https://swwarehousesolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Close-up-view-of-a-Vertical-Lift-Module-with-a-worker.jpg 1250 2000 Abstrakt Dev /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Southwest-Warehouse-Solutions-Logo.png Abstrakt Dev2024-07-17 20:33:192025-06-12 20:27:26How Vertical Lift Modules Can Overcome Warehouse Logistics ChallengesWhat Is a Warehouse Mezzanine?
A mezzanine is an additional floor within a double-height ceilinged facility, being partly open to the floor below and only covering a portion of it. Within a warehouse, mezzanines—often called industrial mezzanines—are mainly installed instead of being built as part of the existing structure. Because these free-standing frames aren’t rooted to the spot permanently, they can be used as long as they are viable before being deconstructed, relocated, or sold. Using a warehouse mezzanine creates additional floor space for your facility, which can be used for more storage, a better workflow, and even enclosed office spaces on the upper floor.
Types of Warehouse Mezzanine Systems
There are several warehouse mezzanine systems to consider for your facility, coming in pre-assembled and custom-built models designed specifically for your current warehouse. A professional material handling company can inspect your building and determine the kind best suits its layout.
Structural Mezzanine
Structural mezzanine systems are constructed of durable, long-lasting steel with a high load capacity to accompany large storage requirements. This is a reliable way to maximize your warehouse space for above and below. With such a high weight capacity, your added flooring can be transformed into office spaces, lounges, or for storing heavier inventory that may not be possible with lighter, more flexible structures. Structural mezzanines are a reliable option if you want to open up floor space for employees while adding a range of potential above the ground floor.
Rack-Supported Mezzanine
Rack-supported mezzanines are—as the name suggests—supported by pallet-rack systems instead of structural legs. This gives the mezzanine floor above the ground a stable structure that can be used for storage, office space, or just about anything else, while the racks underneath can be used as additional storage. While new racks can be added, using present ones is ergonomic and cost-effective. Depending on the size of your warehouse, this creates the perfect opportunity for adjoining catwalks to monitor ongoing activity and quickly scope out operations.
Shelf-Supported Mezzanine
Shelf-supported mezzanine systems use shelving units as its base. This allows smaller items to be easily stored and organized above it while more extensive inventory can be stored below. However, due to the many shelves, it can take time to reconfigure. That being said, this mezzanine style is an excellent way to store clutter and open walkways for employees, increasing productivity.
5 Benefits of Warehouse Mezzanines
There are several warehouse mezzanine systems to consider for your facility, coming in pre-assembled and custom-built models designed specifically for your current warehouse. A professional material handling company can inspect your building and determine the kind best suits its layout.
1. Additional Storage
The most prominent advantage of a warehouse mezzanine is having a more efficient storage system. Having more warehouse storage allows for better organization and a decluttered work floor. Inventory can be stored on the mezzanine floor to utilize vertical space, as well as underneath the work platforms.
2. Increased Efficiency
A tidy and organized warehouse makes it easier for work operations to flow as intended. With open floor space, employees can easily navigate a warehouse to maintain a consistent level of productivity and quickly access whatever they may need.
3. Flexibility
Mezzanines are not permanent structures, allowing you to construct, deconstruct, relocate, or remove them from your warehouse. They also come in various styles and can serve multiple purposes, such as providing workers with additional storage or office spaces. Or, if you wish to add a wire cage, they can offer safer storage solutions with restricted access to specific inventory.
4. Safer Work Conditions
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) improve warehouse efficiency in several ways. AGVs increase accuracy and improve efficiency by taking human error out of the equation during the picking process, ensuring crucial orders are filled with the right product. AGVs are also an ideal tool for scaling your warehouse operations. As the size of your operation goes up, you can scale your processes accordingly, mitigate potential issues, and expand comfortably.
5. Cost-Effective
Your options are limited when adding storage space to a warehouse, but adding a mezzanine is one of the most cost-effective ways to do so. While these structures can be quickly constructed, repurposed, and sold when needed, the most obvious alternative is to move warehouses or build additional storage—but this is costly and unnecessary.
Do You Need a Warehouse Mezzanine?
Most warehouses could benefit from a mezzanine, but how can you tell if your facility truly requires one? Here are a few key indicators that mean your warehouse needs one:
- Lack of storage: If your warehouse is running low on available storage space, it may be time to install an industrial mezzanine. A lack of storage can create cluttered environments that lead to further issues, which can be costly and time-consuming.
- Poor workflow: The more congested your warehouse, the less efficient your workers can do their jobs. If you notice that workers are struggling to operate within the warehouse due to a lack of workspace, consider getting a mezzanine to open up floor space.
- Frequent accidents: Regular accidents—such as trips, falls, or slips—may suggest that your warehouse could use more space for storage and maneuverability. Increasing your warehouse space can help reduce the number of injuries and accidents within your facility, which can be costly and detrimental to your business.
If your facility has frequently experienced any of these critical factors, you can begin working towards constructing a warehouse mezzanine. However, you’re going to need to contact a reliable material handling company to do so.
Start Constructing Your Warehouse Mezzanine Today With Southwest Material Handling
With help from a reliable industry professional like Southwest Material Handling, your warehouse mezzanine is only a call away. Our team has over three decades of experience providing clients with efficient warehouse solutions that create more streamlined business operations. We offer customization to accommodate your warehouse’s layout while remaining OSHA-compliant and abiding by your building’s code. By partnering with Southwest, your custom-designed warehouse mezzanine is guaranteed to improve overall storage management and open up the available floor space.
If you’re ready to maximize your warehouse space and increase productivity, contact Southwest Material Handling today—we’ll set you up for success.
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