Mobile Aisle Storage Systems

 

Mobile shelving or storage systems can seem complex at first glance but in reality they are very simple. Shelves and racks are installed on wheel carriages that are mounted to rails or tracks. The shelves then move on the rails to create an aisle. A mobile storage system can increase storage capacity by 100% as compared to a fixed system taking up the same amount of space. Mobile shelving takes up so much less space because instead of having an aisle for each shelving unit, it only needs one aisle for the entire system.

Other Benefits of Mobile Storage/Shelving System:
•Maximum density with 100% selectivity in most cases.
•Works with most order picking methods and equipment.
•Money is spent on storage, not aisles. Standard storage systems are typically only 40% storage and 60% aisle.
•Units provide extra safety and security when in the closed position.

A mobile storage system does cost more than standard storage rack. Here are a few examples of when a mobile storage system may be justified.

•If cost and availability of land or floor space is at a premium.
•If security is a problem.
•If energy prices are too high. (A smaller footprint takes less energy to heat or cool)
•If reduced stocking and picking time are desired.
•If reduced labor costs are desired.

Storage Rack Overview

Industrial steel storage racks are designed to store palletized, containerized or large unit loads placed in the rack by material handling equipment. Think of steel storage racks as a super heavy duty shelving system. Here are the most popular types of steel storage rack systems.

Selective Pallet Racks: Made up of upright columns, cross braces and shelf beams, this simple system forms a storage level which allows loads to be placed. A single row of selective pallet rack can be accessible from both sides.

Moveable Shelf Racks: Movable shelf racks have the same basic features as selective pallet rack, the only difference being that the shelves are adjustable allowing shelving to be changed to match the loads being placed on it. The shelves can also be used as pallets when not in use.

Drive-In and Drive-Through Racks: This style rack allows fork lift truck operators to drive through or into the rack unit. This reduces the amount of aisle space taken up by the rack unit. Drive-In and Drive-Through racks are made up of anchored and braced upright columns attached at the top with load rails attached to the upright columns. Drive-In rack only allows one entry point while Drive-Through rack is accessible from both sides.

Stacker Racks: Also known as AS/RS and high rise racks, these racks have a much taller footprint than their standard rack counterparts. Some systems are built up to 100′. Stacker racks incorporate a fixed track design that that can service systems much higher than standard lift equipment. Many times these systems are constructed with the building to from r rack supported building.

Cantilever Rack: Cantilever rack is a basic rack system that is made up of two vertical columns attached to two load bearing arms. This type of rack works well with long items including, sheets of wood, pipe, and carpet rolls.

Pallet Flow Racks: Pallet flow racks use the same basic framework as selective rack but have inclined conveyor wheel sections running from front to back. The pallets are loaded at one side of the rack and selected from the other. This is an excellent system for fast moving products and allows the first loaded pallet to be the first taken pallet, great for products with an expiration date.

Stacking Racks: Stacking Racks allow pallets to be stacked on top of each other. Quickly disassembles when not in use.