RESPONSE TO COVID 19
Firstly, we hope you have kept safe and well over the course of this crisis.
This is a brief update to advise you that we hope to be fully back in operation very soon, in line with the easing of the Covid 19 restrictions. As this happens, it is certain that we will all be returning a very different business landscape.
Current SituationFor the logistics industry, the lean supply chain proved unable cope with a number of the critical challenges resulting from the pandemic. It now seems likely that these weaknesses will be overcome by some businesses increasing the amount of strategic or buffer stock held. It is equally likely that, to reduce the length of supply lines that, over a longer period, some manufacturing will be returned or “re-shored” to the UK. Other companies will find their businesses have shrunk drastically and, in some cases, disappeared. For all businesses it will mean changing to respond to the new situation and those who respond most rapidly will be best placed to benefit from the recovery.
ActionWhether you need greater capacity to hold increased stock in new or existing facilities, or to shrink your operation into smaller premises, call us and we will work with you to examine the options available and deliver the optimum solution for your operation to move forward successfully.
SolutionsAny, or a combination, of high density solutions such as Narrow Aisle or Powered Mobile Racking, Multi tier Storage, Shuttle Systems, Push Back Racking or just a simple Mezzanine Floor could be the answer and, wherever possible, we can even integrate your existing equipment.
FinanceImportantly, we can offer finance packages to spread the load of these investments over periods up to 5 years.
Welcome to IAW Logistics Solutions
We specialise in the design and installation of high density storage solutions. For unit loads, they include powered mobile racking, pallet shuttle systems, drive in, push back and narrow aisle pallet racking.
For hand loaded applications we provide high rise and multi tier shelving as well as high density mobile shelving. In addition, we design and install mezzanine floors to help you turn underused headroom into productive floor space. We can undertake the integration of other services such as lighting and sprinklers to give you a complete solution from a single source.
Why is high density storage critical?
High Cost of Moving
By fully utilising your existing facilities a high density storage solution could save you the expense and upheaval of moving to larger premises or constructing new buildings. If new premises are essential, it can allow your new development to be smaller and less costly.
Building Costs
Partially due to increases in the cost of land, raw materials and labour the cost of construction is increasing but, importantly, due to the higher standards that are required in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact, including the effect of rainfall dispersal on flooding. See www.breeam.com
Energy Costs
The long-term trend is upward, representing a significant proportion of operating expense this cost must be controlled or, wherever possible, reduced.
Local Authority Charges
Regardless of economic conditions, these will continue rising either through business rates or more stealthily by other charges such as waste disposal or planning fees. Infrastructure maintenance and the social services driven by demographics will need increased funding. The lion’s share will inevitably be met by business.
Good Business Practice
Smaller buildings cost less to build, operate more efficiently and have less environmental impact and benefit your bottom line.
Choice of solutions
Adjustable Pallet Racking
Conventional pallet racking systems operated by reach trucks typically utilise around 35% of the available floor space as reach trucks require an operating aisle of around 3 metres and for some operations reasons this is still the correct solution.
Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking
Using an articulated truck reduces the aisle width to around 2 metres which can increase floor space utilisation to 50%. These trucks, having large diameter wheels can be dual purpose as they can operate on less even surfaces outside the warehouse and be used for general pallet movement and loading/offloading vehicle.
High Rise Narrow Aisle Racking
More sophisticated narrow aisle trucks which are guided by wires embedded in the floor or by guide rails fixed to the floor can operate in aisles as narrow as 1.5 metres and are usually “man up” meaning that the operator and cab rise with the load to the storage location. These machines are often used for picking both full pallets and individual items from a pallet. Whatever your application we will help you decide which machine, if any, is best for you and design the appropriate system
Powered mobile pallet racking
Powered Mobile Pallet Racking has been used for over forty years in operations where maximising cubic capacity is critical. In order to defray massive energy costs, this has largely been in the cold storage industry. Having been proven in harsh conditions to be ideal for fast moving food distribution operations, increasing cost pressure in the supply chain means that the ambient sector, who, previously, used static racking, are now discovering the benefits of this high density system.
Drive-in pallet racking
Drive In Pallet Racking gives you high density storage and rapid throughput. By separating your pallets both vertically and horizontally, load crushing and stock damage is minimised. It is ideal for applications with high product volumes and large batches requiring minimal selectivity. Maximum density is achieved as the system is fed and replenished from a single aisle and your headroom, up to 13.5 metres, is fully utilised. The system is designed to be operated using conventional reach or counterbalance trucks.
Mezzanine Floors and Multi Tier Shelving
Utilising your available headroom is the simplest way to maximise the capacity of your building. The most straightforward solution is a platform, with staircase access, constructed above your existing workspace for administration, storage, assembly or kitting operations, with goods transported to and from the upper level by forklift truck or a goods lift.
Using the racking or shelving in your warehouse to support a mezzanine floor can be an economical method of gaining additional space by saving the cost of an independent supporting structure.
Or more sophisticated, multi station models allowing operators to travel with the load.
Multi Tier or Multi Level Shelving
Where headroom is available multiple levels of storage can be built within a single structure where the support for the access gangways is provided by the racking structure, the system illustrated is ground + 3 mezzanine levels.
Building Regulations
All mezzanine and multi-tier structures are subject to Building Regulations and we make the submissions to obtain the necessary approvals on your behalf.
What Do We Do with our Existing Equipment?
Wherever possible, we will always redeploy existing, serviceable equipment as a part of the new solution and will advise you on the disposal of materials that cannot be integrated.
What is the Best Method of Funding our New System?
Our area of expertise is giving you the best solution for your individual application. However, there are funding organisations, with whom we have worked previously, who specialise in the financial packages, such as leasing and rental, for this kind of equipment and for all sizes of organisation.
After making the introduction, we have no financial interest in any arrangement you may make.