Sheet Metal Storage: Why It’s Important & How to Improve It
Proper sheet metal storage should be a top priority for manufacturers because it has many benefits, all of which have a positive impact on the bottom line and a high return on investment. Conversely, the costs of substandard sheet metal storage---which can be substantial---make it worth the effort.
Why Sheet Metal Storage Is Important
The right sheet metal storage starts with selecting the right storage area and ends with a safer workplace, better material inventory tracking, efficient material handling, minimal material damage, and a high return on investment.
Worker Safety
Workplace injuries cost companies more than $160 billion a year, according to the National Safety Council. In addition to the cost of medical care and increased insurance premiums, serious workplace injuries can lead to decreased productivity from worker absences.
Sheet metal can cause serious lacerations and other workplace injuries, especially when pallets of material are placed haphazardly on the floor. Proper sheet metal storage, particularly in racks where material edges aren’t exposed, and a well thought-out material handling training program decreases the risk of injury.
Better Inventory Tracking & More Efficient Material Handling
Random pallets on the floor make it difficult to track in-stock sheet metal. This can result in unnecessary material orders and extra time spent finding raw materials, all which costs fabricators time and money. The lost of efficiency can also delay fabricating processes and impede tight project deadlines.
On the flip side, a well-managed sheet metal storage system with labeling makes it easy for material handlers to unload material from trucks and find and move the material to the production area (especially storage systems where no other equipment is needed for loading and unloading). The result is an efficient process with fast material handling times and easy material inventory.
Less Material Damage
When material is randomly set in an area, it’s easy for operators to damage sheet metal. While it can be often repaired, fixing material take time and ultimately can lead to loss of material that should be used in production. Fabricators may also have to order additional sheet metal to get enough material for customers’ project, adding extra time and money to the process.
High Return on Investment
Proper sheet metal storage pays off, both in terms of time and funds. A durable vertical sheet metal storage system yields a high return in investment when evaluating the results: less material loss and fewer orders, faster material handling and production, and more floor space for profitable tasks. Many companies have utilized a vertical storage system so they can use the floor space to build their capabilities and capacities. In addition, when space is maximized, some companies have found they don’t need to expand or purchase additional facilities for production and storage.
Likewise, the time spent on sheet metal storage also contributes to a favorable bottom line. Proper selection of a space with conditions that keep material usable and implementation of sound material handling programs leads to a more efficient and profitable fabrication operation.
Tips for Better Sheet Metal Storage
Sheet metal storage is not overly complicated, but there are general guidelines that should be followed.
Keep the storage area clean and organized.
The area where the sheet metal is stored is almost as important as the material itself. All raw material should be kept on pallets in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture damage. The temperature of the area should be monitored, as humidity can be a major cause of damage or corrosion. The area should be clean, free of clutter, and well-organized so material is easy to find and the risk of damage is minimal.
Even in a well-maintained storage area, team members should regularly inspect sheet metal for signs of damage and corrosion. All damaged sheet metal should be repaired or replaced as needed.
Set careful material handling procedures.
Fast material handling is a huge part of increased productivity, but speed has to be paired with careful material handling. “Reckless” material handling increases the probability of worker injuries and material and rack damage. Proper training is key. Employees involved in material handling should be trained to avoid dragging or sliding sheet metal and to use appropriate handling equipment, such as forklifts and cranes, when handling raw materials. Employees should also be instructed to use protective coverings, such as plastic sheeting or cardboard, to cover sheet metal and protect if from dust and dirt.
Choose your sheet metal storage system carefully.
A more efficient alternative to floor storage is a sheet metal storage system. There are several options, including horizontal and vertical sheet metal storage racks. Team members should carefully consider their options and choose racks that utilize every inch or horizontal and vertical space. When there is adequate ceiling height, vertical sheet metal storage systems have the added bonus of clearing up floor space so it can be used for other operations. Whether horizontal or vertical, the right sheet metal storage system is sturdy and able to support the weight of the material.
Sheet metal should not be stacked too high on the racks because this can increase the risk of worker accidents and damage to raw material. When purchasing a sheet metal storage system, team members should consider modular sheet metal storage systems because they can be stacked when more sheet metal storage is needed.
Labeling is also a consideration when choosing the right sheet metal storage system. Sheet metal storage systems with labels make it easy to track the amount of raw material on hand, access the right material, and improve material handling times. There are several different labeling systems that can be used to identify the type and size of sheet metal in storage.
Conclusion
Proper sheet metal storage is an on-going process that is worth the effort. The best sheet metal storage systems protect workers and material, and increase productivity with easy tracking and more efficient material handling.