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Sustainability in Warehousing: Why Going Green Starts on the Warehouse Floor

For many businesses, sustainability has become a corporate objective driven by customer expectations, ESG commitments and evolving environmental regulations. But for warehouse operators, sustainability isn’t simply about ticking compliance boxes—it’s about making smarter operational decisions that reduce waste, improve efficiency and create long-term value.

The reality is that sustainability begins long before products leave the warehouse.

It starts with how materials are stored, how waste is managed, how infrastructure is protected and how businesses maximise the resources they already have.

The most sustainable warehouse isn’t necessarily the one spending the most money—it’s the one wasting the least.

Rethinking Waste

Walk through any busy warehouse and you’ll find cardboard, plastic wrap, strapping, shrink film and packaging waste being generated every hour of every day.

While these materials are often recyclable, the way they are managed can significantly impact productivity, housekeeping and safety.

Overflowing bins, cluttered aisles and unnecessary manual handling don’t just create environmental challenges—they slow operations, increase risks and consume valuable floor space.

Managing waste at the point where it is generated helps create cleaner workflows while improving recycling efforts and reducing unnecessary handling.

At ProMHS, we’ve seen firsthand how simple housekeeping improvements can transform warehouse operations. Solutions like RakSak provide dedicated collection points for cardboard, plastic wrap and packaging waste directly from existing pallet racking, encouraging recycling at the source while keeping aisles clear and workstations organised. It’s a practical example of how small changes can support both sustainability goals and day-to-day operational efficiency.

Small Changes, Significant Impact

Sustainability doesn’t always require major infrastructure upgrades.

Often, the biggest improvements come from simple operational changes such as:

  • Reducing unnecessary packaging waste
  • Improving waste segregation
  • Eliminating disposable bin liners where practical
  • Introducing reusable storage and collection systems such as RakSak
  • Protecting warehouse infrastructure with d-flexx impact protection for logistics facilities, STOMMPY polymer barrier systems for food and pharmaceutical environments, and Protect-it rack protection
  • Improving warehouse identification through professional warehouse labelling
  • Creating safer pedestrian and vehicle routes with floor markings and visual safety solutions
  • Optimising existing storage capacity before expanding facilities

These everyday improvements reduce waste while creating safer, more efficient warehouse operations.

Designing Warehouses That Last Longer

One of the most overlooked aspects of sustainability is longevity.

Every damaged rack upright, cracked concrete column or bent safety barrier represents more than just a maintenance cost. It means additional raw materials, manufacturing, transport and installation—all of which increase the environmental footprint of a warehouse.

Protecting existing infrastructure is often far more sustainable than replacing it.

This is where preventative protection plays an important role.

For logistics, warehousing and distribution centres, flexible impact protection systems such as d-flexx, together with Protect-it rack protection solutions, help safeguard racking, building columns, machinery and pedestrian areas from forklift impacts. By preventing avoidable damage, businesses reduce maintenance costs, minimise material waste and extend the lifespan of critical warehouse infrastructure.

For food manufacturing, pharmaceutical and hygiene-sensitive facilities, STOMMPY polymer protection systems offer a long-term sustainable solution. Manufactured from advanced engineering polymers that resist chemicals, moisture and corrosion, STOMMPY barriers are designed to perform for many years in demanding environments. Their exceptional durability means they rarely require replacement, reducing material consumption, maintenance interruptions and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and installing new protection systems.

Whether protecting a busy logistics warehouse with d-flexx or safeguarding food and pharmaceutical facilities with STOMMPY, investing in long-lasting infrastructure protection helps businesses reduce waste while creating safer, more efficient warehouse operations.

Smarter Waste Management

Every warehouse generates waste. Cardboard cartons. Plastic wrap. Strapping. Stretch film. Damaged packaging. The challenge isn’t eliminating these materials—it’s managing them efficiently.

Too often, waste ends up in temporary bins scattered throughout the warehouse, overflowing onto floors or creating unnecessary obstacles for forklift operators and warehouse staff.

This is where smarter housekeeping solutions make a real difference.

Purpose-designed storage solutions like RakSak help businesses collect cardboard, plastic, packaging and recyclable materials directly from existing pallet racking, keeping waste off the warehouse floor and making recycling easier.

Unlike traditional floor bins that occupy valuable warehouse space and often become obstacles themselves, RakSak utilises unused vertical space on pallet racking to create convenient collection points exactly where waste is generated. Employees can immediately dispose of cardboard, shrink wrap, plastic strapping and packaging without interrupting workflow or creating unnecessary clutter.

Available in a range of sizes and configurations, RakSak integrates seamlessly into existing warehouse layouts and can be positioned throughout facilities to encourage better housekeeping habits and improve recycling rates.

The result is a cleaner, safer warehouse that makes waste management part of everyday operations rather than an afterthought.

