According to Keith Hancock, managing director of storage specialist Hi-Store, there has been a decline in companies outsourcing storage warehousing. Business for third-party logistics companies is on the increase, as is the use of regional distribution centres.
“Other companies offer services that will design, build and manage warehouses,” he said. “These alternative solutions are effective measures that should ensure long term cost savings for companies with high stock levels.”
Due to the continued boom in property prices, timber companies are having to make more use of ‘dead’ space by investing in their existing assets rather than larger premises. More innovative storage methods are being used such as fitting racking up to warehouses’ maximum height and doubling floor space by installing mezzanine floors.
Meanwhile, the rise in H&S regulations from new government/EU legislation has impacted heavily both on suppliers of storage solutions and those that manage warehouse operations.
“Designers have to produce more stringent solutions to address health and safety requirements and businesses themselves are having to get to grips with new and constantly increasing responsibilities,” said Mr Hancock.
In some circumstances, he adds, this can necessitate a restructure of their facilities, providing more challenges for storage solution companies.
Other factors are also affecting developments in timber storage. The advancement of computerised technology is enabling merchants to be more streamlined, cost-effective and efficient. Examples of this are sophisticated software where stock levels are maintained by computer-aided control systems, including bar coding. Also, the planning stage of storage solutions is becoming more proficient due to the advancement of planning software such as CAD.
Hi-Store, for example, has its own software package which designs mezzanine floors, costs them and produces local authority calculations. It also allows alternative specifications to be produced at high speed.
X-STEEL Design Software is also in use at Hi-Store to convert layout drawings into individual components which are then digitally transferred to the production line. “This is so important when producing mezzanine floors and Canti-Clad (rack supported canopies/sheds) because so many of the individual components differ from adjacent pieces,” explained Mr Hancock.
