In the dynamic world of warehousing and distribution, efficiency is absolutely critical. One of the most efficient methods to enhance productivity and improve operations is through the use of gravity flow racks. These systems, which include both pallet and carton flow racks, can boost storage density, hasten pick speed and lower labor costs.

What Are Gravity Flow Racks?

Gravity-assisted racks are storage solutions designed to use gravity to move products from the rear of the rack to the face. This configuration ensures that the first item added to the back of the rack is the first item to be picked from the front, adhering to the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) inventory management principle. This approach is particularly advantageous for goods that expire, such as perishable goods, drugs, and other time-sensitive items.

Carton Flow Racks

Carton flow racks, also known as just flow racks, are perfect for picking and storing smaller items that are generally stocked in cartons or bins. These racks are made up of slightly sloping shelves outfitted with roller tracks or skate wheels. When a case is added to the top end of the shelf, gravity slides it down to the bottom end, where it is conveniently accessible for picking.

Carton Flow Rack Benefits

Better Picking Efficiency: By keeping products well-organized and readily accessible, gravity flow racks significantly cut down on the amount of time that workers spend finding items. This results in quicker order completion and enhanced throughput.

Maximized Space Usage: Flow racks make the most of vertical space, permitting storage facilities to stock more products in a smaller footprint. This is extremely beneficial in facilities with insufficient floor space.

Improved Inventory Management: The FIFO system guarantees that older inventory is used first, minimizing the possibility of spoiled or obsolete inventory. This is vital for maintaining product quality and reducing waste.

Decreased Labor Costs: With products naturally moving to the face of the rack, employees spend less time walking and more time picking, leading to reduced labor costs and higher efficiency.

Pallet Flow Racks

Pallet flow racks are designed for bulkier, heavier items that are palletized. These racks work using the same concept as case flow racks but are built to accommodate the weight and size of pallets. Pallet flow racks consist of inclined roller tracks that allow pallets to move from the loading end to the picking end.

Pallet Flow Rack Benefits

Increased Storage Density: Pallet gravity flow racks enable high-density storage by utilizing vertical space and deep lane storage. This is especially useful for storage operations with high inventory turnover.

Efficient Inventory Rotation: The FIFO system guarantees that earlier inventory is picked first, which is crucial for items that are set to expire or those that need strict inventory control.

Enhanced Safety: By cutting down on the requirement for lift trucks to navigate through aisles to pick up pallets, pallet gravity flow racks lower the possibility of collisions and inventory damage.

Lower Labor Expenses: Similar to flow racks, pallet flow racks reduce the time and effort required for picking, leading to diminished labor costs and better operational productivity.

Consult With A Warehouse Storage Specialist

Gravity-fed racks offer a wide range of advantages for warehouses and DCs. As the demand for speedier and more streamlined order fulfillment continues to rise, gravity-assisted racks present an excellent solution for businesses that want to remain competitive in the constantly changing logistics landscape. To get more information on flow racks, consult with a warehouse specialist at Raymond West right away.

Raymond West's Ontario, California facility serves parts of Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, including Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, La Verne, San Dimas, Covina, West Covina, Pomona, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, Chino, Norco, Eastvale, Corona, Jurupa Valley, San Bernardino, Rialto and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Ontario California Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4602 E Brickell St
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 930-9399