More storage without building?
In Flanders, industrial land is scarce. Expanding your site is costly, time-consuming, and not always the wisest choice. Making smarter use of the space you already have is — what we at Logflow call: “Hong Kong thinking in Flanders Fields” — making the absolute most of every square and cubic metre.
But how do you do that without compromising on efficiency or flexibility?
We prove that space savings and efficiency gains can go hand in hand. The key? A radically different approach to warehousing — one that starts with your processes, not your building.
Stop storing air
A warehouse is not an airhouse. Far too often, we see more air than goods being stored — resulting in wasted space. Common causes include:
- Low stacking heights
Pallets aren’t stacked to full capacity or are left disorganised on the floor. - Outdated or oversized aisles
Aisles take up more space than necessary, often not suited to modern handling equipment. - Static storage locations
Items remain in fixed positions, regardless of turnover rate. - Excessive buffer stocks
Safety stocks are frequently overestimated, leading to unnecessary occupation of space.
We don’t start with your building — we start with your processes. We optimise for efficiency, flexibility and spatial use. Only then do we design a warehouse concept that is truly future-ready.
In greenfield projects, our benchmark is clear: 30% less space, 30% more efficiency.
How to use your warehouse space more smartly
We combine smart concepts with the right technologies to maximise your warehouse volume:
- Denser storage concepts:
- Automated storage systems such as stacker cranes, shuttle systems and goods-to-person technology allow you to build higher and reduce aisle width — though these typically require significant investment.
- Manual zones can also be space-optimised using multi-deep pallet racking such as Drive-IN or pushback systems, increasing storage capacity in relation to aisle space.
- With intelligent warehouse design — such as dynamic locations and a well-thought-out slotting strategy — products are always placed in the most efficient location. This improves occupancy rates and dramatically increases net usable capacity.
- Semi-manual solutions like vertical lift modules or mobile racking are often considered slow. However, they are highly space-efficient, and when driven by a well-configured WMS, they can deliver excellent performance. For example, with a strong continuous batching strategy, we achieve 160 order lines per hour per operator using vertical lift modules.
- Building vertically:
Mezzanines, man-up picking and high-bay racking fully exploit vertical potential. Consider how much unused airspace sits above your staging or dispatch areas. We often build mezzanine levels above loading bays — or even install double-deck docking zones. - Centralising work zones:
This avoids underutilised space above staging areas and enables compact, well-organised workstations. - Creating flow:
A staging area can be made up to 30% more compact with proper task control. Inbound pallets that can’t be immediately received can be scanned and redirected to a dedicated processing zone — a bright, ergonomic space where reception tasks are performed efficiently. Pallets waiting for customs clearance? These can be buffered in racking — or even in a vertical lift module.
Space efficiency and automation: a powerful combination
An efficient warehouse is rarely the result of a single solution. It’s about integrating the right mix of:
- Software & IT systems: a task-driven, real-time WMS
- Operational logistics principles: a strong warehousing concept with optimised flows
- Physical automation: from AGVs and conveyors to cobots, shuttles and lift systems
These components must fit together seamlessly — like puzzle pieces. The foundation? Data. We analyse flows, picking profiles, turnover rates and bottlenecks to determine the right technologies for your needs.
The RPC: Space Performance Certificate
Companies that optimise both their space and processes can gain official recognition through the Logflow RPC – the Space Performance Certificate. This is our quality label for high-performing and sustainable warehousing.
An RPC audit:
- Maps your current space usage
- Identifies both quick wins and long-term gains
- Benchmarks your operations against the highest standards in efficiency, automation and sustainability
It demonstrates that your business is actively choosing less space, higher performance, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Conclusion: build less, use smarter
In today’s market — where space is scarce and logistical pressure is rising — optimising your warehouse space is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity.
Looking to achieve more with less square metreage? Combine:
- Process optimisation
- Smart technologies
- A well-founded vision for sustainable space usage
Logflow helps you create a more compact, efficient and high-performing warehouse — without building, but with real impact.
Ready to unlock your warehouse's full potential?
Book an RPC audit and gain clear insight into your space optimisation and sustainability opportunities.
