Understanding how to calculate the storage capacity of a warehouse is vital for businesses.
At AP+, we know this is especially true for those in the furniture and homeware industries.
Accurate calculations can significantly impact efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Wasted space or under utilised storage solutions can have a direct impact on the bottom line.
Everything we do at AP+ is for the benefit of our clients. This includes providing advice on warehouse management. In this case, the advice is about warehouse measurement.
AP+ have explored the essential components involved in calculating the storage capacity of a warehouse.
We want to discuss the implications of this for our clients’ growth. We also want to highlight how AP+ has adapted our offerings to meet the dynamic needs of our clients.
It’s just one of the reasons why we are industry leaders in this field. We have worked hard to become the leaders in 3PL services for the furniture and homeware industries.
Defining Warehouse Capacity
The capacity of a warehouse is relatively easy to define. It refers to the maximum volume or amount of product that the warehouse can store at any given time.
It isn’t as simple as that though unfortunately.
This capacity is influenced by multiple factors. It’s not just the square footage of the site to consider. There are other factors which contribute to the total usable storage space. Things to consider include the layout of the warehouse, loading areas and the overall design.
These can either increase or decrease the storage capacity. It all depends on the knowledge and experience of the company managing the warehouse.
Other factors, such as safety requirements, come into play too.
As we have mentioned, when calculating warehouse capacity, it’s essential to look beyond mere square footage.
While total square footage provides a baseline, there is more to it. The effective usable storage space tends to be less than this number due to aisles, loading and unloading zones.
There is also the ever present need for equipment movement. This is especially true for our clients, who hope to be moving product in and out on a regular basis.
Key Metrics for Calculating Warehouse Capacity
1. Total Square Footage – This is the overall area of the warehouse facility measured in square feet.
Start with the total square footage when calculating your warehouse storage capacity.
2. Usable Storage Space – Not all square footage can be utilised for storage purposes. This is due to aisles and operational requirements.
Calculate the percentage of the total square footage that is allocated as usable storage space.
3. Stack Height – The height to which goods can be stacked contributes to the total storage capacity.
Calculate this in cubic feet to understand how much vertical space can be utilised effectively.
4. Loading Areas – Consider the amount of space required for loading and unloading goods.
This area should not be included in the total usable storage space calculation. This is because it is essential for maintaining an efficient workflow.
5. Cubic Feet Calculation – There is a formula for finding the total storage capacity. Multiply the usable storage space (in square feet) by the stack height (in feet).
The formula used by many in the industry is as follows:
Total Storage Capacity = Usable Square Footage times Stack Height
The next step is to divide the total storage capacity by the size of items stored. By dividing the total storage capacity (in cubic feet) by the average size of items stored, businesses can estimate how many items they can accommodate.
This optimises warehouse utilisation.
Step-by-Step Calculation
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to calculate the storage capacity of a warehouse:
1. Determine Your Warehouse Footage – Measure or obtain the total square footage of the warehouse facility, including all areas.
2. Identify Usable Storage Areas – Assess the layout. This is essential to identify the amount of square footage that can be used for storage purposes.
This includes shelving, pallet racks and other storage solutions.
3. Evaluate Stack Height – Measure the height from the floor to the maximum stacking point allowed in the warehouse.
Be sure to factor in accessibility and safety regulations when determining stack height.
4. Account for Loading Areas – Subtract the square footage of the loading areas from the total square footage.
This will ensure you’re only calculating usable storage space.
5. Calculate Storage Capacity – Use the cubic feet formula to derive the total storage capacity of the warehouse.
6. Efficiency Checks – Consider the actual operational needs and the turnover rate of stocked items.
Adjust calculations based on seasonal demands to ensure that calculations meet long-term storage requirements as well.
Importance of Warehouse Utilisation
Understanding the total storage capacity of a warehouse is not just about fitting as much product as possible.
It’s also about maximising warehouse utilization.
Efficient warehouse storage can lead to reduced operational costs, improved order fulfillment speed and better inventory management.
For us, it’s about helping businesses gain a competitive edge in the market.
Flexible Solutions with AP+
At AP+, we understand that our clients’ needs can fluctuate due to market demands, seasonality, or other circumstances.
This is why we have developed flexible and scalable solutions to cater to the unique requirements of each client.
Our team assesses our clients’ logistics to determine their current and future warehouse space needs.
We can adjust our services to scale up or down as necessary. This ensures that clients are not over-extended during slower months or under-equipped during peak seasons.
This adaptability develops a partnership where both AP+ and the client can thrive. It focuses on the agility needed to be successful in the furniture and homeware industries.
Calculating the storage capacity of a warehouse involves a thoughtful approach. It’s about understanding usable space, stack height and operational layouts.
Working out the total storage capacity can be a gamechanger. It means that businesses can effectively utilise their warehouse spaces to maximise productivity and reduce waste.
AP+ is committed to providing flexible 3PL solutions tailored to client needs.
As industry leaders, we hold the capability to adjust services in alignment with the demands of the furniture and homeware industries.
This helps to ensure a seamless storage and logistics experience that supports long-term growth.
Utilising the right calculations and working with flexible 3PL partners like AP+, businesses can achieve optimal warehouse performance and enhanced operational efficiency.
It’s not just a numbers game though. The numbers play an important part in the process, but at AP+, we believe in prioritising customer satisfaction. Understanding the numbers helps with this, but it is just one part of a holistic process that contributes to delivering a first class service for our customers.
