There are a variety of methods forthe storage of products, from putting pallets across the flooring to making use of adjustable pallet racks or more sophisticated storage systems. The different types of industrial storage solutions allow efficient and effective storage management, making the most of available space, and also facilitating other logistical tasks related to inventory management.
In a distribution center that handles many products, it’s ideal to store all types of items using the appropriate storage system. The decision to do this is contingent on various factors, such as the nature of the items, as well as their dimensions and rotation.
We will look at the different types of storage systems along with their major benefits and features.
What are Industrial Storage Systems?
The storage structure has been designed and constructed to maximize the arrangement of items or items on structures or racking in order to make the most of the space available. This method allows for a larger amount of goods to be kept in smaller dimensions and heights, thereby increasing the efficiency of space.
Racking systems are distinct elements of the building; however, they are able to be attached to the structure with walls, floor,s or ceiling anchors. This structural independence allows for more flexibility and adaptabilitin y the management of the storage facility.
Racking can be classified in different ways; however, one of the easiest is to split it into two groups,s which are direct access racks as well as compact racks. Direct access racks provide all access to every unit of product, making it easy to store, retrieve, prepare orders, and perform storage tasks. This is a great option for warehouses that deal with various kinds of merchandise and require quick access.
Compact racks are designed to maximize the efficiency of space, which allows for greater storage capacity across a specific space. This kind of racking can be particularly useful when space is scarce in storage andthe density of the product is the top priority.
The decision between direct access racks and compact ones is contingent on the particular requirements of a company, taking into account factors like the variety of products,d accessibility to products, and space restrictions.
The main Functions of the Storage System
The primary purposes of the storage systems are focused on maximising the usage of space available in the warehouse. However, these tasks are in close connection with the logistics and warehouse management processes that include:
- Effective reception of items.
- Effectively recording both outflows and inflows of warehouse products.
- Secure storage of goods and ensuring the best conditions to ensure their longevity.
- Rapid dispatch of goods among different warehouses aids in classification, selection, and packing tasks.
Tipos de Sistemas de Almacenamiento
Los sistemas de almacenamiento pueden diferenciarse en función del tipo de carga que manejan, siendo las principales categorías las cargas paletizadas y las cargas manuales.
Las cargas paletizadas se refieren a mercancías que se almacenan sobre palets y requieren equipos mecánicos, como carretillas elevadoras, para su manipulación.
En contraste, las cargas manuales implican productos que se manejan sin asistencia mecanica, generalmente debido a su menor peso o tamano.
Storage systems that are suitable for pallet loads
- Pallet racking is a great solution for warehouses handling pallets that have a wide selection of references. They permit direct access to each pallet without needing to move any others, since every space is designated to accommodate a specific pallet. This arrangement permits exact stock control.
- This type of rack is designed to hold tons of different sizes, weights, and forms.
- There is a broad range of pallet racks:
Adjustable pallet racking (AR PAL)
Flexible Pallet Racking can be described as a form of rack that is designed to store pallets mechanically, and also functionally with forklifts. Forklifts are able to access the products by means of aisles running parallel to the racks.
The adjustable pallet racking system for pallet load is a logistic solution that can be adjusted according to the size of the unit load as well as the forklifts.
VNA Very Narrow Aisle (pallet) the racking
A VNA (Very narrow aisle) Racking is a variation of pallet racking that is adjustable,e which is compressed into smaller areas. This results in a storage system that permits the expansion of warehouse capacity without increasing the size of the warehouse.
Double deep pallet racking
Double deep pallet racks are aorganizationalon system for storage that’s somewhere between pallet systems that can be adjusted and high-density, compact storage systems.
Drive-In Compact Pallet Racking Systems
Drive In’s compact pallet rack provides a storage solution with high density, which maximizes the space and the height of the warehouse, by cutting down the aisles for work and forklifts.
Mobile Pallet Racking (AR Mobile)
AR Mobile pallet rack is a system in which the pallet racking is set on mobile bases or on a chassis supported by fixed rails that run across the floor.
Live Storage for Pallets (FIFO)
Live Storage for Pallets (AR Live Storage) Live Storage to Pallets System (AR Live Storage) is the ideal solution for people who want to monitor the turnover of stock and utilize the space to its fullest.
It’s the compact structure, where every level has a linear roller bed,s which allows the units to move easily due to a slight slope.
Push-Back Live Storage Racking (LIFO)
Push-Back LIFO Racking is an active storage system that allows for the accumulation of palle, ts as it is the AR Live Storage System,tem but specifically designed for LIFO kind load control (last pallet in the first one out).
AR Shuttle for Pallets
It is the AR Shuttle, also called the LED pallet shuttle system, a compact storage system that utilizes motorized pallet shuttles to carry the load on their own within the rack. The pallet shuttles are operated by an operator using the remote control system.
