What is the best Storage System Optimization for my Stock Keeping Unit needs?
Outfitting your facility with only one type of storage system is not the best way to optimize your operation. Your facility likely houses items of different SKU’s (Stock Keeping Units). By utilizing the proper storage systems within your operation, you can more efficiently and effectively store different types of SKU’s.
Low SKU’s
For high volume, low SKU operations, automated pallet systems are a state-of-the-art product. Automated pallet systems significantly improve throughput by indexing loads directly to the first pallet position at the aisle face. Using a RF controller, the operator can instruct the electro-mechanical platform to lift, lower, or shuttle pallets to the desired position; or program the system to run various predetermined functions. Benefits of automated pallet systems include:
- Density Maximization
- Increased Productivity and Selectivity
- Reduced Operating Costs
- Ideal for both FIFO and LIFO applications
- Optimized labor efficiencies
- Enhanced accuracy of inventory control
Among automated pallet systems is FRAZIER’s Pallet Mole. With AC driven technology and streamlined mechanics, the Pallet Mole reduces maintenance costs and downtime.
Also offering a high benefit to low SKU operations is Drive-In/Drive-Thru racking. Most productive in LIFO applications, Drive-In boasts adjustability that allows you to maximize your existing space. Drive-In highlights many advantages:
- High Density
- Minimized pallet cost per square foot
- Eliminates expensive warehouse expansion
- Maximizes LIFO application productivity
- Creates cost savings on lift equipment
Drive-Through racking is similar to its Drive-In counterpart, except for the fact that vehicles can access the rack from either side. Pallets can be stored from one side and retrieved from the other, enabling a FIFO application to be maximized.
FRAZIER’s Drive-In/Drive-Thru racking offers the strongest bolted connections at 360° while offering a guarantee against any dislodgement, even from upward vehicle or pallet impact.
High SKU’s
When operations are designed to work around a high SKU, case flow racking presents itself as an ideal storage system. Case flow can be used for the following and more:
- Increase Pick Faces
- Store slow moving items over floor level pallet positions
- Hold overflow stock from lower floor positions
FRAZIER’s SelecDeck case flow offers larger, wider heavy-duty plastic wheels with off-setting ribs providing greater strength, reliability, and durability than traditional case flow wheels.
Push-Back racking offers plenty of options for high SKU items as well. In a Push-Back system the first pallet is placed on the top cart and pushed back. This exposes the next cart for loading. When the second pallet is positioned and pushed back, the third cart is ready. This continues until all the pallet positions are filled. The last pallet sits on the rail itself. Amongst Push-Back’s effective attributes are:
- Increased Productivity
- High Density
- Simple Inventory Control
- Complete Accessibility
- No specialized equipment required
FRAZIER’s Glide-In Push-Back system makes use of a patented enveloping cart design that permits each cart to be readily accessible at the aisle face.
