In the fast-paced world of warehousing and distribution, efficiency is absolutely critical. One of the most impactful strategies to boost productivity and improve operations is through the use of gravity-assisted racks. These systems, which include both case and pallet flow racks, can boost storage density, accelerate pick speed and reduce labor costs.

Gravity Flow Racks Explained

Gravity-fed racks are storage setups designed to use gravity to move products from the rear of the rack to the front. This configuration ensures that the first case or pallet loaded on the back of the system is the first item to be picked from the front, following the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) inventory management principle. This method is especially beneficial for items with expiration dates, such as food items, drugs, and other time-sensitive items.

Case Flow Racks

Carton flow racks, also known as gravity flow racks, are ideal for picking and storing smaller products that are generally stocked in cartons or totes. These racks consist of slightly declined shelves equipped with roller tracks or skate wheels. When a case is positioned on the top side of the shelf, gravity slides it down to the lower side, where it is conveniently accessible for picking.

Benefits of Carton Flow Racks

Enhanced Picking Efficiency: By keeping goods well-organized and readily accessible, case flow racks significantly cut down on the amount of time that employees spend searching for items. This leads to quicker order completion and enhanced productivity.

Space Optimization: Case flow racks optimize vertical space, enabling warehouses to store additional inventory in a smaller area. This is especially beneficial in buildings with floor space constraints.

Improved Inventory Management: A FIFO system guarantees that the earliest inventory is used first, cutting down on the possibility of outdated or obsolete goods. This is vital for preserving product quality and cutting waste.

Lower Labor Costs: With products naturally moving to the face of the rack, workers consume less time moving and more time picking, resulting in diminished labor costs and increased efficiency.

Pallet Gravity Flow Racks

Pallet gravity flow racks are set up for bulkier, heavier products packed on pallets. These racks function using the same principle as carton flow racks but are built to handle the weight and bulk of pallets. Pallet flow racks are made up of declined roller shelves that enable pallets to glide from the top end to the picking end.

Advantages of Pallet Flow Racks

Boosted Storage Density: Pallet flow racks enable high-density storage by making use of vertical space and deep lane storage. This is particularly useful for operations with high turnover ratios.

Optimized Inventory Rotation: The FIFO system ensures that the first added stock is selected first, which is essential for goods that expire or those that demand strict inventory control.

Enhanced Safety: By minimizing the requirement for forklifts to move through the facility to pick up pallets, pallet gravity flow racks minimize the risk of collisions and damage to products.

Labor Savings: Similar to flow racks, pallet gravity flow racks minimize the time and effort necessary for picking, translating to more favorable labor costs and better operational efficiency.

Talk To A Warehouse Storage Expert

Gravity-fed racks offer a variety of benefits for warehouses and distribution centers. As the demand for speedier and more streamlined order fulfillment keeps increasing, gravity-fed racks offer an optimal solution for warehouse operators that want to remain competitive in the ever-evolving logistics environment. To find out more about flow racks, speak to a warehouse professional at Raymond West right away.

Raymond West's Calexico facility serves Imperial County and Yuma County, Including Calexico, Brawley, El Centro, San Luis, Yuma and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Calexico Material Handling Equipment Supplier

285 Rood Rd
Calexico, CA 92231
(760) 768-8700