Another opportunity to reduce waste lies in the way goods are secured during internal warehouse transport. Instead of using metres of disposable stretch film every day, Sanstrap® reusable stretchbands provide a simple, reusable alternative for stabilising cartons, trays and palletised goods during internal movements. This not only reduces plastic consumption and packaging waste but also improves efficiency by making loads quicker to secure. For businesses looking to further strengthen their sustainability initiatives, Sanstrap Re is manufactured using 30% post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) and is 100% recyclable, supporting circular economy goals while maintaining the same reliable performance.

Sustainability and Productivity Go Hand in Hand

  • There is a common misconception that sustainability costs money.
  • In reality, many sustainable warehouse practices also improve productivity.
  • Cleaner workspaces reduce unnecessary movement.
  • Better organisation improves picking efficiency.
  • Long-lasting infrastructure reduces replacement costs.
  • Reusable systems minimise ongoing waste.

The same principle applies across the wider ProMHS product range. Accurate warehouse labelling reduces picking errors and unnecessary stock movement. Clearly defined pedestrian walkways and floor markings improve traffic flow and reduce accident risks. d-flexx protects high-traffic logistics environments from costly forklift damage, while STOMMPY provides long-term infrastructure protection for food and pharmaceutical facilities where hygiene and durability are essential. RakSak improves recycling at the source, while Sanstrap helps reduce reliance on single use stretch film during internal transport. Sustainability isn’t achieved through one product—it’s the result of many smarter operational decisions working together.

More Than an Environmental Goal

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing environmental impact.

It’s about building warehouses that are safer, smarter and better equipped for the future.

Every decision—from protecting racking and improving housekeeping to reducing disposable waste and introducing reusable solutions—contributes to a workplace that performs more efficiently while using resources more responsibly.

As Iain Sherwood, Managing Director of ProMHS, explains:

“The most sustainable warehouse isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest environmental programme—it’s the one that wastes the least. Every time we protect a rack from damage, extend the life of a building asset, improve recycling or help a client make better use of their existing space, we’re reducing waste while improving operational performance. That’s what sustainability should look like: practical, measurable and built into everyday operations.”

At ProMHS, sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a practical approach to creating warehouses that are cleaner, safer and designed to perform for years to come. Whether it’s protecting logistics operations with d-flexx, safeguarding food and pharmaceutical facilities with STOMMPY, improving waste management through RakSak, reducing single-use plastic through Sanstrap reusable stretchbands, or improving warehouse efficiency through professional labelling and floor marking solutions, every ProMHS solution is designed to reduce waste, extend asset life and improve operational performance.

Because the most sustainable warehouse isn’t simply the one that uses fewer resources—it’s the one that gets the very best out of the resources it already has.

We keep you moving forward!
📞 010 447 3520
✉️ enquiries@promhs.co.za

For more information, visit: https://www.promhs.co.za/contact-us/

Warehouse Labelling Solutions That Drive Performance

If your labels are peeling, lifting, fading, or failing too early — the problem isn’t just the label. It’s the system behind it. In a warehouse environment where speed and accuracy matter, labelling is not a small detail. It’s the foundation of how your operation runs.

At ProMHS, we design, produce, and install complete warehouse labelling systems that improve visibility, accuracy, and efficiency — from the ground up.

Why Warehouse Labelling Matters More Than You Think

Picking can account for up to 50–60% of warehouse operational costs. A large portion of that time is spent simply locating stock.

When your labelling system isn’t working, you feel it everywhere:

  • Slower picking times
  • Increased errors
  • Poor stock visibility
  • Frustration on the floor
  • Costly rework and replacements

When it is working, everything flows.

✔ Faster picking
✔ Accurate scanning
✔ Clear navigation
✔ Safer operations
✔ Scalable systems for growth

What We Do

We don’t just supply labels.
We take ownership of your entire labelling system.

From racks and shelves to bins and pallet locations, we design solutions that integrate seamlessly into your operation.

Our Labelling Solutions Include:

  • Rack, shelf and bin location labels
  • Barcode and QR code labelling systems
  • Colour-coded identification systems
  • Warehouse signage and navigation labels
  • Wrap-around LPN (License Plate Number) labels for pallets

Our End-to-End Labelling Process

Labels done right don’t happen by chance — they come from the right process.

1. Understanding Your Operation

We start by understanding your warehouse, your environment, and how your team works.

2. Planning & Layout Design

We map your locations and design a logical, scalable labelling structure, supported by detailed drawings.

3. Material & Specification Selection

We recommend the right label materials, sizes, and formats based on your environment — whether it’s ambient, cold storage, or high-traffic areas.

4. In-House Production

All labels are produced in-house, ensuring:

  • Consistent quality
  • Fast turnaround
  • Full control over specifications

5. Quality Control

Every label is checked before it leaves our facility. Because in your operation, accuracy matters.

6. Professional Installation

Our experienced teams install labels accurately and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to your operation.


Why Labels Fail (And How We Fix It)

If your labels aren’t lasting, it’s usually not the product.

