Tut 6
Racking Systems used for warehouse storage
This post explores the various racking systems used in warehouses for storage of goods. Racking systems explored in this post are as followed:
▪ Selective Racks
▪ Cantilever Racks
▪ Drive-In Racks
▪ Drive-Through Racks
▪ Push-Back Racks
Selective Racks
Selective racks are commonly used by warehouse for storage of their goods. These type of racks allow direct access to all stored pallets and the advantage of handling one pallet without the need to move the others.
Narrow Aisle Selective Racking
A "Narrow Aisle" layout, utilizing specialized reach lift trucks can reduce aisles, typically by about 25%.
Very Narrow Aisle Selective Racking
A further approximately 15% can be saved, with a "Very Narrow Aisle" (VNA) layout, utilizing specialized "swing reach" or "turret" trucks. VNA layouts are ideal for where space is very expensive (e.g. temperature controlled environments).
Cantilever RacksCantilever racks are the most cost effective use of space for storing large bulky items that are longer than a pallet, such as PVC pipes, furniture and lumber. These hard-to-store materials are into an orderly storage system where they are more accessible and easier to track. Product and inventory control becomes easily accessible for hand or forklift loading and retrieval. Stored items are presented in a highly visible manner, expediting inventory control.
Drive-In Racks
Drive-in racks allow a forklift to enter the rack from one side to pick up or retrieve pallets. This is possible as pallets can slide backwards on a continuous rail. The forklifts are able to drive into the rack to access pallets two or more deep. The depth of storage is limited by the size of the warehouse. Drive-In racks are subjected to more abuse than selective racks due to the way they are utilized, so rack integrity and strength are important factors. This rack system allows "Last-In, First-Out" storage and is ideal rack for cooler or freezer applications.
Drive-Through Racks
Drive-through racks allow a forklift to enter the rack from either side to pick up or retrieve pallets. Loads are supported by rails attached to upright frames, and forklifts are driven between uprights to reach pallets. This is done because pallets can slide backwards on a continuous rail. It's open at both ends, allowing "First-In, First-Out" storage.
Drive-through racks also offer the ability to store a large amount of similar loads in a smaller area. Selectivity is sacrificed, but storage density is enhanced since many pallets are stored and are available through a single pallet position.
Push-Back RacksIn push-back racks, pallets are fed and retrieved from one aisle, reducing picking times and making these racks ideal for applications that require a large number of picking faces.
Three and four pallets deep systems are common, which allows blocks of 6 or 8 deep, with back to back rows. This system has improved selectivity over drive-in. Forklifts do not need to be driven into rack loads come to them at the pick face. As the forklifts do not drive into the racks, as opposed to the drive-in rack system, less products on the rack is damaged. When comparing a three deep, back to back push-back system to a single selective rack system, the push-back system will amount to a space savings of 40%.
Labels: LSCM
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2/01/2007 07:16:00 PM