Space is usually the most coveted asset in a warehouse. Managers may try to utilize as much of their space as possible, but sometimes the plain truth is your warehouse just needs more. Traditional construction jobs, though, can be expensive and take months to complete.
Luckily, if you're running out of space in your current warehouse, there's another option besides building a totally new facility!
Modular and in-plant offices can offer a quick solution to warehouse space challenges. While they may not be the right solution for every warehouse, modular offices can bring many benefits to the table, including time, space, and money savings.
WHAT IS A MODULAR OFFICE?
Modular in-plant offices are prefabricated buildings suitable for a variety of warehouse solutions. These portable offices can be used for whatever workspaces you need—whether it be a break room for employees or administrative space for managers.
Since these are prefabricated and portable offices, a modular office can be designed to fit a warehouse’s specific layout and space needs. They can be configured into a single or multi-level building, and can be easily relocated when needed. A modular office can also be outfitted with your own personal specifications, such as plumbing, electrical wiring, exterior siding, and interior floor coverings.
FOUR BENEFITS OF Having MODULAR OFFICES IN YOUR WAREHOUSE
A modular office offers several advantages for warehouses trying to optimize their space as much as possible—without the mess, cost, and hassle of moving facilities or a brand new construction project.
1. Design & Build
A modular office provides much-needed space without the expenses and time of a full construction project. Since a modular in-plant office comes in "panels" that can be pre-assembled depending on size, they can be shipped to your warehouse almost immediately and are ready to be used upon arrival. The panel systems allow module offices to be modified based on whatever your preferences are. You can add in window and door panels, A/C units, and have it pre-wired for electric outlets.
Not only are modular offices easy to set up, but they are built to be taken down easily as well. They are a quick and optimal alternative to constructing or relocating to a permanent office building that provides much more flexibility and convenience.
2. Avoids the building permit process
Modular offices allow warehouse managers to skip the permit process with local building authorities which would normally be necessary for a construction project. Not only does this save plenty of time, but your warehouse can save the hundreds of dollars required for a building permit.
The building process depends completely on the warehouse manager's desires. Modular offices have little limitations; they can be built on mezzanines or installed inside or outdoors (depending on the weather).
3. Flexibility with sizing
Modular offices are particularly advantageous due to their customizable sizing specifications. Whether the modular office space will be used for guard gate shelters, break rooms, or as office space close to the action, you can customize them to fit your warehouse layout.
In-plant offices can even serve for effective infectious disease control measures. You can facilitate social distancing by separating your warehouse departments into their own modular offices. Or, keep drivers out of buildings by supplying them with their own driver modular office near the loading dock areas. This can help keep your warehouse staff safe and healthy!
4. COST-EFFECTIVE OPTION
When it comes to overall cost, general construction is generally the more expensive option than modular and in-plant offices. While traditional general construction to add warehouse office space has large upfront costs, plus additional costs later on, a portable office is one set price and is ready to go within weeks. In fact, a modular office ranges from 60 - 75% the cost of general construction before the additional costs of permitting, equipment, and other soft costs such as taxes, inspections, and architectural design.
Additionally, in a traditional construction project, you would need to account for your projected growth several years down the line since adding more offices later would be difficult. After all, you wouldn't want to relocate to a new building or add more space to your existing office if you'd just outgrow it in another year. So, you’d end up paying significantly more for additional space that you don’t need right away—affecting your current budget for your everyday warehouse operations. With modular offices, you can scale your needs up and down quickly and in a cost-effective manner.
OTHER WAREHOUSE DESIGN LAYOUTS FOR SPACE SOLUTIONS
A modular office isn’t the only option on the market designed to optimize limited warehouse organization and space. Mezzanines are useful for increasing warehouse organization by utilizing existing overhead space for storage, officers, or manufacturing capacities, while Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRC’s) can be an economical method to move products from one elevation to another.
If you’re interested in any of these cost-effective and efficient methods of expanding your warehouse space, speak with a Southern State Enterprises representative today. Our agents are experts in the field and can help you find the right storage and handling solution for your warehouse.