It comes down to:

  • Poor surface preparation
  • Incorrect application
  • The wrong material for the environment

We eliminate these risks by managing the full process.


Label Application Done Right

Proper application is critical to long-term performance.

We ensure every label is applied correctly:

  • Surfaces are cleaned and prepared using appropriate solvents
  • Labels are positioned accurately the first time
  • Firm, even pressure is applied for maximum adhesion
  • Adequate curing time is allowed before use

Because small mistakes lead to big operational inefficiencies.


Smarter Labelling for Modern Warehouses

Wrap-Around LPN Labels

For palletised loads, wrap-around labels offer a smarter solution.

These dual barcode labels wrap around pallet corners, providing:

  • Visibility from multiple angles
  • Faster, more accurate scanning
  • Improved inventory tracking

They are especially effective in environments with mixed pallet types where traditional labelling falls short.


Built for Real Warehouse Environments

Our labelling systems are designed to perform in:

  • Warehouses
  • Distribution centres
  • Cold storage facilities
  • Manufacturing environments

From temperature fluctuations to heavy traffic, we ensure your labels are built to last.


The Result

✔ Labels that last
✔ Clear, reliable scanning
✔ Reduced errors and rework
✔ Improved efficiency across your operation

Because in a warehouse, labelling isn’t just about identification.
It’s about performance.


Why ProMHS

We bring more than just products — we bring experience, systems thinking, and execution.

  • Full-service labelling solutions
  • Consultative, engineering-led approach
  • In-house production and quality control
  • Proven experience in large-scale warehouse environments
  • Professional installation teams

We don’t just supply labels.
We make sure they work.

Let’s Get Your Warehouse Working Smarter

Whether you’re setting up a new facility or upgrading your existing system, we’re ready to help.

Get in touch with us today for expert advice on all things warehousing.

Read more about our labelling services here https://www.promhs.co.za/labelling/

We keep you moving forward!
📞 010 447 3520
✉️ enquiries@promhs.co.za

For more information, visit: https://www.promhs.co.za/contact-us/

5 Hidden Warehouse Risks Costing You Money (And How to Fix Them)

Warehouses are designed to improve efficiency, maximise storage capacity, and keep goods moving smoothly through the supply chain. Yet many businesses unknowingly lose thousands — and sometimes millions — of rand every year because of hidden warehouse risks that often go unnoticed until a major incident occurs.

The challenge is that these risks rarely appear as a single catastrophic event. Instead, they quietly drain productivity, increase operational costs, damage stock, create safety hazards, and expose businesses to compliance issues.

The good news? Most of these risks are preventable.

Here are five of the most common hidden warehouse risks costing businesses money every day — and what can be done to mitigate them.

1. Rack Damage: The Silent Threat to Warehouse Safety

One of the most overlooked dangers in any warehouse is damaged racking.

Forklift impacts, pallet collisions, overloaded bays and daily wear and tear can compromise the structural integrity of storage systems. What may look like a minor dent or bent upright could be the first warning sign of a potentially serious collapse.

The costs associated with rack damage extend far beyond repairs. Businesses may face:

• Product loss and damaged inventory
• Operational downtime
• Injury claims
• Insurance complications
• Expensive emergency repairs
• Regulatory non-compliance

How to Reduce the Risk

Regular rack inspections are essential to identify damage before it becomes a safety issue.

At ProMHS, we provide professional rack inspection services that help businesses assess the condition of their storage systems and prioritise corrective action where required.

Prevention is equally important. ProMHS supplies and installs industry-leading impact protection solutions, including Protect-it upright protection, as well as STOMMPY and D-Flexx systems, both of which now form part of the Troax Group. Protect-it provides effective protection for vulnerable rack uprights, helping to minimise damage from everyday forklift impacts. STOMMPY solutions are particularly suited to food, beverage, and pharmaceutical facilities where hygiene standards and concrete preservation are critical, while D-Flexx flexible safety barriers are widely used in logistics, warehousing, and distribution environments to protect people, infrastructure, and equipment from vehicle impacts. Together, these solutions help prevent damage before it occurs, extending the lifespan of racking while reducing repair and replacement costs.

The reality is simple: protecting your racking is significantly less expensive than replacing it.

2. Poor Labelling: Small Errors with Big Consequences

Labelling may seem like a simple administrative task, but poor warehouse labelling can create costly operational problems.

When locations are unclear, damaged, inconsistent or incorrectly identified, businesses experience:

• Increased picking errors
• Longer search times
• Delayed dispatches
• Inventory inaccuracies
• Reduced staff productivity
• Customer dissatisfaction

In fast-moving warehouse environments, every extra minute spent searching for stock directly affects profitability.

How to Reduce the Risk

A professionally designed warehouse labelling system creates clarity, consistency and efficiency throughout the operation.

ProMHS specialises in warehouse labelling and signage solutions designed to improve inventory accuracy and operational flow. From rack labels and aisle signage to floor markings, pallet location identifiers, barcode systems and large-scale warehouse identification projects, our team ensures every location is clearly visible and easy to navigate.

