You’ve found a new space or expanded your current space; now, the real work begins. Reconfiguring or relocating your warehouse can be a monumental task. Whatever your plans are for expansion, there are things you should include on your checklist prior to getting started. Make your upgrade a success with our guide to relocating your warehouse.
Create a Plan
Relocating or reconfiguring your warehouse involves many moving parts. Having a plan is critical to your success. Your plan should include considerations for the actual move and a plan for ongoing operations that offers the best option for minimal disruptions to current operations.
A communication plan should identify all functional area managers and key people involved in the relocation. This will ensure all critical constituents are informed and understand their role, the timing of their move, and preparation requirements.
Conduct a Pre-Move Audit
A new space gives you the opportunity to improve processes that currently challenge productivity or add unnecessary risk to safety or customer experience. Identify current processes that, when changed, maximize the workflow, material flow, or safety. Don’t let bad processes follow you to your new space.
Identify the Ideal Configuration
Your warehouse layout is key to your growth and ability to handle upticks in demand or seasonal highs. Be sure to understand the entire warehouse configuration upfront, including material flow equipment, storage equipment and areas, and pedestrian walkways. A professional engineering layout drawing will ensure your warehouse is optimized and all space is utilized efficiently.
Consider the Order of Move for Current Warehouse/Equipment/People
Carefully considering the inventory, equipment, processes, and people you need to move or relocate will eliminate potential disruption of ongoing operations. Identify the functions that can move quickly or easily without compromising daily operations. Timing of the move can come in to play as well. Do weekends or weeknights make more sense for your warehouse?
Consider the Order of Move for New Location
One of the key points on any guide to relocating your warehouse is minimizing downtime. To do this, you must find an ideal order of movement. What processes, functions, equipment, or inventory need to be moved first in order to ensure continued operations? Do you have fast movers, lighter inventory, or manual processes? Should inventory be moved and stored first?
Partner With Experience
Be sure to partner with an industrial warehouse solutions company that has successfully transitioned warehouses and distribution centers across North America. RMH Systems has relocated and reconfigured warehouses like yours. From dismantling to complete relocation and reconfiguration, our team of experts can ensure you experience minimal disruptions and maximum uptime.
RMH Systems is uniquely qualified to lead your transition. Your move will be supported by our experienced project management team and other professional services critical to a successful move, such as CAD design with fully engineered layouts, project management, dismantle and installation crews, electrical services, and building and fire inspection services assistance. RMH Systems has their own warehouse of standard material handling equipment, so any repairs or missing parts can be sourced easily without delay. Your transition will be completed on time and under budget with minimal disruptions. Call RMH Systems at 630-516-1115 to speak to our transition and relocation experts.
