Growth is the very definition of business success. But getting bigger also brings plenty of challenges, particularly for organisations that utilise warehouses.
In Australia demand for well-positioned warehouses has long outstripped supply, pushing the price of industrial sites skyward, and making expansion or relocation an expensive undertaking.
Nevertheless, with inventory and order volumes growing, space must be found somewhere. What if you could expand your warehouse without relocating?
Good news: it could be as simple as looking up.
At Unistor we’ve built a reputation as the go-to provider of custom, scalable raised storage and mezzanine solutions, which form a smart, low-cost alternative to relocating or leasing additional space. In this guide we’ll explore the opportunities presented by raised storage, and how to capitalise on them.
The true cost of relocation
Relocation is a huge undertaking. While the long-term benefits can ultimately make it worthwhile, the short-term costs, both financial and operational, are significant. On top of the high capital expenditure, you’ll face an often lengthy period of downtime. Even a slight loss of operational continuity and fulfilment speed can be potentially damaging to your reputation.
There are a number of other hidden costs too:
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Lease overlap
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The planning and implementation of new racking and warehouse systems
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Staff overtime used to hasten the move
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New permits and certifications
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The possible loss of local clients that are left behind
Then there are the higher ongoing costs of moving to a larger site, where you’ll inevitably face increased rent, utility bills and maintenance costs.
One way to minimise the cost, downtime and disruption of relocation? Don’t relocate in the first place. With the help of raised storage areas, you can create the additional space you need in your current premises.
What is raised storage?
Raised storage platforms are elevated structures built within a warehouse to create additional floor space above ground level, to maximise the use of often ignored vertical space.
Unlike mezzanine floors, which are often integrated into the building’s structure, raised storage areas tends to be free-standing and modular. As the name suggests, it is typically built specifically for handling inventory, with high load capacities capable of taking the weight of racking and heavy goods.
The modular, freestanding nature of raised storage makes it a perfectly flexible and adaptable storage solution. You can quickly create extra floorspace almost anywhere, and with minimal operational disruption.
When paired with scalable mezzanine systems, raised storage platforms allow you to create a multi-level warehouse design, to essentially construct a multi-storey building within your premises, which can be used not just for storage, but staging, dispatch, admin and as the structural basis for warehouse automation systems.
When and why to consider raised storage
If business growth means that you face potential relocation, it’s critical to consider how to improve warehouse space utilisation before you take the leap.
Raised storage presents a compelling solution in a wealth of different use cases that would otherwise demand relocation or expansion. Situations where raised storage is ideal can include:
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Seasonal peak overflow: You need more space, but only temporarily. Raised storage can help you navigate peaks in demand in an effective and affordable way.
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SKU expansion in e-commerce: If you offer an ever-increasing range of products, you’ll need space to store and manage that inventory, which raised storage is more than capable of providing.
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New client onboarding in 3PL environments: New 3PL clients can bring sudden spikes in SKU volume. Raised storage can handle these peaks, and can even be deconstructed if and when they pass.
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Workflow segregation: If we expand our definition of raised storage to include usable workspace, you can dedicate these platforms to any number of tasks: returns, QA, staging and more.
Key benefits for growing warehouses
When your business is doing well, you should do whatever you can to remove all potential hurdles and handbrakes, scaling your team, systems and site in line with that growth.
Raised storage areas can do exactly that for your business, by adding space where there was none. It has formed a key element of many warehouse growth strategies, for a wealth of reasons:
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Cost savings: A key tool in warehouse space optimisation, raised storage can help you avoid relocation costs, lease increases and downtime by adding usable space without expanding the building’s footprint.
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Scalability: If you need more space, you can get more space. Freestanding and modular, your raised storage can be expanded at any point in the future, wherever and however you choose.
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Speed: Raised storage can be planned, designed and implemented in a matter of weeks, allowing you to address sudden surges.
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Operational continuity: Not only is raised storage quick to construct, it can also be installed with minimal (often zero) disruption to your ongoing operations.
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Multi-purpose use: Raised platforms can offer more than just storage – cleverly designed platforms can host dedicated workspaces or form the basis for warehouse automation.
Design considerations and compliance
You understand the potential of raised storage, and you’re keen to capitalise on it. The next step is to design and implement a solution that will perform, while ticking all necessary boxes in terms of compliance.
Key design and compliance considerations include:
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Integration with existing systems: Your raised storage needs to form a seamless addition to your space, systems and workflows.
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Load-bearing requirements: The platform must be capable of safely supporting the weight of equipment, people and inventory.
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Fire regulations: Raised storage must comply with local fire safety regulations, from sprinkler coverage to the use of fire-resistant materials.
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Accessways and egress: Any staircases, ladders and walkways must meet safety standards for access and emergency exits.
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Lighting and visibility: You need adequate overhead lighting to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
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Ceiling clearance: You need sufficient headroom both above and below the raised storage platform.
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Permit and certification requirements: You need to work with a provider experienced in compliance and gaining CDC approval.
At Unistor we take care of all this for you through our principal contractor model. We design, engineer, certify and install your mezzanine, with minimal (often zero) downtime, allowing you to focus on running your business.
Case study: Invenco
Invenco, a fulfillment services provider specialising in ecommerce and retail replenishment, had outgrown their 7000m² premises – at least in its standard configuration.
The business went searching for fulfilment centre expansion options. Operational realities meant that rapid turnaround was a must, and that downtime simply wasn’t an option for any proposed solution. Ultimately relocation was unrealistic, so the team turned to Unistor.
Unistor identified that a raised platform/mezzanine area had the potential to tick every one of Invenco’s boxes. Acting as principal contractor across design, compliance, construction and certification, Unistor’s end-to-end management allowed Invenco to maintain focus on their logistics business.
Unistor soon designed and delivered a smart, future-proof structure, on time and on budget. The resulting platform increased Invenco’s usable operational space by over 50%, without expanding their existing footprint a single inch.
Why choose Unistor for raised storage solutions
Considering a raised storage solution? Look no further than Unistor.
Our expert team brings decades of combined experience in delivering tailored raised storage platforms in complex environments. Whatever your needs, wants or situation, we’ll help you optimise your space in a way that addresses your business challenges both now and into the future.
Our end-to-end service covers design, certification, installation and project management, with every build customised to your needs.
Why relocate? Choose a raised storage solution instead
The expense and disruption of relocation make it a big and potentially damaging step for a growing business.
Raised storage grants you the opportunity to make the most of what you’ve got. On top of being adaptable, cost-effective and non-disruptive, raised platforms can quickly and significantly boost the operational efficiency of your site.
Ready to upgrade your existing premises? We’re ready to help.
Get in touch with our expert team today to book a site assessment or speak to a raised storage specialist.
