Dry storage is essential for every company, whether it’s for industrial material, ecommerce packaging, clothes storage，food&beverage,Transit of electronic goods or spare parts. Clean, secure storage at room temperature is an important reason why customers store valuable inventory in their warehouses.
Unfortunately, many businesses, especially those with smaller warehouses, manage dry goods storage inefficiently. Cramped warehouse space and lack of proper temperature and humidity holding conditions are common problems as owners try to maximize capacity, resulting in inefficient dry goods storage.
These warehouses are often unable to assume responsibility for the rapid movement of inventory and keeping goods intact when there are seasonal fluctuations or promotional cycles that affect inventory levels.
What is Dry Storage Meaning?
Dry storage is the storage of goods in a controlled environment to maintain low humidity levels. This method is critical for preserving moisture-sensitive items such as grains, electronics, clothing and certain manufactured goods for pharmaceuticals. Unlike refrigerated warehouses design for Liquid or packaged food pallet racking, dry storage facilities allow operation at room temperature, but focus on regulating air quality and moisture content.
What is the difference between dry storage and refrigerator storage?
While both dry storage and refrigerated storage aim to preserve goods, they differ in several key aspects:
Temperature control: Refrigerator storage warehouses maintain low temperatures, typically between 0°C and 4°C, while dry storage operates at room temperature.
Humidity management: Dry storage focuses on keeping humidity levels low, whereas refrigerated storage may have higher humidity levels.
Energy consumption: Refrigerated storage generally requires more energy to maintain cold temperatures, making it costlier to operate.
Types of goods stored: Dry storage is suitable for non-perishable items, while refrigerated storage is essential for perishable goods like fresh produce and dairy products.
How to set up an industrial dry warehouse?
Plan your warehouse layout strategically
Start by designing an efficient warehouse layout that maximizes space utilization and facilitates smooth operations. Consider the following:
- Allocate specific areas for receiving, storage, order picking, and shipping
- Create wide aisles for easy forklift movement
- Designate space for seasonal inventory management
- Plan for potential expansion to accommodate future growth
Choose appropriate racking systems
Select racking systems that suit your storage needs and optimize vertical space:
- Use conventional pallet racking for general storage
- Implement drive-through or pallet shuttle systems for high-density storage
- Install cantilever racks for long or irregularly shaped items
- Consider mezzanine floors to create additional storage levels
A racking system manager can help design and implement the most suitable storage solutions for your warehouse.
Implement proper climate control
While dry storage doesn’t require refrigeration like industrial cold storage, maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels is crucial:
- Install proper ventilation systems to regulate air flow
- Use dehumidifiers to control moisture levels
- Consider temperature control curtains for sensitive products
Invest in efficient material handling equipment
Choose the right equipment to streamline operations and reduce warehouse costs:
- Forklifts for heavy lifting and high-reach operations
- Pallet jacks for moving pallets short distances
- Conveyor systems for automated product movement
Set up a robust inventory management system
Implement an effective inventory management system to track stock levels, monitor product movement, and optimize storage:
- Use barcode or RFID technology for accurate tracking
- Implement a Warehouse Management System (WMS) for real-time inventory visibility
- Establish clear labeling and organization protocols
Create dedicated zones for specific products
Organize your warehouse into distinct zones based on product types or storage requirements:
- Group similar items together for easy access
- Designate separate areas for food and liquor racks if applicable
- Create a quarantine zone for damaged or returned items
Prioritize safety and compliance
Ensure your dry storage warehouse meets all safety and regulatory requirements:
- Install proper lighting throughout the facility
- Implement clear safety protocols and provide employee training
- Ensure fire safety measures are in place, including sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers
10 tips to improve your dry storage warehouse management
Implement a simple but effective inventory system: Use basic software or even spreadsheets to track stock levels and product locations. This doesn’t need to be complex – just consistent and up-to-date.
Rethink your racking layout: Maximize vertical space but ensure easy access. Consider adjustable shelving to accommodate different product sizes as your inventory changes.
Keep air flowing: Leave space between items and walls. Good air circulation prevents damp spots and mold growth.
Regular checks and maintenance: Inspect your facility, equipment, and climate control systems often. Fix issues quickly to avoid costly damages.
Train staff properly: Make sure your team understands the importance of keeping things dry and handling goods correctly. This simple step can prevent a lot of problems.
Create clear zones: Divide your warehouse into sections based on product type, how often items move, and storage needs. This makes finding and picking items faster and helps prevent mix-ups.
Use moisture absorbers where needed: In damp-prone areas, simple solutions like silica gel packets can make a big difference. They’re cheap and effective for protecting moisture-sensitive goods.
Keep pests out: Set up basic pest control measures. Regular checks, sealing entry points, and using traps can prevent infestations that could ruin your stock.
Improve lighting and temperature control: Switch to LED lights to save on energy and reduce heat. Consider a programmable thermostat to maintain steady temperatures without wasting energy.
Watch your costs: Regularly review your expenses, including staff, energy, and upkeep. Look for ways to cut waste and improve efficiency without compromising quality.
Join Heda Shelves Partner
Heda Shelves are industrial warehousing specialists, handling 10,000 pallet storage racking projects per year. Our design team has a wealth of experience. Whatever your pallet storage needs are, talk to us about your dry storage needs.
We offer state-of-the-art pallet racking and drive-in racking solutions to meet the needs of any storage strategy. Whether you are looking to improve space utilization with VNA shelving or reduce costs with drive-in systems, it is important to consider how each solution will meet your operational needs.
FAQ
Q:What humidity level is right for dry storage?
A:Aim for 30-50% relative humidity, depending on what you’re storing. Consistency is key to prevent moisture problems.
Q:Can I mix dry and cold storage?
A:It’s possible but tricky. If you need both, keep them well-separated and properly controlled. It might be more hassle than it’s worth for smaller operations.
Q:How do I handle seasonal inventory changes?
A:Plan ahead for busy periods. Use flexible storage solutions and consider renting extra space temporarily during peak times.
Q:How is industrial dry storage different from home storage?
A:Industrial storage is bigger and needs more precise control. Home storage is simpler and usually doesn’t need special equipment or systems.