A well-labelled warehouse not only improves productivity but also supports compliance, safety and warehouse management system integration.

3. Inefficient Storage: Paying for Space You’re Not Using

Warehouse space is one of the most expensive assets in any operation, yet many facilities fail to maximise its full potential.

Common signs of inefficient storage include:

• Congested aisles
• Excessive travel distances
• Poor stock accessibility
• Underutilised vertical space
• Growing pressure to relocate or expand

The result is increased labour costs, reduced productivity and unnecessary pressure to move into larger facilities before existing space has been fully optimised.

How to Reduce the Risk

Many businesses can significantly improve storage capacity without increasing their warehouse footprint.

ProMHS provides warehouse consulting, storage optimisation and project management services that help businesses improve warehouse layouts, product flow and storage density.

We also supply innovative solutions such as Storeganizer, a high-density storage system designed to maximise cubic storage capacity while improving accessibility and picking efficiency. By converting wasted airspace into usable storage space, businesses can often delay or completely avoid expensive warehouse expansions.

The question is not whether you need more space. The question is whether you are using the space you already have effectively.

4. Fire Risks: The Hidden Cost That Can Shut Down Your Business Overnight

Most warehouse managers focus on productivity, stock accuracy and equipment uptime. Yet one of the biggest financial risks often receives attention only after an incident occurs: fire.

A warehouse fire can destroy stock, damage infrastructure, disrupt operations and impact customer relationships for months after the flames have been extinguished. Even a relatively small fire can result in significant repair costs, insurance claims, production delays and lost revenue.

Common warehouse fire risks include:

• Damaged electrical infrastructure
• Excessive packaging waste and combustible materials
• Poor housekeeping practices
• Improper storage of goods
• Obstructed emergency exits and evacuation routes
• Vehicle impacts damaging critical infrastructure

Why Fire Risks Are Often Overlooked

Many warehouse fires are not caused by a single major event but by a combination of smaller issues that go unnoticed over time. A damaged electrical cabinet, accumulated plastic waste, blocked escape route or poorly maintained storage area can quickly turn a minor incident into a major disruption.

One often-overlooked contributor is the accumulation of packaging materials. Large volumes of discarded stretch wrap, damaged pallets and other combustible waste can increase the fire load within a facility and accelerate the spread of a fire once it starts.

How to Reduce the Risk

Reducing fire risk starts with creating a safer and more organised warehouse environment.

Clear floor demarcation, pedestrian walkways and safety signage help employees identify emergency escape routes quickly during an evacuation. Good housekeeping practices reduce combustible waste and improve overall safety standards.

Protecting critical infrastructure is equally important. Forklift impacts can damage electrical installations, support columns, sprinkler systems and other assets that are essential for safe operations.

ProMHS supplies advanced warehouse protection solutions such as Stommpy safety barriers, bollards and column protectors that help reduce the likelihood of accidental damage to critical infrastructure. Manufactured from Tecklene®, Stommpy’s proprietary polymer, these solutions are engineered to absorb impacts while offering fire-resistant behaviour, without shattering, breaking or releasing toxic substances under extreme conditions. This helps businesses protect critical infrastructure, minimise risk and maintain safer operating environments during both everyday operations and emergency situations.

Businesses can also reduce unnecessary packaging waste by exploring reusable load-securing solutions such as Sanstrap® reusable stretch bands. By reducing reliance on disposable stretch wrap, warehouses can maintain cleaner operations, improve sustainability and reduce combustible waste accumulation.

Did You Know?

Many warehouse fires originate from preventable causes such as poor housekeeping, electrical faults, combustible waste accumulation and operational damage to critical infrastructure. Regular audits, preventative maintenance and effective warehouse safety systems remain some of the most effective ways to reduce risk.

Fire risk management is not simply about having extinguishers on-site. It requires a proactive approach to housekeeping, infrastructure protection, warehouse organisation and employee safety.

When it comes to warehouse fires, the true cost is often not the fire itself — it is the operational downtime, lost productivity and business disruption that follows.

5. Traffic Collisions: The Hidden Cost of Warehouse Movement

Forklifts, pallet jacks, pedestrians, contractors and visitors all operate within the same environment.

Without proper traffic management, warehouses become vulnerable to collisions that result in equipment damage, product loss, injuries and costly downtime.

Many incidents occur because:

• Pedestrian routes are poorly defined
• Impact protection is inadequate
• Blind corners are unmanaged
• Traffic flow is unclear
• High-risk areas are unprotected

Even low-speed collisions can create significant repair costs and operational disruptions.

How to Reduce the Risk

One of the most effective ways to reduce warehouse collisions is through physical segregation and impact protection.

ProMHS supplies and installs D-Flexx flexible barrier systems, safety bollards, pedestrian protection barriers and traffic management solutions designed specifically for warehouse environments.

