After 35 years of experience in materials handling and forklifts, we have assisted good warehouse managers to reduce costs and increase storage space. 1. INCREASE STORAGE SPACE by choosing the right forklift . If you choose a narrow aisle forklift you can increase your storage space by utilising air space. It comes back to selecting the right equipment for your application . You can also reduce damage with good warehouse design and use of bollards and guardrails, this protects your products and your workers. Choosing the right forklift for your application is paramount, and then make sure you follow up with good training. 2. REDUCE CAPITAL OUTLAY by renting a good unit, when the need changes, hand it back and change it over for a different machine. No servicing worries – ever 3. HIGH DEMAND ITEMS – EASIEST TO REACH This is second nature, you want your staff to quickly, accurately and safely fill orders. Your most active items should be in the most efficient and easy-to-reach position, and your less popular items should be out of the way. If you have multiple exit and entry doors, you could even assign certain products to a certain door for more efficiency. 4. REDUCE YOUR POWER BILL. The two biggest cost centres are lighting and temperature control. Reducing the electricity bill is crucial but it is also one of the easier strategies to implement. Intelligent layout will help you with both. 5. USE NATURAL OR FLUORESCENT LIGHTING. Many warehouses are still using metal halide lamps. Installing fluorescent lights can save up to 80 per cent. Natural diffused light has benefits beyond saving on your power bill, as it creates less shadows and lifts worker performance. 6. TEMPERATURE CONTROL. Simply changing your thermostat’s position in the warehouse or changing the temperature by a degree can create huge savings for your business. Australian Standards recommend 20-26°C. If you are outside this range you could be wasting money. Insulating doors, windows, walls and ceilings can create considerable savings. When a door is open your warehouses interior can heat up. Using rapid and high-speed doors or an air curtain can reduce up to 80 per cent of energy loss.