Even with the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, health protocols and social distancing practices will likely be with us for much of this year. Social distancing protocols can be a challenge for all businesses and organizations. Many companies have had to get creative to keep workers safely spaced out. In particular, small offices have had to think outside the box as employees return to the workplace. The manufacturing industry saw significant growth in automation as a result of the pandemic. Automated picking, storage, and retrieval systems helped keep workers 6 feet apart without losing in speed, accuracy, and productivity.
It is possible to design and implement storage solutions to help create a safe, socially distanced workspace. Whether you are in manufacturing and distribution or a small business office, there are storage and automation options available to keep you growing safely into 2021.
Storage Solutions for Businesses
Over the past decade, many businesses have transitioned from cubicle designs to a more open, fluid, and modern workspace. During the pandemic, this suddenly presented a problem for companies needing to better isolate and separate employees. Various types of storage solutions can help you create a safe space that minimizes worker interaction while maintaining an open, modern aesthetic.
High-Density Mobile Shelving
Creating more space in the same layout can be challenging. If you’re struggling with this issue, consider Spacesaver’s high-density mobile storage systems. By offering twice the amount of storage in the same space, or the same amount of storage in half the space, mobile storage can help increase your office space giving you more options for spreading out personnel.
Day Use Locker Storage
Day use lockers provide a unique storage solution with multiple functions. Design a locker wall to create partitions and separation. Perhaps you are trying to minimize the amount of personal possessions brought in and out of your workplace. Day use lockers are durable, secure, and have an urban, modern aesthetic. They’re easy to disinfect and can help keep personal items from home stored safely, eliminating clutter from the common workspace.
Automated Storage Solutions
The automated storage and retrieval systems market was valued at USD 7.3 billion in 2020 and is likely to reach USD 10.7 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2020 to 2025. The pandemic truly demonstrated to manufacturers, retailers, and distributors alike the flexibility of an ASRS. The ability to continue operations largely depended upon a company’s capacity to control employee numbers, spacing, and interactions.
The automotive industry, for example, is projected to account for the largest share of the ASRS market over the next five years.
The Vertical Lift Module (VLM)
Designed to deliver stored items to an operator, thereby eliminating walk and search time and unnecessary worker interactions. Not surprisingly, the market for VLM’s is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Picking
We’re witnessing substantial growth in demand for automated picking systems and other ASRS in E-Commerce for 2021. Picking allows retailers and distributors the flexibility to abide by COVID-19 labor constraints without losing in accuracy and speed.
HVLS Fans
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, public buildings, commercial facilities, and even schools across the country are evaluating their air filtration, ventilation, and exhaust systems
Now that it is clear how the virus travels (via airborne droplet particles), there is a renewed emphasis being placed on safety and quality control- and not just for laboratories, but also for industrial facilities.
HVLS fans are perfect for stuffy spaces that would benefit from consistent airflow. They also work well in enclosed buildings such as storage facilities, warehouses, and factories that experience water condensation on merchandise and smooth surfaces.
Guidance For a New Year
2020 was an incredibly challenging year, and we know 2021 will bring its own obstacles related to health, safety, and pandemic protocols. There are storage and automated solutions to help keep your organization running safely and efficiently. McMurray Stern can help guide you to the solution that makes sense for your business.
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