Functionally, pallet flow rack is used like drive-thru rack. However, loads are conveyed (FIFO) on skate wheel conveyor, roller conveyor, or rails from one end of a storage lane to the other. As a load is removed from the front of a storage lane, the next load advances to the pick face. The main purpose of the pallet flow rack is to provide high throughput pallet storage and retrieval and good space utilization. Hence, it is used for those items with high pallet inventory turnover and with several pallets on-hand. The major disadvantage of pallet flow rack is the expense-$200 to $300 per storage position.
Flow Storage consists of two elements: a static rack structure and dynamic flow rails. The flow rails are a track/roller system set at a decline along the length of the rack. Flow rails allow loads to move by gravity from the loading end to the unloading end. Each flow lane includes self-energized speed controllers (brakes) to gently control the speed of movement within the flow lanes. As a load is removed, the loads behind it move forward to the unloading position. The flow system depth, height, and width are limited only by the size of your facility and the capabilities of your material handling equipment. Flow Storage solutions are used in situations where storage density and inventory rotation are priorities.
The Advantages of Flow Rack Systems:
1. First-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory control.
Loads are transported, via the flow rails from the loading end to the unloading end of the storage system. The first load in is always the first load to be taken out. This constant stock rotation is especially beneficial with perishable or time-sensitive goods, such as food or pharmaceuticals, where a lost product becomes a lost profit.
2.Reduced handling costs.
Once loaded, product rotation is automatic. The SK3400 rack eliminates labor and fork truck operation to rearrange loads. And Steel King flow rails are powered by gravity, requiring no electricity or other utilities.
3.Reduced handling equipment costs.
Fork lifts are required only for the initial loading and final unloading. Because only two aisles are necessary, aisle space can be reduced by 75 percent. Fewer fork lifts, operating fewer hours, and consuming less fuel can accomplish the same handling function.
4.Time and labor savings.
With only two aisles, each dedicated to specific functions (loading or unloading), traffic is more orderly, employees are more efficient and overall productivity is improved.
5. Space savings.
Because storage density can be doubled, storage capacity can be increased within the same storage area, or a portion of your existing storage area can be made available for other uses.
6. Construction cost savings.
By increasing storage capacity within existing facilities, the need for new construction could be eliminated. When new construction is necessary, building size and cost can be reduced by up to 50 percent. A smaller warehousing area, in turn, can reduce insurance, land acquisition costs, and taxes.
7.Operating expense reduction.
Higher density storage and consequently smaller storage areas also mean less area to heat, illuminate, air condition, and/or refrigerate.
8. Decreased fork lift damage.
Decreased fork lift handling of loads can result in less product damage and less potential for collision damage to the rack structure.
9.Flexibility.
Flow storage systems have been successfully installed as a part of virtually every storage function, including raw materials receiving and storage, work-in-process, buffer storage, finished goods, order picking, and cross docking.
