The global supply chain is worth nearly $16 billion and will continue to grow in value and size in years to come. Thanks to an increase in online shopping and growing consumer demand, your warehouse is an important cog in the overall machine.
These days, we see a lot of talk about incorporating AI and robotics into warehouses around the world. While these resources can improve things like sorting and order fulfillment, they require a stable base of organization.
When was the last time you updated your warehouse storage solution? What options are available today?
Read on to learn the basics of warehouse storage systems to improve your warehouse.
Static Shelving
Static shelving gets its name from its stationary position. These rows of shelves remain in place and could hold up to a few hundred pounds each. That’s not a ton of weight in the warehousing industry, and static shelves work best for lightweight inventory that you’re going to remove and replenish on an ongoing basis.
It’s also important to note that static shelving is not compatible with forklifts or robotics. Static shelves require manual picking and packing. You’re going to see static shelving in smaller warehouses that work with delicate or perishable products, like groceries.
Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving bears many similarities to static shelving. The shelves can hold a few hundred pounds each and you can often adjust them to the size you need for larger or smaller boxes. You’re also going to need manual labor to pick, pack, and organize inventory stored on mobile shelving.
The key difference, as you might suspect, is that mobile shelving is built on a track system that allows you to move shelves to create new aisles and access more inventory in tight spaces. This is a great solution for small warehouses that have increased their lightweight, high-turnover inventory.
Pallet Racking
What if you need a heavy-duty system that can keep up with a ton of large or heavy inventory? What if you’re looking for something that is compatible with forklifts or robotics? If so, you’re going to want to opt for pallet racking.
Pallet racking is an umbrella term so you’ll want to learn more about pallet racking and its many subcategories. The key takeaway is that pallet racking tends to be the focal point of any large warehouse’s storage system. Whether you’re involved in the storage and shipment of finished goods or raw materials, you’ll probably benefit from a full or partial pallet racking system.
Which Warehouse Storage Solution Is Right for You?
Before you embrace the new wave of warehousing technology, it’s time to get back to basics. Is your current warehouse storage solution doing the trick? Use this quick and simple guide to make a decision about your new warehouse storage system.
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