Warehouses that manage building materials don’t just handle boxes and pallets—they deal with screws, sealant tubes, steel beams, insulation rolls, and full pallets of cement all under one roof (or yard). The challenge? Each product type requires a different storage and handling approach.
As we move into 2025, optimizing warehouse layout for mixed-size products isn’t just about storage—it’s about speed, safety, and scalability. Distributors that embrace tech-forward, strategic layout planning will see major gains in productivity and efficiency.
Here’s what’s trending in 2025 when it comes to warehouse layout optimization for mixed inventory profiles.
- Zoning Based on Product Size and Movement Frequency
In 2025, high-performing warehouses are shifting away from organizing inventory purely by product category. Instead, they’re implementing zoning strategies based on:
Physical size (small bins, standard pallets, long-length materials)
Turnover rate (fast-moving items closer to packing zones)
Handling complexity (bulk items stored near forklift access)
This zoning strategy reduces unnecessary travel time during picking and improves material flow from receiving to staging.
- Vertical Storage Expansion with Smart Rack Assignments
With floor space at a premium, more warehouses are going up instead of out. Long materials like timber or conduit are increasingly stored in vertical cantilever racks, while small, high-turnover items are stored in multi-level shelving units.
Your ERP system should allow you to:
Assign vertical rack positions to specific SKUs
Track bin locations by level or shelf
Optimize restocking routes for elevation-based picking
- Mobile-Friendly Picking Paths and Route Optimization
Warehouse staff in 2025 are mobile-first. ERP-integrated devices now guide pickers through optimized paths based on:
Item location
Delivery priority
Load weight and dimensions
This reduces backtracking and significantly shortens picking time—especially in mixed-product warehouses where items vary drastically in size.
- Dedicated Oversized Material Lanes and Zones
Oversized materials (steel, sheetrock, large pipe) can block workflow and pose safety hazards if not isolated. Best-in-class facilities are designing dedicated oversized zones near loading bays, with:
Wider aisles
Restricted-access controls
Digitally managed space assignment via ERP
This ensures heavy-duty handling equipment can operate safely and efficiently.
- AI-Powered Layout Simulations
Advanced ERPs now include or integrate with tools that allow managers to simulate different layout scenarios. By analyzing picking frequency, movement heatmaps, and space constraints, these simulations help:
Identify layout inefficiencies
Test warehouse reconfigurations digitally
Support seasonal or project-based layout changes
This is especially useful for distributors with shifting SKU profiles or high seasonal variability.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, warehouse layout optimization isn’t just about where products go—it’s about how they move, how fast they’re picked, and how safely they’re handled. With ERP-enabled layout tools, you can evolve from reactive to proactive planning—and turn your warehouse into a performance engine.
📐 Ready to reimagine your layout for efficiency and growth? Let’s create a smart warehouse plan, backed by real-time ERP insights.
