In the dynamic world of warehousing and distribution, efficiency is absolutely critical. One of the most impactful strategies to boost productivity and streamline operations is through the use of gravity-assisted racks. These systems, which include both pallet and carton flow racks, can enhance 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 back of the rack to the face. This configuration ensures that the first item loaded on the back of the system is the first item to be picked from the front, following the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) stock management method. This approach is particularly useful for items that expire, such as perishables, medicines, and other spoilage-prone items.

Carton Flow Racks

Carton flow racks, also known as gravity flow racks, are perfect for storing and picking smaller goods that are generally stored in cartons or totes. These racks consist of slightly sloping shelves configured with rolling mechanisms or skate wheels. When a case is placed on the higher end of the shelf, gravity pulls it down to the bottom end, where it is easily accessible for picking.

Advantages of Carton Flow Racks

Enhanced Picking Efficiency: By keeping goods systematically arranged and readily accessible, case flow racks significantly reduce the time employees spend finding items. This leads to faster order completion and greater productivity.

Space Optimization: Flow racks maximize vertical space, enabling warehouse operations to pack additional products in a reduced footprint. This is especially useful in buildings with insufficient floor space.

Enhanced Inventory Management: The FIFO system guarantees that the oldest stock is picked first, minimizing the possibility of spoiled or obsolete inventory. This is essential for maintaining product condition and cutting product loss.

Decreased Labor Costs: With products naturally moving to the front of the rack, employees consume less time traveling and more time picking, resulting in lower labor costs and higher productivity.

Pallet Flow Racks

Pallet gravity flow racks are designed for larger, heavier items stored on pallets. These systems function using the same idea as case flow racks but are constructed to accommodate the heaviness and size of pallets. Pallet gravity flow racks include declined roller tracks that allow pallets to move from the loading side to the picking end.

Advantages of Pallet Flow Racks

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

Optimized Inventory Rotation: The FIFO system ensures that older stock is selected first, which is essential for products with expiration dates or those that need strict inventory control.

Enhanced Safety: By cutting down on the demand for forklifts to move through the warehouse to pick up pallets, pallet flow racks lower the possibility of accidents and damage to products.

Labor Savings: Similar to carton flow racks, pallet flow racks reduce the man hours necessary for picking, leading to lower labor expense and better operational productivity.

Speak To A Warehouse Storage Professional

Gravity-fed racks offer a multitude of benefits for storage facilities and distribution centers. As the market for speedier and more efficient order fulfillment continues to grow, gravity-assisted racks present an optimal solution for warehouse operators that want to remain competitive in the constantly changing logistics landscape. To learn more about flow racks, contact a warehouse expert at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Sacramento facility serves the greater Sacramento area and other parts of Northern California, including Sacramento, Elk Grove, Auburn, Placerville, Vacaville, Fairfield, Sausalito, Napa, Santa Rosa, Redding, Eureka and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Sacramento Material Handling Equipment Supplier

900 National Dr
Sacramento, CA 95834
(800) 675-2500