Trends in Warehouse Planning for 2024

We have seen the grim headlines. Ongoing labor shortage. Inflation continues. Recession may be looming. Customers are more demanding than ever. Shipping costs are rising. It’s clear the warehouse operations industry is challenging today. Warehouse operators need to focus on the opportunities in this uncertain economy, manage costs effectively, and still leverage growth opportunities.

Within that framework, warehouse operators are building budgets that focus on a few key areas for the year ahead. Here are some of the key warehouse planning trends for 2024, that you need to take into consideration.

Efficient and Agile Operations

As operations scale and evolve, warehouse budget planning and forecasts become more important than ever. Owners and operators seek ways to improve efficiency and reduce expenses.

You won’t get much relief on the labor side. Not only are wages rising and competition for warehouse workers increasing, but the number of people willing to perform warehouse jobs is declining.

An Amazon memo said the company could run out of available warehouse workers in the U.S. by 2024 unless it makes substantive changes to its business model. While Amazon has a notoriously high turnover rate, everyone is feeling the pinch. Some of the changes in the works include improvements in cost control, inventory management, maintenance, and automation.

Regardless of the economy, warehouse planning needs to focus on improving throughput and economies of scale. Warehouse budget planning for 2024 for equipment should include financial modeling and ROI analysis for investments to accomplish these goals.

Efficiency improvements through layout optimization and process streamlining can pay off in measurable ways.

Automation

Part of that efficiency is an increasing investment in automation. The warehouse automation market is expected to grow by another 15% per year, hitting $51.4 billion by 2025.

These are some inherent challenges in integrating automated systems with legacy warehouse management systems, so warehouse budget planning for 2024 should examine the ROI of deploying automation, including:

  • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
  • Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
  • Collaborative robots
  • Articulated robotic arms
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Many operators are including the expansion of RFID tags in their warehouse planning. Rather than having to scan every bar code at entry, storage, pickup, and exit points, RFID can provide real-time inventory updates through the warehouse lifecycle.

Wearables, tracking beacons, and other Internet of Things solutions are on the agenda for many operators. 2024 may be the year to retool and examine emerging tech for more seamless operations.

Sustainable Practices

Automation is playing a role in sustainability as well. Automatic handling equipment like AS/RS can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use by reducing forklift use.

It is not just automation, however. Companies today are looking for ways to incorporate more eco-friendly practices in warehouse planning and lower costs. 2024’s warehouse planning is likely to include looking at the viability of sustainable practices, such as:

  • LED lighting
  • Solar panels
  • Reduced packaging
  • Compact storage systems

Making the most of your storage space is key to maximizing operations. The optimal warehouse layout and storage system can be both efficient and eco-friendly.

Safe Operations

Attracting and retaining workers also requires a focus on safety as a priority. Without the proper warehouse layout, processes, and systems, a warehouse can be a dangerous place—second only to construction when it comes to fatal work injuries.

Warehouse planners are looking closely at workflow, making sure processes are in place to improve safety, promote ergonomics, and avoid setups with potential conflicts that can lead to accidents. Wider aisles, low-level racking, and increased ventilation are all under review heading into 2024. A well-designed warehouse layout and focus on safety training can go a long way toward creating safer conditions.

Contact Conesco Storage Systems

Conesco Storage Systems is a nationwide leader in warehouse material handling, providing full-service pallet racking, pick modules, conveyors, and more. Conesco helps warehouse operators maximize value, improve efficiency, amplify their space, and save time and money.

If you are looking for new or used material handling equipment or need help with your warehouse planning, the team of experts at Conesco is here to help with:

  • Pallet racking
  • Conveyors
  • Mezzanines
  • Cantilever racks
  • Pick modules
  • Lifts and machines
  • Wire decking
  • Shelving
  • And more

Whether you are planning a new layout or installation, updating your current warehouse or storage systems, or decommissioning your warehouse, Conesco can help from design to project management, equipment, labor, engineering, and permitting.

Need help with material handling equipment or want to discuss your warehouse planning for 2024? Call the Conesco team at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online.

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“Over the past few years Conesco has proven to be valuable partners for our growing company. They understand their market and the priorities of our business, often helping us stay ahead of changes in demand for new and used racking so that we can get what we want when we want it.  It is good to have a partner that can anticipate your needs and stay ahead of them, that is the level of service that Conesco has demonstrated on a regular basis.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Company

“Working with Conesco was great. They asked the right questions, understood what we needed and our Denver Facility went in under budget. Good guys, good prices, and good services.”
~ Multinational Grocery Supply Company

“We have worked with Conesco for over 8 years, they are leaders in the Racking Industry, exceptional customer service and great in every aspect to work with. I refer them to anyone I know with racking needs.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Customer

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“Conesco gave us the top dollar cash offer for our standing pallet rack. They also provided the crew to tear it down and get the material out of our building within the tight time-frame that we had to be out. Their team was very helpful throughout the process. We recommend working with them.

~ National Beverage Distribution Company

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Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.

“Working with Conesco was great. They asked the right questions, understood what we needed and our Denver Facility went in under budget. Good guys, good prices, and good services.”

~ Multinational Grocery Supply Company
“We have worked with Conesco for over 8 years, they are leaders in the Racking Industry, exceptional customer service and great in every aspect to work with. I refer them to anyone I know with racking needs.”

~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Customer
“Over the past few years Conesco has proven to be valuable partners for our growing company. They understand their market and the priorities of our business, often helping us stay ahead of changes in demand for new and used racking so that we can get what we want when we want it.  It is good to have a partner that can anticipate your needs and stay ahead of them, that is the level of service that Conesco has demonstrated on a regular basis.”

~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Company

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