Unlike traditional steel barriers, D-Flexx systems absorb and dissipate impact energy, reducing damage to vehicles, infrastructure and equipment while helping protect employees and visitors.

Combined with clear floor markings, warehouse signage and professionally planned traffic routes, these solutions create safer working environments and significantly reduce the costs associated with workplace accidents.

The Real Cost of Ignoring Warehouse Risks

Many warehouse risks don’t appear on financial reports as a single line item.

Instead, they show up as:

• Reduced productivity
• Increased maintenance costs
• Stock damage
• Higher insurance claims
• Safety incidents
• Labour inefficiencies
• Customer complaints
• Lost operational time

Over time, these hidden costs can have a significant impact on profitability and business growth.

The most successful warehouses are not necessarily the largest or busiest. They are the safest, most organised and most efficient.

Expert Insight from ProMHS

“Many businesses don’t realise how much money is being lost through avoidable warehouse risks until we conduct an assessment. Whether it’s damaged racking, inefficient storage layouts, poor labelling or inadequate impact protection, there are often opportunities to improve safety and efficiency while reducing operational costs. The key is being proactive rather than waiting for a costly incident to occur.”

— Iain Sherwood, Managing Director, ProMHS

Partner with ProMHS

At ProMHS, we don’t just identify warehouse risks — we help businesses solve them.

Whether it’s conducting rack inspections, implementing warehouse labelling systems, optimising storage layouts, supplying Storeganizer high-density storage solutions, or installing D-Flexx, Stommpy and Protect-it impact protection systems, our team works alongside customers to create safer, more efficient and more profitable warehouse operations.

Every warehouse is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your operation and recommend practical solutions that deliver measurable improvements in safety, efficiency and performance.

Ready to uncover the hidden risks in your warehouse?

Contact ProMHS today for a professional warehouse assessment and discover how small improvements can deliver significant long-term savings.

Get in touch with us today for expert advice on all things warehousing.

We keep you moving forward!

📞 010 447 3520
✉️ enquiries@promhs.co.za
🌐 https://www.promhs.co.za/contact-us/

How a Pharmaceutical Distribution Centre Unlocked More Warehouse Capacity — Without Expanding

High-density warehouse storage using Storeganizer system

How to Increase Warehouse Capacity Without Expanding

Most warehouse space problems don’t begin with the building.

They begin with how the space is used.

A major pharmaceutical logistics operation recently discovered this first-hand when increasing SKU counts and rising order volumes began placing serious pressure on their cold-room distribution facility.

At first glance, the problem seemed obvious: the warehouse was running out of space.

But when ProMHS analysed the operation more closely, the real issue became clear.

It wasn’t a space problem.

It was a storage density problem.

The Situation: When Traditional Storage Hits Its Limits

The facility handled large volumes of temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products across a multi-client distribution environment. Like many operations managing thousands of small and medium SKUs, the warehouse relied heavily on traditional racking and shelving configurations.

Over time, several inefficiencies emerged:

  • Valuable vertical space between rack beams remained unused
  • Pick locations were spread across multiple levels
  • High-bay equipment was frequently required for picking
  • Picker travel distances increased as SKU counts grew
  • Order consolidation added additional labour time

Although the racking system itself was well designed, the way small items were stored meant that large portions of available storage volume were effectively unused.

As the business continued to grow, expansion of the refrigerated facility appeared inevitable.

Instead of expanding the building, ProMHS asked a different question:

How much storage capacity already exists inside the current footprint?

The Intervention: Turning AIRHOUSE Into WAREHOUSE

The solution was the implementation of Storeganizer, a high-density vertical pocket storage system designed for small and medium-sized items.

Storeganizer uses suspended textile pocket columns that hang inside standard pallet racking. These vertical pocket arrays transform unused vertical space into organised, accessible pick locations.

Rather than spreading products across wide shelving areas, hundreds of SKUs can be concentrated within a compact storage zone.

This approach dramatically increases storage density while keeping picking fully manual and highly accessible.

Because the system integrates directly into existing pallet racking, the installation required no structural changes to the warehouse and no automation infrastructure.

The Result: Measurable Operational Gains

Following the implementation, the warehouse achieved several measurable improvements.

✔ Storage Density

Pick locations increased dramatically within the same rack footprint, allowing significantly more SKUs to be stored in the same space.

✔ Travel Time Reduction

By concentrating hundreds of pick faces into dense pocket arrays, picker travel distances were reduced by more than 40%.

✔ Productivity Improvement

The combination of shorter travel distances and better product visibility resulted in order-picking productivity improvements of approximately 25%.

✔ Additional Pallet Storage

By relocating small-item storage into the high-density system, the operation also freed up approximately 200 additional pallet locations elsewhere in the warehouse.

In total, the facility gained substantial usable storage capacity without expanding the building or introducing complex automation.

What Changed on the Warehouse Floor

While the technical metrics were impressive, the most noticeable improvements were experienced by the warehouse team.

