Efficient storage solutions are essential for any business. Even if a business exists entirely within the digital realm, files must be stored the right way – otherwise, it could result in delays, errors, and potentially costly mistakes.
Back in the real world, while general storage options may suffice for everyday items, certain circumstances lead to specialist storage being necessary. As the name suggests, these specialist solutions are built to meet specific requirements. This includes keeping stored items safe, secure, and with their integrity intact.
The following guide explores different scenarios where your business needs to invest in specialist storage.
When Handling Hazardous Materials
One of the most important – and clear – situations that require specialist storage is with the handling of hazardous materials. Chemicals, flammable substances, biological materials – if your business deals with any of these, you already know you must adhere to stringent regulations to prevent accidents and keep employees safe.
Specialist storage solutions, such as those available at seton.co.uk, are ideal for handling hazardous materials. They incorporate features like fire resistance, ventilation, and secure locking mechanisms – ideal for keeping any dangerous substances in a safe space. Compliant with control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations, these storage units also contain spills and prevent contamination.
Storage for hazardous materials is essential for the likes of laboratories and manufacturing plants.
Storage of Perishable Goods
Various industries deal with perishable goods. It’s not just food – pharmaceuticals and florists require specialist storage to keep the quality and integrity of their products.
So, what counts as specialist storage for perishable goods? This includes the likes of cold rooms and refrigerated storage units. For bigger operations, climate-controlled warehouses can also be utilised.
Whichever is used, these solutions allow you to meet the necessary temperature and humidity levels. As well as preventing spoilage, this also extends the shelf life of products. For example, a pharmacy must store medications at specific temperatures to remain effective, while a florist requires climate-controlled environments to keep flowers fresh for longer.
Archive Sensitive Documents
Special attention is needed with sensitive documents like legal papers, medical records, and financial statements. They need to be protected from threats like damage or unauthorised access, and this is something made possible through the use of secure, organised storage solutions.
What are specialist storage solutions for documents? They often include fireproof filing cabinets, secure vaults, and archival boxes. They deliver high levels of security and protection – and not just against potential thieves. These solutions safeguard against environmental factors that range from fire to pests.
With more and more documents being based digitally, storage solutions aren’t just physical these days. Digital storage, which often incorporates encryption and access controls, allows you to securely archive any sensitive business information.
Manage Large Inventory
Retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers – there are lots of businesses that deal with large inventories. Rather than having boxes and boxes of stock being stacked up, it should be effectively managed and organised with specialist storage.
Pallet racking systems and mezzanine floors are examples of storage solutions that can both optimise space utilisation and streamline inventory management. More advanced storage systems may also incorporate automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) for that extra level of performance.
Whether it is one storage facility or a combination of multiple solutions, they enable a business to store large volumes of goods in a compact, accessible manner. This not only improves operational efficiency, but also reduces the risk of inventory loss or damage.
Store High-Value Items
Understandably, high-value items, such as luxury goods, electronics, jewellery, and artwork, require specialist storage. It’s not only about keeping them protected and secure from potential robbers, either. Keeping these items in pristine condition can be necessary to retain their value.
Secure vaults and reinforced storage units – often complimented alongside advanced security systems – are essential for safeguarding valuable items against theft and damage. These storage solutions usually come with additional features for that extra layer of protection. These features can include the likes of biometric access controls and alarm systems.
Ultimately, businesses dealing with high-value items must invest in storage that matches the value of these items. As well as mitigating various risks, it supplies peace of mind for owners, their clients, and stakeholders.