How Entrepreneurs Build Their Warehouse from Scratch

Although a warehouse or distribution facility doesn’t generate any income for a business, it plays an essential role in the supply chain. It acts as a bridge between the manufacturer and the end consumer. Therefore, entrepreneurs need to put much thought and effort into building a warehouse. Here are some of the most crucial steps involved in building a warehouse from scratch.

1. Designing

Designing the warehouse has got to be the most crucial part of building a warehouse. When designing a warehouse, entrepreneurs must figure out a way to maximize operational efficiency. One of the things entrepreneurs consider in the designing phase is the logical sequence of operations to streamline the process. Each activity has to be located adjacent to the one preceding it. They also have to ensure that all items are easily accessible. Notably, the design relies heavily on the nature of the products going into the warehouse. However, flexibility is a critical factor since businesses evolve over time.

2. Earthwork and Foundation

Once the design phase is over, the next step is earthwork. When setting the earthwork, entrepreneurs have to ensure that the ground is level for delivery trucks. Besides, entrepreneurs have to consider other factors such as employee parking during the earthwork. After the earthwork, it’s time for plumbing and electrical contractors to lay out their work before the foundation.

3. Walls and Roof

The floor is by far the most crucial part of a warehouse. Should an entrepreneur build a defective floor, it can necessitate tearing down the entire structure.

Besides the floor, walls and roof are also an essential part of building the warehouse. Entrepreneurs need to pay close attention to the walls and roof to avoid expensive repairs. Ideally, the framework consists of a series of heavy metal girders and beams. Once strong beams are in place, a lighter-weight skeleton can be built over them. Doors and windows can be installed once the shell is completed.

4. Docks and Drive Areas

The docks contribute significantly to the efficiency of the warehouse. Entrepreneurs need to invest in mechanical dock levers since they reduce the operating costs of the warehouse.

5. Warehouse Illumination

A warehouse needs to be well illuminated for efficient running. Over the recent past, entrepreneurs have been embracing the use of sunlight to cut electrical costs. However, since some warehouses operate beyond daytime, it is still important to use electricity.

6. Selecting the Equipment

Once the physical structure is in place, there is so much that goes into getting things going. An excellent place to start is selecting the right equipment for the warehouse. Usually, this depends on the specific needs of the warehouse. The entrepreneur needs to select equipment like warehouse shelving, drive-in racks, rivet shelving, and much more.

7. Installation of the Equipment

Installing the storage equipment is a relatively simple task. Entrepreneurs can delegate tasks of assembling the storage equipment. However, some entrepreneurs might prefer involving professionals in outfitting the entire warehouse.

Besides lighting the warehouse, heating is also necessary to consider when building the warehouse. Most entrepreneurs prefer using air rotation systems. The reason being, this type of system can heat up to 100,000 square feet of space.

8. Warehouse Upkeep

Keeping the warehouse up and running is also part of the job. In the wake of technology, a warehouse management system is vital for smooth operations. With a management system, entrepreneurs can be sure of optimal use of the warehouse space. Besides, they can easily monitor inventory levels. This goes a long way in avoiding backorders, which in turn leads to more customer satisfaction. Most importantly, a warehouse management system ensures that the staff is equally effective. The system helps in the efficient allocation of tasks and helps in increasing their throughput.

Other Factors to Consider

There are other factors that entrepreneurs consider when building a warehouse from scratch. For instance, the location is a very fundamental element in building the warehouse. The warehouse needs to be in a safe, secure, and strategic location. Again, the purpose of the warehouse determines which location is most ideal. For instance, if the entrepreneur wants to distribute goods within the city, it would be best to build a warehouse close to the city.

Other factors that entrepreneurs consider include connectivity of the area, labor availability, and the ease of vehicle access.