Storeganizer’s structured pocket layout improves visibility and organisation, making it easier for operators to locate items quickly.

One team member explained:

“We pick faster because everything is easier to see. The pockets are structured and grouped logically. You don’t waste time searching — you grab and move.”

Improved visibility reduces search time.
Reduced search time improves speed.
Better organisation creates a smoother workflow.

Why This Matters for Modern Warehousing

Pharmaceutical distribution centres, 3PL operators and eCommerce fulfilment facilities are all facing similar pressures:

  • Growing SKU counts
  • Increasing compliance requirements
  • Rising labour costs
  • Limited warehouse expansion opportunities

In many cases, the most effective solution is not expanding the building, but improving how existing space is used.

High-density storage systems like Storeganizer allow operations to unlock unused vertical capacity while maintaining operational flexibility.

Because the system is fully manual and requires no power input, it also supports more sustainable warehouse design by avoiding the energy and infrastructure requirements associated with large-scale automation.

Optimisation Instead of Expansion

This pharmaceutical distribution centre did not need more square metres.

It needed smarter storage.

By partnering with ProMHS and implementing Storeganizer, the operation unlocked significant additional capacity, reduced travel time and improved productivity — all within its existing warehouse footprint.

It’s a reminder that in modern warehousing, the most valuable space is often the space you already have.

Is Your Warehouse Under Pressure?

If your operation is experiencing:

  • Increasing SKU counts
  • Long picker travel distances
  • A quick installed solution with minimal disruption
  • Pressure on storage space

It may be time to rethink your storage strategy.

At ProMHS, we design performance-driven storage solutions that unlock capacity inside existing warehouses.

Let’s explore what your facility could achieve.

📞 010 447 3520
✉️ enquiries@promhs.co.za
🌐 https://www.promhs.co.za/contact-us/

We keep you moving forward.

How to Minimise Pallet Rack Damage – And Why Prevention Is Always Cheaper Than Repair

Minimise Pallet Rack Damage

Pallet racking is the backbone of most warehouse operations. It carries enormous loads, supports high-traffic activity, and operates under constant pressure from forklifts, reach trucks, and human error. Yet rack damage remains one of the most common — and most underestimated — risks in warehousing.

At ProMHS, we see it daily: minor impacts dismissed as “just a knock,” damaged uprights left unchecked, and warehouses unknowingly operating with compromised structural integrity. The reality is simple — rack damage rarely announces itself loudly, but when it fails, the consequences are immediate, costly, and dangerous.

The good news? Most rack damage is entirely preventable.

The Real Cost of Rack Damage

Rack damage isn’t just a maintenance issue — it’s a business risk.

When racking is compromised, the fallout can include:

  • Structural failure or partial collapse
  • Serious injury or loss of life
  • Product damage and write-offs
  • Insurance claims and premium increases
  • Operational downtime
  • Legal and compliance exposure

What makes rack damage particularly dangerous is that it often worsens over time. A bent upright today can become a catastrophic failure tomorrow, especially in high-density or high-bay environments.

Common Causes of Pallet Rack Damage

From years of inspections and remediation work, ProMHS consistently sees rack damage caused by:

1. Forklift Impact:  Low-speed collisions are the biggest culprit. Uprights and baseplates absorb repeated knocks until their load-bearing capacity is compromised.

2. Tight Aisle Operations: Narrow aisles increase efficiency — but without adequate protection and training, they also increase impact risk.

3. Poor Load Placement: Incorrect pallet sizes, overhanging loads, and uneven stacking place unexpected stress on beams and frames.

4. Inadequate Training: Operators who aren’t trained to identify rack damage often continue operating in unsafe conditions.

5. Lack of Routine Inspections: Damage that isn’t spotted early becomes exponentially more expensive — and more dangerous — to fix.

Why Rack Inspections Matter More Than You Think

One of the most effective ways to reduce rack damage risk is regular, professional rack inspections.

ProMHS provides structured rack inspection services aligned with international best practice, helping warehouse operators:

  • Identify visible and hidden damage
  • Classify damage severity (green, amber, red risk levels)
  • Take unsafe racking out of service immediately
  • Maintain inspection records for audit and insurance purposes
  • Plan repairs before failure occurs

Inspections are not about ticking a compliance box — they are about keeping people safe and operations running.

A damaged rack that hasn’t been inspected is not “probably fine.” It is an unknown risk.

The Role of Rack Protection in Damage Prevention

If inspections identify the problem, rack protection prevents it in the first place.

Rack protection is one of the highest-ROI investments a warehouse can make. ProMHS supplies and installs engineered rack protection solutions designed to absorb impact energy before it reaches the racking structure.

What rack protection helps prevent:

  • Upright deformation
  • Baseplate failure
  • Anchor bolt damage
  • Progressive rack collapse
  • Costly concrete floor repairs

Modern polymer rack protection systems deform on impact and return to shape under light to moderate collisions. Under heavier impacts, they sacrifice themselves — not the rack — dramatically reducing repair costs and downtime.

