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Calculating a Warehouse’s Spatial Needs

There are many important considerations that go into calculating a warehouse’s spatial needs. Every company’s distribution and storage needs are different, and there are limitless ways to configure warehousing space to meet your business’s needs. That being said, it is important to consider the long-term implications for your business when calculating exactly how much warehouse space you need.

Whether you are considering expansion or simply want to make better use of your current space, making the most of your warehouse operations begins with accurately calculating your spatial needs. The following considerations can help with that process.

Square Footage

The total square footage of a warehouse is one of the most important factors to consider when calculating spatial needs. In fact, the total square feet available will impact every decision and calculation made about a warehouse’s floorplan. In addition to floor space, it is also important to account for the height of a facility as well, as it will determine your stacking capacity.

It is imperative to not only consider current spatial needs, but also accommodate for potential growth as well. While there is no plan that is future-proof, calculating warehouse spatial needs should involve leaving room for expansion and development without compromising efficiency.

Packing and Shipping Needs

Underestimating the spatial needs for packing, shipping, and other warehouse operations can throw a wrench in your calculations. While storage will always account for the most space within a warehouse, it is best to ensure there is enough room for everything else to run efficiently. This includes not only packing and shipping, but also breakrooms, office space, and room for value-added services.

Placement of Dock Doors

A business’s spatial needs depend on the space that is available as well as how it is used. One critical factor that is frequently overlooked when making these spatial calculations in a warehouse is the placement and number of dock doors.

Like with all other calculations, accounting for dock doors during the planning phases of a warehouse’s layout should focus on present and future spatial needs. For example, these calculations should account for how many dock doors are necessary for both inbound and outbound goods.

Building Shape

The shape of a building is also a crucial factor in calculating the spatial needs of a warehouse. Some warehouse layouts can be inefficient, limiting the number of pallets that can fit in a given area or increasing the travel time from one end of the facility to another, for example.

The shape of a building can impact productivity in other ways besides travel time. Inefficient warehouse layouts can also limit visibility or make it difficult to keep docking areas clear.

Let Our Team Help Calculate Your Warehouse’s Spatial Needs

One way to simplify warehousing decision-making is by partnering with a third-party logistic provider. The team at Brown West Logistics can provide a level of focus and ingenuity that would otherwise be difficult for anyone juggling dozens of other tasks. Call right away to learn more about how we can help you calculate your warehouse’s spatial needs.

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