Choosing the storage system: key for successful E-Commerce

Choosing the right storage system for an E-Commerce business – one that maximises space and optimises workflows – is crucial for a successful operation for many reasons, including:

• OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY. We refer to achieving maximum picking and packing precision, reducing movements, distance, and time required for product handling. With a visual stock, easy access and a clear, well-organised location of articles, helping operators to prepare orders swiftly and more effectively, additionally minimising errors. It also provides better control of available stock.

It is calculated that in poorly designed installation picking costs can exceed 60% of the running costs.

• SCALABILITY. An e-commerce business generally tends to grow over time. Therefore, it is important to design a storage system that is scalable from the outset. Accordingly, the storage solution supplier must plan for future as well as current requirements.
• SAFETY. A poor choice of the storage system can result in accidents (overloaded racking, aisles that are too narrow, etc.,) or damaged goods, and consequently, in added costs for the business.

In broad outline, what are POLYPAL’s phases in the design and implementation of a storage system for E-Commerce?

In the first instance, a sales technician will meet with the client to discuss requirements in situ: the type of product to be stored, daily modus operandi, etc., and to measure the space available in the warehouse or logistics centre. The expert will use this data to prepare a first report that will be sent to POLYPAL’s technical office.

The professionals of this technical office will then be the ones who design the warehouse layout, in other words, distribution of the storage, on plan. This phase of the design is key for identifying the most appropriate storage solution, considering variables, such as:

• Weight, size, and volume of the load.
• Product flows and rotation.
• Load unit.
• Product characteristics: temperature, shelf life, etc.
• Number of references to be stored.
• Required storage capacity.
• Handling equipment available.

Some of the usual storage systems for this type of E-Commerce operation are:

PICKING SHELVING

This is a very versatile system because it allows for numerous configurations and has a wide range of accessories that easily adapt to the stored product’s volume and weight requirements. Also, the same rack can be fitted with different space measurements, without requiring screwing and unscrewing, guaranteeing a perfect assembly.

CARTON FLOW

These are often used in warehouse zones with large picking volumes or in places where high rotation products are stored. Following a FIFO (FIRST IN, FIRST OUT) method: articles enter through the highest end of the shelf and travel along the inclined plane of the track rollers to the opposite side, ready for removal when required.

MINILOAD, AUTOMATIC WAREHOUSE FOR BOXES

System designed to be operated by robotised equipment. This is a very interesting option on account of its high level of efficiency and accuracy in the operations. Some of the benefits provided by these automated storage systems are:

• Reduced handling times, as operators no longer need to enter the aisles.
• Increased accuracy in order management. Fewer errors.
• Increased personal safety.
• Enhanced storage space. Products can be stored at a greater height (40 metres or more) and with reduced or narrower working aisles.

PALLET RACKING

Pallet racking systems are also installed for large loads in automated warehouses with stacker cranes.

PALLET RACKING + PICKING SYSTEMS

It is also possible to choose mixed systems using upper racking levels for pallets and lower manual storage levels for picking.

At POLYPAL we have experience fitting out warehouses for E-Commerce. We have devised solutions for companies in the pharmaceutical, food, and automotive sectors, among others. Some of our success stories are:

LOGISTICS CENTRE FOR FEDEFARMA

FEDEFARMA is the leading pharmaceutical distribution cooperative in Catalonia. The firm built a new warehouse in Barcelona (Spain), which was to act as the control centre for seven other storage facilities and ensure partner pharmacies could have their online orders supplied.

It was a huge logistics challenge conceived to service the whole of the medicines value chain. To achieve this, on a built-up surface of 19,400 m², POLYPAL installed:

• Adjustable pallet racking.
• Live storage.
• Picking shelves.

WAREHOUSE TO ENHANCE CONFORAMA’S ONLINE BUSINESS

CONFORAMA is a multinational specialised in home furniture and decoration with more than 200 stores in France, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Luxemburg, Italy and Croatia. POLYPAL was responsible for designing and implementing the storage system for the logistics centre in Valencia (Spain), created, among other objectives, to enhance the online business.

• Warehouse surface: 58,000 m².
• Total load capacity: 73,506 pallets.
• 70.000 product references.
• 8 forklift tunnels.

The storage system plays a determining role in the performance and efficiency of an online business. To avoid risks and guarantee you make the right choice, contact our team. We will be delighted to help you.