WAREHOUSING, HANDLING & STORAGE
purpose trucks may struggle to handle a varied product mix, while lift trucks without a compact footprint may struggle to navigate warehouses with decreasing space. Especially as businesses increase inventory density to meet rising customer expectations.
Inflexible systems also hinder scalability. As order volumes fluctuate, during peak seasons for example, warehouses need equipment fleets that can scale up or down without compromising performance. Without this adaptability, businesses risk bottlenecks, delays and dissatisfied customers. Issues that can erode brand loyalty and impact the bottom line.
As the logistics landscape continues to progress, warehouses that fail to future-proof may find themselves locked out of opportunities. Facilities that rely on outdated, energy-inefficient equipment may struggle to meet new emissions standards or meet the green credentials of their customers. However, those that master flexibility in their warehouse operations can gain a strategic advantage and thrive. Intelligent, and adaptable materials handling equipment is a powerful starting point. The right lift truck and warehouse equipment fleet can not only support current operational needs but also provide the scalability, connectivity and efficiency required to navigate future challenges. Whether it’s reconfiguring
workflows, expanding handling capabilities, or adopting new technologies, flexibility is a cornerstone of long-term resilience.
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR DYNAMIC OPERATIONS
So, what might flexibility look like for fleets in forward-thinking warehouses?
• Customisation – Moving beyond an ‘off the shelf’ solution when selecting forklifts. Instead selecting models that can be precisely tailored to exact requirements from the outset, not retrofitted and no need to ‘make do’ with a machine that is less than fit for purpose. The Yale Series N forklift series is a great example of a fully configurable model that can be specified to application needs directly from the factory to increase versatility and reduce unnecessary costs.
• Environmental adaptability – Separate trucks for use outdoors and indoors is the traditional model in many warehouses. However, some reliable equipment may be engineered to be versatile enough to work across different environments. Not only saving on fleet acquisition costs, but also saving time. For instance, the configurable and flexible Yale MRO16-20 outdoor reach
truck can be used for vehicle to warehouse movements, for a seamless transition between outside and inside.
• Multi-purpose trucks – One truck for one purpose may not be an adequate solution when requirements change or activity peaks. Equipment investments made now, need to stand up in future, and not become redundant if and when stock, site, or infrastructure changes. Multi- purpose equipment that is agile enough to complete a wide range of different tasks can be a true asset in the quest for warehouse flexibility. The Yale order picker pallet truck exemplifies this. Tailored for high-frequency picking tasks, compact for limited warehouse space and effective for loading and unloading lorries as well. The same truck can be applied to different tasks as requirements evolve.
PREPARING FOR WHAT COMES NEXT As warehouses look to the future, flexibility and resilience go hand in hand. Investing in equipment that can pivot to evolving needs will help better position intralogistics operations to respond to market shifts, regulatory changes and customer expectations.
Yale
www.yale.com
Partners in Automation
Motor Driven Roller Controllers
Turck Banner Ltd. Blenheim House, Blenheim Court, Wickford, Essex SS11 8YT Tel: 01268 578888
fa@turckbanner.co.uk
www.turckbanner.co.uk
Analogue or Digital Control • 24VDC or 48VDC rollers. Single Channel or 4 Channel. • 0-18VDC Analogue Speed Control or CANOPEN. • Field Logic Controller built in for Decentralised Automation. • Seperate Power and Fieldbus feed through.
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | OCTOBER 2025 19
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