ability to store goods. Whatever the reason for installing one, it gets the best use out of dead space within a building.
Accessing your mezzanine floor
As mentioned, space is a prized commodity in a warehouse, so why use more space than necessary to move between floors? Mezzanine floor lifts can allow goods and people to move between levels safely, effectively, and with relatively small footprints in the warehouse environment.
Exploiting your mezzanine floor depending on your business
There are several problems that exploiting the use of your mezzanine floor can help to overcome within a warehouse environment.
Tailored storage options
If you handle high value goods, as well as general cargo, you may wish to have the high value goods in a less accessible space. Your mezzanine floor may only be accessed by certain personnel, for example, and this will not only help you store these goods separately, but more securely too.
This type of floor could also be used where temperature controlled areas are required within a warehouse or to create a pick and pack environment, for example.
Workflow efficiency
The impact on workflow of exploiting a mezzanine floor cannot be understated. Quick vertical transportation between levels can help to facilitate the efficient operation of the warehouse. Make sure to plan routes for incoming and outgoing goods, and this will certainly make an improvement to the efficiency of your workflow.
A safer environment
Having a mezzanine floor can help avoid overcrowding in a warehouse. It is essential, however, to consider the health and safety risks when installing a mezzanine floor, or lifting equipment. Careful consideration of where to place the floor and access to it can help to reduce the risk of accidents happening due to busy congested routes through the warehouse and overcrowding.
Future proofing your business
For the forward-looking business, a mezzanine floor is a great option for you to exploit as you grow. After all, if you are not using it, there may be an option to rent it out to make some extra money from your premises, which you can then take over as your business continues to grow.
As you can see, there are very many applications the mezzanine floor can have when it comes to optimising your business. The type of floor you choose is up to you and will need to take into consideration the unique characteristics of your business and the building it operates in. Therefore, consulting specialists in designing and building such floors could be a wise idea. They may come up with suggestions of how to exploit the space that you had not previously considered, and that could have a positive impact on your business.