Storage Systems that can be used for Lightweight or Manual Loads
Storage solutions for picking and shelves for light or medium loads are storage options for manual picking. These storage systems for manual picking generally contain non-uniform unit loads.
Longspan Shelving Systems
This Longspan Shelving system allows for the manual storage of medium and small-sized items. It’s a versatile rack that can be adjusted to any type of unit loads. It also lets you access the products that are immediately stored.
Multi-tier Shelving
This is a system designed for warehouses that have a limited space, yet it is also able to growtight spacesight. Multi-tier Shelving is a storage system that can be manually operated, which optimizes height space by doubling, or occasionally increasing,g the size of warehouse space.
Carton Flow Rack Systems
Carton Flow Rack Systems facilitate the storage of large quantities of boxes and other light items, resulting in space savings and better control over stock turnover.
Different types of Storage Systems for Automated Storage
- Another method of dividing storage systems is by determining whether their operations are controlled or not.
- Warehouses that are automated offer the best option for maximizing storage space, as well as providing quick and efficient access to various units. Automated storage is available that can accommodate both cartons and pallets.
Automated pallet storage systems for pallets
Automated warehouse pallet systems include those that utilize stacker cranes or other automatic mechanisms to move loads. They are storage solutions that can help maximize the warehouse space as well as provide faster and more efficient access to various large unit loads.
Clad-Rack Warehouses
- Clad-rack warehouses may comprise any kind of storage device since their principal feature is that the racking is an integral part of the structure.
- In this method, theracking cannott just support the weight of the storage, but also the loads of the enclosures outside in the storage facility, and external forces like snow or wind.
Automated System for Pallets
- Automated Storage Systems are solutions that utilize stacker cranes and other automated systems to move the weights.
- This type of system can provide high-density storage because of the smaller number of work aisles, as well as the capacity of storage it can provide at height. Also, it has low response times.
Systems for Automated Storage to Store Lighter Loads
- Automated warehouses for boxes are options that utilize stacker cranes for handling smaller and lighter weights.
- Automated warehouse systems that can handle lighter loads or cartons are distinguished by supplying storage facilities witha product-man method where the picker is not required to move around.
Miniload Storage System
- Miniload’s automatic system offers the ideal option for the storage of smaller and lightweight units that have an extremely high turnover of stock.
- This system makes use of stacker cranes or automated systems to move loads, allowing efficient storage and a shorter time for storage, along with handling the cartons.
The General Advantages of Storage Systems
A properly designed storage system can provide important advantages that improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and security of any storage or logistics operation.
- Space optimization Is the process of making the most use of space within the storage facility. This lowers the cost of infrastructure and increases storage capacity.
- Effective organisation: Helps in the organized arrangement of items that speed their movement and accessibility. This reduces the time spent searching and makes logistics more efficient.
- Increased productivity: A properly designed and organized storage system simplifies the process for receiving, stocking, and distributing products, which boosts the efficiency of staff and decreases processing times.
- Inventory control: Allows for accurate and up-to-date inventory control,l and allows you to track in real-time the number and location of the stored items. This prevents losses resulting from lost or out-of-date products and improves the process of replenishing stock.
- Safety: A safe storage system will ensure the security of the products stored as well as the employees who work within the storage facility. This is made possible by usinga ecure and sturdy rack, and taking precautions to avoid accidents.
Examples of storage systems.
Here are a few examples of our stories of success for storage-related projects.s At AR Racki,n g we specialise in the design, manufacture, supply and installation of storage systems like these:
Fire Fighting Equipments, S.L.U: AR Racking has implemented its advanced AR PAL system into the storage facility of Fire Fighting Equipments, S.L.U. in Carbonera de Frentes, Soria.
The facility covered an area of 1200 square meters. This change in strategy allowed for the expansion of the storage capacity of storage by 1,500 pallets to 2,640. This provided Fire Fighting Equipment with an optimized space for their production and the distribution of their firefighting equipment.
Renova: AR Racking has created, designed, and constructed a galvanised 100% solution for the famous Portuguese paper-based products company Renova. The clad-rack construction, whose unique feature is that the racking is able to support the entire structure, is fully galvanised, making it highly resistant to corrosion as well as extreme environmental conditions. The area of the warehouse is 6,532 sq m and is located 34 metres above the floor. The warehouse can store capacity of 27,360 euros.
GXO GXO US operating company: GXO Logistics decided to improve the storage capacity at the warehouse located in Chile by using AR Racking. A pallet rack with an adjustable height was installed that allows to quickly place and easy access to heavy unit loads.
Considerations to consider when choosing the right storage system
The most efficient storage system is one that adjusts to the unique requirements and conditions that each location has, striving to maximize profits. When choosing one, i t is essential to consider a variety of aspects, like the storage capacity planned as well as the number of pallets and references for each reference space available, the equipment for handling in place, and the budget that has been allocated for this purpose.
Therefore, you should consult an expert service provider for relevant advice on the best storage system that can be adapted to the needs of your company and logistics processes.
