02 May Pallet Flow Racking Guide
What Is Pallet Flow Racking?
Pallet flow racking is a type of storage system that uses gravity to allow palletized loads to move forward along a sloped lane for easy picking.
The Benefits of Pallet Flow Racking
Increased Productivity
Pallet flow racking increases pick productivity. Since pallets move down to the picking position, forklifts reduce travel to retrieve a load. Forklifts will also have less travel time between aisles. Single/double and double forklifts can help warehouses see a 50% increase in productivity.
High-density Storage
Pallet flow racking can store pallets between two and 20 deep. Compared to conventional pallet rack storage, pallet flow systems can double the storage capacity.
Quick Pallet Retrieval
Gravity replenishes the product picking position, making pallet retrieval faster while eliminating honeycombing.
Small Footprint
The minimized footprint allows for a high volume capacity.
Reduced Labor Costs
A pallet flow racking system saves labor costs by up to 75%.
And More
- Ability to consolidate several storage areas
- Minimal travel required for item retrieval
- Improvements to stock rotation and throughput
- Quick access to pick faces for streamlined order fulfillment
How to Operate a Pallet Flow Rack
A pallet flow rack has wheels, rollers, or flow rails set on a slope. The wheel or roller type varies based on the application and pallet dimensions. The highest part of the rack is at the load end, also known as the charge end, angling down to the unload or discharge end. When a forklift operator places the pallet on the load end, gravity and the sloped rack gently move the pallet toward the unload end. The operator places pallets of the same SKU into the lane until it is full.
For unloading, the operator goes into the opposite aisle and will take the first pallet at the unload end. When this pallet is removed, the pallets behind it will index forward, so a new pallet is in the pick position. Pallet flow supports FIFO inventory management since the first pallet loaded is the first pallet unloaded.
Pallet Flow Applications
FIFO Inventory Management
Loading and picking are done from opposite sides for FIFO inventory retrieval.
Limited SKUs
Pallet flow is designed for a large array of pick faces with a limited number of SKUs. This racking is also ideal for applications that have several pallets of the same product.
Contact Us to Learn More About Pallet Flow Racking Systems
Pallet Flow racking storage by Twinlode Automation improves storage capacity and streamlines high-volume operations. We have more than 40 years of experience installing pallet flow and other FIFO racking systems. We also offer professional services for design, consultation, and implementation.
Contact us to learn more!