Blog

Warehouse Buildings Right for Your Business

Superior warehouse building design essentially drives facility performance.  Unfortunately, thousands of warehouse buildings under perform.  In fact, most new businesses involved in the supply chain may think about how many steel racks or pallets will be needed.  Yes, there is the floor plan, too, but there are many other basic questions to ask yourself.

Aspects of Warehouse Design

Let’s talk about the important elements that combine to designing the ideal warehouse buildings.  Rob O’Bryne (7/15/13) researched the topic.  O’Bryne offers sound advice to those desiring to open commercial warehouse operations.  He refers to these as “salient aspects of the design task.”
Before sitting down with your warehouse architects and designers, do some homework.  Most building contractors haven’t run a large warehouse or logistics company.  They may not be aware of the details involved in handling materials, either.

Salient Aspects of Warehouse Design

Your facility will best endure the test of construction and becoming operational if you get your arms around the scope of the entire facility.  These may sound like rudimentary pieces of information.  You need to have them in hand to stay on target.  Recording the salient aspects on paper, you will be able to stand strong against challenges.  These could be unexpected challenges like budget problems, timing issues, or other resources.

Functions in Warehouse Operations

What kinds of spaces does your business require?  Figuring out the spaces and how to best position them is one of the most important ways to save time/money on salaries.  Common areas include warehouse, cool/cold rooms, clean rooms, offices, and staff facilities. Will you need manufacturing and packaging operations?  How about special places for gantry cranes, loading docks, forklift charging areas, and dangerous or hazardous goods?

Basic Warehouse Research

Have the following info in hand when you approach builders for warehouse buildings:

1. Determine the objective of the facility and your market
2. Define the facts: volume, functional requirements, quantities, incoming goods, orders, transfers, returns, picking, types of goods
3. Match storage modes, IT systems and mechanical technologies with volume
4. List functions
5. Define the flow of goods and people, time frames
6. Reduce movements needed for materials handling
7. Evaluate your options
8. Consult widely

Colorado Builders Specializing in Outbuildings

For information about custom warehouse buildings, contact Sapphire Construction, Inc. at (303) 619-7213.  Our team custom designs each building using high-quality, engineer-tested materials from Lester Buildings.