If you are planning to open a warehouse, you should probably consider working with specialists to guide you on the right setup. Each operation will have specific needs that a professional can take into account, but the following warehouse setup checklist can be applied to most facilities.
Using a warehouse configuration checklist will help you plan your facility to ensure that it is as efficient and productive as possible. As such, a checklist is closely linked to the design of the warehouse layout, which a professional provider will help develop as part of any comprehensive configuration service.
Beyond the proper functioning of the installation, a professional will also ensure that the installation is safe, in accordance with local safety regulations. In the United States, for example, that means meeting the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Therefore, if you are working with a U.S. supplier, you will need to ensure that they are OSHA certified.
At Serviap Logistics we offer warehouse assembly services in Brazil, Mexico and the United States. Contact us at for more information.
Warehouse Installation Checklist: 7 Considerations
The following checklist includes essential items in almost any warehouse or distribution center.
Note that this checklist focuses on key infrastructure and does not cover specific equipment or machinery that may be needed to support your production or operations. This will also need to be considered and included in the warehouse configuration checklist you develop for your company.
1. Shelving
Warehouse shelving is an essential part of a warehouse setup checklist. Thanks to this equipment, there is greater organization and efficiency in operations. Once in operation, racking systems are the backbone of the facility.
There are different styles of warehouse shelving for different types of goods. Before choosing and installing one, it is important to evaluate your needs to ensure that it contributes to optimal space allocation.
The decision will take into account the people, goods and machinery that will circulate in the area when it is in operation. Another aspect to consider is the type of goods, for example, whether they are perishable or not, the delivery system and the space available in the warehouse.
2. Floor marking
Another item on the warehouse preparation checklist is floor marking. It is crucial to maintaining safety, flow, productivity and high efficiency in daily operation. There are two main types of warehouse floor marking to choose from: tape or epoxy paint. Making an early decision will save time and money in the long run.
These easily visible stripes on the floor let everyone know how the space should be organized and used. Taping is done with adhesive and durable material, while painting is done with high-strength epoxy. There are differences between the two materials that you should be aware of.
Adhesive tape is cheaper and quicker to apply, so it is usually more flexible if you think you may change things in the future. Paint has a higher cost and requires specific conditions for application, so it is easier to install before installing other elements. Paint is also more flexible in terms of customization, as you can adapt designs and spaces as you paint.
3. Signage
One action to consider in the warehouse readiness checklist is signage. Warehouse signage should be well displayed, of good size and visible to all personnel. Signage is critical because it guides people through the facility and helps keep the space organized. It also plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and circulation between different areas.
Different types of signage can be installed to optimize the warehouse. The specific choice will depend on the type of operation you carry out, as signs can vary in color and shape depending on their function.
For example, aisle signage and hanging signs in the warehouse should be large and clear. Safety signs should be the right color, usually red, yellow and/or black. Not only do the signs need to be the right size and color, but all workers need to understand what each sign means, so it is important to conduct pre-training of personnel prior to operation.
4. Labeling
Warehouse labeling makes it possible to quickly locate and record stocks of inventives and other items. This is important for optimizing productivity. With the explosion of e-commerce, the use of a flexible barcode-based warehouse labeling system has become the most suitable solution to meet both daily demand and seasonal increases.
It is important to have a clear plan for a warehouse labeling system that can be adapted to future needs and work in conjunction with the signage system. The following steps should be considered: clearance, zone allocation, label size and placement, and staff training.
The shape, size and material must be taken into account so that the label does not peel off, smudge or rub off. Another issue to take into account is the organization of the printed information, since a bad design makes it difficult for the operator to locate or read it.
5. Collision protection
The checklist for warehouse preparation should never forget the protective barriers. In warehouses and distribution centers, there is a constant flow of people, equipment and heavy vehicles, such as forklifts. This reason is undoubtedly fundamental for the installation of warehouse protection barriers.
These barriers are crucial to maintain the safety of all personnel. In addition, their installation helps prevent damage to infrastructure. It is important to understand how the installation will work and to decide where the guardrails and barriers will be placed to ensure safe and trouble-free operation.
There are different types of barriers, with variables ranging from size and shape to color. Some are designed to be flexible and guide personnel away from dangerous situations, while others are heavy-duty to prevent industrial machinery from damaging facilities and injuring people.
6. Space optimization
Each area of the installation should be large enough so that everyone can work without difficulty. This will depend on the number of people who are going to use it, as well as the use they are going to make of it.
High-traffic areas should have plenty of space, while long-term storage areas may be much more cramped. Any special storage considerations, such as refrigeration, will also need to be taken into account in a warehouse facility checklist.
It is important to try to take into account the potential and likelihood that storage needs will change over time, as well as any adjustments that may be necessary to accommodate growth. Flexibility is vitally important.
7. Security
Security measures should be considered in the warehouse facility checklist before starting operations. A warehouse without an adequate security system can be at risk, as criminal gangs often target warehouses, especially if they may contain high-value goods.
Warehouse security measures should be planned from the outset, especially the infrastructure. Special fencing can be considered if the perimeter of the warehouse allows it. Security measures are both internal and external, depending on the location and type of protection.
New technologies have enhanced security systems, such as alarms, security cameras, inventory tracking and smart locks. The design of the warehouse layout must take into account how they will interact. It’s not simply a matter of considering which of the major security measures you want to use, but thinking about how many you can afford and whether they work in unison.
Checklist for warehouse installation: not only infrastructure
There are other items on the warehouse configuration checklist that are not physical, such as personnel training and operating procedures.
A warehouse is a workspace where heavy machinery, shelving, people, flammable materials and many other life-threatening hazards coexist. To ensure that personnel avoid any hazards that put them at risk, it is important to follow a training program.
Failure to properly train personnel is a mistake that can be costly. Employees who know the correct rules for each area can prevent accidents from occurring, helping the warehouse run in an organized and efficient manner. In addition, after the initial training, further refresher training will be necessary as part of effective warehouse project management.
If personnel are unaware of the restrictions and risks, there will always be the danger of fatal accidents. It is important to make personnel aware that the rules must be followed to the letter. It is also recommended to establish an incentive program that rewards good individual and collective behavior.
Serviap Logistics can help you with a warehouse configuration checklist.
At Serviap Logistics we provide and install warehouse features in Brazil, Mexico and the United States.
These include shelving, labels, signage, floor marking and collision protection. We also offer project management services, and can oversee from start to finish the checklist for warehouse installation, refurbishment or relocation.
We count some of the world’s largest companies among our satisfied customers and partners, covering a wide range of industries such as automotive, e-commerce, wholesale and others.
As a family business that has grown internationally after starting in Mexico, we are committed to service excellence and pride ourselves in offering personalized service to every customer.
We are also dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards wherever we operate, including OSHA certification in the United States.
Contact us at today for more information on how we can help you with a warehouse installation checklist.
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