How Mezzanines are Helping to Ease Supply Chain Inventory Issues
With the global supply chain facing prolonged challenges, businesses are finding themselves grappling with the need for increased stock levels, leading to warehouse capacity concerns. It’s a trend that’s seen many warehouse managers switch from the conventional Just In Time (JIT) manufacturing approach to a more cautious Just In Case (JIC) strategy. This is where the installation of a mezzanine becomes a game-changer. UK mezzanine experts Doity Engineering explain why.
What is causing global supply chain issues?
A single issue rarely causes pressure on supply chains. It’s a complex web of factors that combine to make the role of procurement and operations more challenging than ever. Here are some of the most common reasons why a business might be struggling to maintain inventory levels.
- The cost of living: The cost of living crisis is reshaping consumer spending patterns, which has a knock-on effect on supply chain behaviour. Workplace strikes, triggered by these economic shifts, are also causing severe disruptions in the flow of goods.
- Port congestion: Delays at the ports lead to congestion and delays in cargo handling. This has caused bottlenecks in the supply chain.
- Labour shortages: A shortage of workers has made it difficult to fill critical roles in warehouses, resulting in slower processing times and reduced capacity.
- Rising freight costs: The combination of port congestion, labour shortages and increased inflation has pushed freight costs to record highs.
- Material scarcity: Some raw materials and components have become scarce due to supply chain disruptions, production slowdowns and increased demand.
- Extreme weather events: The climate crisis has also disrupted supply chains, with floods and other extreme weather patterns causing damage to infrastructure, disrupting transportation routes and impacting agricultural production.
All of the above factors have led to one thing – difficulty in managing inventory levels. The fluctuating demand and supply conditions have made it hard for warehouses to accurately forecast inventory needs, leading to shortages or excessive stockholdings.
How a mezzanine helps protect a business’s supply chain
Mezzanines increase storage capacity
At times of uncertainty, building a buffer of stock is important to make sure you can fulfil orders and keep your business operating. However, limited space poses a challenge. That’s where a mezzanine floor comes in. It’s a raised floor that is used for vertical expansion into existing but underutilised space. The space beneath is still operational, effectively doubling pallet capacity.
Improved efficiency and productivity
Mezzanines enhance warehouse operations by providing additional workspace and allowing your warehouse team to optimise the flow of goods. A Doity engineer, through a complimentary site consultation, tailors recommendations on mezzanine size, design and layout to suit your specific needs. Our innovative Revlok mezzanine design can half installation time to minimise disruption.
Improving Safety and Ergonomics
Safety is paramount in warehouse operations, and a mezzanine offers a secure space for inventory storage and contributes to employee well-being by spreading them out across a larger, improved working environment.
Investing in Resilience and Innovation
Installing a mezzanine in your warehouse is a strategic investment that can safeguard your business against the inherent uncertainties of the supply chain landscape. By expanding storage capacity, enhancing operational efficiency, and prioritising workplace safety, mezzanines enable businesses to optimise their operations, streamline processes and gain a competitive edge. If you are based in the UK, contact the experts at Doity for a free site consultation and start exploring the possibilities of mezzanines to elevate your supply chain resilience and success.
