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Start up businesses may find it overwhelming at first to get things started. Whether it be finding the right location right through to employing the right staff, but it’s important to strike a balance between the resources you need and the budget you have, especially as a new business. So how can you make sure that you’re establishing your company but without breaking the bank? Here are seven cost-effective material handling solutions for your start-up business:
1. Implement the right storage solutions from the outset
Storage solutions can be a tough thing to get right in material handling, especially if you’re just starting out. In order to save money in the long run, you sometimes have to invest initially so that you’re not spending out on unexpected things further down the line. This also applies to having the right storage options available from the start. The most cost-effective and most common storage solutions on the market for first-time entrepreneurs are warehouse racking and mezzanine flooring.
Coming in a variety of different sizes, from some that are just a few shelves high to others that span from the floor to the ceiling, warehouse racking can be implemented in your warehouse from the start. Also, you’ll be able to continue to add shelving, depending on the racking you choose. The same thing goes for mezzanine flooring. You can continue to add other levels, as and when needed, but the great thing is that the structure is in place from the outset.
2. Make sure you have the correct safety solutions in place
Where this might sound like something that is a necessity, it is actually possible to save money by having everything in place that ensures the safety of all of your employees and the visitors to your site. How does spending money on health and safety actually save you money, however?
Essentially, you won’t have to worry about workplace accidents, which also limits the risk of being taken to court by those who have been involved in an accident. Don’t worry about payouts and court expenses if you’ve invested in the right health and safety equipment and resources to start off with. Part of this involves ensuring the right employee training, but we’ll touch on that in more detail soon.
3. Optimise storage space as much as possible
Storage space can be hard to come by, especially if it’s your first premise. Not only that, but moving to a larger commercial property is incredibly expensive, for various reasons, so why not optimise the storage solutions you have available in order to mitigate the need to move to somewhere bigger.
There are multiple ways in which you can optimise your storage solutions, including using additional shelving and making your aisles more narrow in order to fit in more warehouse shelving. That, coupled with specialist equipment, like VNA forklifts, is all you need to optimise the storage space you have available.
4. Invest in adequate material handling equipment & consider refurbished warehouse equipment
Making sure that you have the right warehouse equipment available to get the job done is another way in which you can avoid unexpected costs in the long run. Warehouse equipment can be expensive, especially if you go for brand new models. Whether it be forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet trucks or stackers you need, each and every piece of material handling equipment has a role to play in the warehouse, but refurbished warehouse equipment can be just as effective as brand new machines. With this in mind, why not choose equipment from the second-hand market to save some cash?
5. Ensure the right employee training has been undertaken
Employee training, especially for a warehouse setting, can be expensive, and for good reason. There’s a lot that’s involved with warehouse employee training, from what to do on the warehouse floor and operating warehouse equipment to winter operations and what to do if a machine topples over, employee training is one of the best ways in which you can save money in the long run. If they know how to work safely and responsibly in and around your warehouse, they’ll be far less likely to have workplace accidents, which means you won’t have to compensate them financially.
6. Reuse packaging solutions
Packaging needed in the warehouse can be expensive, especially as you’ll need copious amounts of it, from plastic to cardboard. Where you can, make sure you save up any in-tact packaging that’s used in and around your warehouse, and the same goes for pallets as well. Reuse everything you can in order to save money on the necessities. As well as helping to save you money, it will also minimise your carbon footprint in the process, giving you a unique selling point, as well as an edge over your competitors.
7. Continuously reevaluate your solutions
To ensure you’re not spending money on unnecessary items, make sure you’re constantly reevaluating your options. Not only will this mean that you might be able to sell things that you no longer need, to make a little extra money, but it also means that you have plans in place for when you do need something. It gives you the opportunity to budget for things you may need, without breaking the bank.
Multy Lift has over three decades of experience in the material handling industry, providing customers throughout the UK with high-quality warehouse equipment that will stand the test of time. Regardless of the industry you work in, we will have a material handling solution that will meet your individual needs and your budget. If you would like further information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our team – we’re always pleased to hear from you.
