Maximise Your Storage Equipment with SEMA Distributor Companies
Over the last few years, the warehouse and logistics industry has been enjoying a period of significant and unexpected growth. The perfect storm of a global pandemic creating increased demand for online shopping, rising fuel costs, and changes to import and exports due to Brexit, has resulted in UK transport and storage becoming one of the fastest growing industries. It is estimated there has been an 88% growth in logistics since 2011 with 21% occurring since 2019. As a result, warehouse space across the UK is now at a premium. For anyone working in the logistics unable to find facilities suitable for their needs, this is causing a major headache. We know that our SEMA Distributor Companies can help maximise your storage.
Designing the Warehouse
Moving isn’t always the answer and it is possible to make more use of your existing space. However, creating more storage space is not as simple as buying some new racking and adding to your existing system. You need products that are compatible with you existing system otherwise you risk missing opportunities to enhance your storage. Perhaps more significantly it could compromise the safety of your warehouse.
Storage should make products easy to access, organise stock, simplify your operating process and maximise the footprint of your building.
Racking Suppliers
Whether you’re adding to your existing racking or installing a new structure, the rules on achieving high standards still apply. After all, your racking is a heavily loaded piece of equipment, holding potentially tons of material above your employees’ heads and must perform as intended. As the business owner you have a legal requirement to ensure your equipment has been designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained correctly.
Navigating the storage equipment market can be a minefield.
Racking Expertise
When designing new storage systems or expanding an existing one there are several factors intrinsic for achieving a safer environment. You need to look at the items you’re storing and choose the optimal equipment for the job. You should also how the products will be accessed and handled and their journey through the warehouse. For example, are there sufficient widths between the aisles for the equipment used and optimal clearances for loading? What loads are you storing, and can the racking meet the weight requirements?
When extending your in-situ racking you need to first address the safety of the system. How regularly it has been inspected and has it been repaired with manufacturer specified parts? Does your storage supplier have the technical knowledge to understand the compatibility of different systems and redesign configurations for new loading specifications? You need to work with companies that can ensure safety and quality is not compromised at any stage.
Maximise Your Storage with SEMA Distributor Group
SEMA Distributor Companies (SDC) are recognised for the high-quality storage equipment they supply. They form a multi-functional element of SEMA and are fully supported by being part of the group with access to technical guidance, current legislation and industry training.
Becoming a member requires a high level of commitment to safety standards. They must demonstrate their credentials and adhere to over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice, and legislative requirements.
To become a member, they must submit and successfully pass an independent audit. The initiative was the first scheme of its type for the industry and provides a measurable benchmark for our members. To retain their membership and guarantee their commitment to delivering high quality they must renew the audit every three years.
To become a member, they must submit and successfully pass an independent audit. The initiative was the first scheme of its type for the industry and the audit is a clear and measurable benchmark for our members. To retain their membership and guarantee their commitment to delivering high quality they must renew the audit every three years.
SEMA Distributor Companies are also product agnostic, working with a range of manufacturers to design a solution using the best system for your requirements. They are fully supported by SEMA Full Manufacturing Members which allows them privileged access to their technical departments if your racking system needs repairs.
Full Circle
SEMA Distributor Companies believe that the relationship between the customer and the racking supplier should ideally last the lifetime of your storage system. Once the storage equipment has been designed, they need to deliver with a safe installation undertaken by qualified labour.
SDC’s are committed to SEIRS, an initiative by SEMA which aims to raise standards at the point of installation. After all this is a critical stage in the success of your racking project. Even the smallest of changes in design can affect the structural integrity of both existing and new racking and it is not sufficient to assume your installers are working safely.
Finally, once in-situ, the installation will need to be maintained properly to keep your equipment in good working order. A rigorous bi-annual or annual inspection should be implemented by a suitably qualified professional. A SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) is trained and continually assessed to industry standards. They offer competent third-party inspection backed up by an independent report. A SARI’s report identifies and priorities risks to help you manage workplace safety.
SDC’s are committed to these SEMA initiatives and have either in-house teams or subcontract both SEIRS registered installers and SEMA Approved Rack Inspectors.
Building a Safer Industry
The phenomenal growth of the industry gives the UK the opportunity to become the benchmark of safe working practices in warehousing and logistics. Reliability and safety only come through accreditation and the audit process. Choosing SEMA member companies to partner with your business on this journey is the best way to ensure that as an employer, you are meeting your responsibilities towards creating a safer workplace.
The SEMA Distributor Company Certificate is clear proof to customers that their new storage system will be correctly designed using new products. It will be installed by trained and qualified teams to meet HSE standards and that the member will be correctly insured.
Do you want to find out how one of our SEMA Distributor Companies can maximise your storage or to become a member? Get in touch with us today.