In short: it’s far cheaper to replace a protector than an upright.

Inspection + Protection = Real Risk Reduction

The most effective warehouses don’t choose between inspections and protection — they use both.

At ProMHS, we approach rack safety holistically:

  • Inspect to identify risk
  • Protect to prevent recurrence
  • Advise on layout, traffic flow, and operational improvements

This integrated approach not only improves safety but extends the life of your racking system and reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Small Impacts. Big Consequences. Smart Prevention.

Rack damage rarely happens in one dramatic moment. It builds up quietly — one knock at a time — until the system can no longer compensate.

Preventing rack damage isn’t about overengineering or excessive spend. It’s about:

  • Visibility
  • Proactive inspection
  • Proper protection
  • Experienced guidance

And most importantly, it’s about recognising that racking is a structural system — not just storage.

Final Thought

If your warehouse relies on pallet racking, rack damage is not a question of if — only when. The difference between a near miss and a serious incident comes down to preparation.

With the right inspection programme and the right protection in place, most rack damage risks can be eliminated before they ever become a problem.

Get in touch with us today for expert advice on all things warehousing.
We keep you moving forward!
📞 010 447 3520  
✉️ enquiries@promhs.co.za

For more information, visit:
https://www.promhs.co.za/contact-us/

ProMHS Moves into New Offices as it Prepares to Celebrate 12 Years of Growth and Innovation

ProMHS, a leading materials handling systems engineering and product solutions company, has entered an exciting new chapter with its move to stunning new offices at Aspen Business Park, First Floor, West Wing, Washington House, 2 Madison Avenue, Aspen Lakes EXT.13, Johannesburg South.

The move marks a major milestone as the company prepares to celebrate 12 years in business in April 2026, reflecting on a journey of remarkable growth — from a consulting-based logistics firm to a trusted provider of world-leading warehouse safety and efficiency products.

From Consulting to Complete Solutions

Founded in 2014, ProMHS built its foundation on materials handling systems engineering, warehouse design, and project management. Over the years, it has earned the trust of South Africa’s blue-chip logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing clients through its hands-on, consultative approach.

As client needs evolved, ProMHS expanded its offering to include premium international brands such as Protect-it (Australia) and D-Flexx (Germany) — both recognised globally for innovation in warehouse impact protection. These partnerships have allowed the company to provide a full spectrum of solutions, combining engineering expertise with proven, safety-driven products that reduce damage, downtime, and costs.

Expanding Product and Service Capabilities

Beyond its growing range of rack protection, barriers, and spill containment systems, ProMHS has seen significant success in its warehouse labelling division. Offering in-house label design, printing, and application, the company supports clients in achieving operational accuracy, compliance, and efficiency through tailored location labelling and signage solutions.

A Word from the Managing Director

Reflecting on the company’s growth and the move to new premises, Managing Director, Iain Sherwood, shared:

“This new space represents how far we’ve come — and how much more we can still achieve. ProMHS has always been about understanding our clients’ challenges and engineering solutions that make a real difference. Our journey from consulting to representing globally trusted brands has given us a broader capability and a stronger voice in the industry. I’m incredibly proud of our team and excited for what lies ahead.”

Looking Ahead

As ProMHS prepares to mark its 12-year anniversary next April, the company remains focused on driving innovation, safety, and sustainability within the warehousing and logistics industry. With continued expansion into sub-Saharan Africa and a growing network of trusted partners, ProMHS is well-positioned for the future.

ProMHS keeps its promise — to keep you moving forward.

Get in touch with us on all things warehousing. 

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MAXI Column Protection

PROTECT – IT MAXI COLUMN GUARDS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESIONS

Why choose Protect-it MAXI column guards?

Protect-it MAXI column guards are a simple, effective and an economical way to minimize damage to structural columns, walls and assets in building, carparks and warehouses. Here are some key reasons to choose MAXI:

  • Interlocking, modular construction that adapts to suit your site.
  • Easy ‘wrap around’ installation with no drilling, velcro or fasteners (except for wall installations.
  • Low purchase cost, efficient freight and simple installation. Individual replacement of damaged modules.
  • Suitable for use in cold stores down to -40°C.
  • Chosen by industry leaders worldwide for over 15 years.

How do Protect-it MAXI column guards works?

Protect-it MAXI column guards combine clever design, Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and advanced thermoplastic materials to deliver a product that can absorb large impacts.

Each MAXI has an outer wall that is integrally moulded to a series of curved ‘spring like’ energy absorbers at the front and sides to provide two levels of protection for columns and walls. Under light to moderate impacts MAXI deforms to resist the impact before returning to its original shape. Under higher impacts MAXI deflects even more, contacting the energy absorbers and delivering increased impact absorption.

This staged response makes MAXI flexible enough to accommodate everyday knocks and bumps yet robust enough to withstand substantial forklift impacts.

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What performance testing has been done?

