If you are an upcoming business that needs a place where you can store your inventory, setting up a warehouse is the best option. This way you will have all of your goods in one place which will make the operation of your business go much easier and faster.

One thing you need to pay a lot of attention to to ensure the effectiveness and success of your business is the equipment you use. Although warehouses are used to store all kinds of products which require the use of particular tools, there are some essentials that every stockroom needs in order to operate without any issues. This includes anything from the proper storage solutions to the general working tools that will help you manage your warehouse.

To get you started on the right track, we have come up with a brief stockroom equipment checklist that includes everything you need to properly run your repository.

Durable floor mats

Providing good working conditions for your employees is the most important aspect of running a successful warehouse. This way you are showing your workers you care about their needs and are willing to provide them with everything they need to do their jobs effectively and productively.

For example, warehouse employees are usually on their feet most of their time. That’s why you should consider installing warehouse floor mats to protect them from health hazards that come from constant standing while working.

Besides this, such floor protection will also serve as a safeguard for your floors and prevent your warehouse inventory from damage in case tools fall or slip on the ground.

Proper storage systems

No matter what kind of business you are in, installing proper storage systems should also be on top of your list when setting up your warehouse. The equipment you choose will mainly be determined by the space you have available as well as the materials or goods you need to store.

Some of the most commonly used methods for storing include pallet racks, industrial shelving, cantilever racks, flow racks and specialty racks.

For example, if you are in the furniture business, cantilever racks are the perfect choice for you as their main purpose is to store long, bulky items that don’t fit on pallet racks.

For smaller items, you can use containers such as bins, totes and bags.

Facility equipment

In general, facility equipment is a broad category that mainly consists of transport equipment, unit load equipment and positioning equipment.

For example, transport equipment refers to the machinery items that help move objects, boxes or pallets from one place to another in the warehouse. Some examples include forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks and service carts. There is also stationary transport equipment such as a conveyor that moves things along a fixed path. This machinery can be powered or run manually.

The most important thing you need to remember when it comes to your material handling equipment is to make sure you train your workers how to operate them properly and in a safe manner.

Packaging materials

An effective way to protect your products from damage and make them ready for shipping is to use proper packaging materials. Choosing the right tools for this part of your warehouse operation will certainly help expedite the process and deliver your merchandise to the desired destination efficiently.

Some of the most important supplies you need include boxes, bags or cartons to store the goods, sealers such as tape dispensers or glue guns to keep them from damage or tear, label printers and scales.

For larger packages, you can rely on your unit load formation equipment such as strapping or wrapping machines to pack containers and ship them together on pallets or skids.

Final thoughts

Setting up a warehouse can be a daunting process. However, if you follow the right steps, you will be able to work out a plan that optimizes efficiency. The key is to integrate equipment that will suit your warehouse space and needs and work well with your inventory. This will further help your employees do their jobs better and more productively.

From creating the best working conditions to incorporating all necessary tools, there are a few essentials you need to successfully operate your warehouse.

For more help, be sure to refer back to our guide and find out what you need to set up your stockroom properly.