Protect-it MAXI column guards are designed with the same proven impact absorption technology as Protect-it rack guards. MAXI has undergone extensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation during the product development process. The FEA simulations found that:

  • With Protect-it MAXI column guards installed on a 100UC_15* (4”) column, no column damage was evident after a 2.7 ton forklift impact at 2km/hour.
  • With Protect-it MAXI column guards installed on a 200UC_59* (8”) column, no column damage was evident after a 2.7 ton forklift impact at 6km/hour.

Are Protect-it MAXI column guards cost effective?

A high quality column protection solution will quickly pay for itself by minimizing forklift damage and costly repairs to columns and walls. Protect-it MAXI column guards provide exceptional value for money with an affordable purchase price, rapid installation and very low maintenance costs.

Are Protect-it MAXI column guards easy to install?

The interlocking, modular assembly of Protect-it MAXI column guards creates an easy ‘wrap around’ installation which can be adapted to suit your site. It’s a simple as arranging the MAXI guards around a column and then inserting the pin connectors.

Enhancing Pallet Tracking with Wrap-Around Labels

In many distribution centers, full pallet loads are shrink-wrapped to secure individual cases to the pallet. These pallets are then stored in designated rack bay locations, each identified with a barcode label, until they’re ready for shipping.

One efficient solution for tracking these pallet loads is the use of “wrap-around” LPN labels. These dual barcode labels wrap around the corner of a pallet, providing several key benefits for warehouse operations.

Why Choose Wrap-Around Labels?

  1. High Visibility Wrap-around labels are easily visible from two angles, allowing workers to quickly and easily locate them. With two labels per pallet, each side has a scannable label, enhancing operational efficiency.
  2. Accurate Scanning – These labels are large and easy to spot, facilitating quick and accurate scans. They also feature large human-readable numbers or letters, improving verification and accuracy.
  3. Enhanced Inventory Management – Wrap-around barcode labels support the needs of modern smart warehouses, driving efficiency, speed, automation, and accuracy in inventory tracking and management.

Additionally, another reason LPN labels are applied to palletised loads is due to the varying designs and configurations of pallets used by customers. Typical pallet markers cannot easily be fitted to the corners of pallets unless there is some form of standardization, such as using Euro or ISO pallets (GKN-Chep), where there is consistency in the pallet blocks.

Integrating wrap-around labels into your warehouse operations can significantly streamline your inventory processes and improve overall operational efficiency. Upgrade your pallet tracking system today with wrap-around labels for a smarter, more efficient warehouse.

Project Case Study

PROMHS was recently requested to design and offer a barrier solution for a client’s flammable warehouse in Jet Park, South Africa. Preference was given to Polymetric Barriers which has a lesser ignition potential in relation to the typical industry steel barriers. PROMHS approached their distributor d-flexx whom offer one of the best engineered safety barriers that are designed not to increase the risk of fire or fire spreading at the place of use.

UNDERSTANDING MATERIAL PROPERTIES:

When it comes to assessing fire hazards in polymer barriers, the choice of materials is critical. Some manufacturers opt for cheaper and potentially more dangerous materials, which can significantly increase the risk during a fire. The table below compares key properties of d-flexx PE, PVC, and PP materials to highlight why careful selection is essential.

PE: HIGHLY CHEMICAL AND CORROSION RESISTANT, IMPACT RESISTANT AND LOW WATER ABSORPTION

IGINITION TEMPERATURE:

The ignition temperature of a material indicates the amount of thermal energy needed to start a fire. d-flexx PE barriers have an ignition temperature of 350°C, higher than flexible PVC and wooden pallets. This means that in the event of a fire, d-flexx barriers will likely be among the last to ignite, reducing their role as fire accelerants.

THERMAL DECOMPOSITION TEMPERATURE:

Thermal decomposition temperature is the point at which a material begins to chemically break down and lose its shape. PE polymer remains stable up to 340°C, whereas PVC starts decomposing at 249-273°C. In practical terms, materials with lower decomposition temperatures, like PVC, will fail sooner in a fire compared to more fire-resistant materials like PE.

SMOKE AND TOXIC FUMES:

Smoke development in a fire poses a significant danger to humans and animals, often more so than the flames. Many polymer barriers emit toxic smoke; PVC, for example, releases harmful hydrogen chloride. In contrast, PE materials, such as those used in d-flexx barriers, do not emit environmentally hazardous gases during combustion, making them a safer choice.

HORIZONTAL FLAME RETARDATION

According to the UL94 fire classification, a material with a thickness of 3mm to 13mm should decompose by fire at a rate no greater than 40mm per minute. The PE polymer used in d-flexx barriers meets this standard, classified as UL94HB, confirming its effective flame retardation capabilities.

BENEFITS of d-flexx

–      One for all temperature ranges -40 to 50°C

–      Saver choice during combustion (no hazardous gases)

–      Decomposition temperature 340 – 350°C

–      Flash point (ignition) 350-360° C

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