In the fast-paced world of warehousing and distribution, efficiency is vital. One of the most effective ways to boost productivity and optimize operations is through the use of gravity-assisted racks. These systems, which include both pallet and case flow racks, can enhance storage density, accelerate pick speed and cut labor costs.

Gravity Flow Racks Explained

Gravity-fed racks are storage setups designed to use gravity to transport items from the rear of the rack to the front. This design makes sure that the first case or pallet placed on the rear of the rack is the first item to be picked from the front, adhering to the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) inventory system. This approach is exceptionally useful for goods that expire, such as perishable goods, medicines, and other time-sensitive items.

Carton Flow Racks

Carton flow racks, also known as just flow racks, are ideal for picking and storing individual goods that are typically kept in cases or bins. These racks include slightly inclined shelves equipped with rolling mechanisms or skate wheels. When a carton is added to the top side of the shelf, gravity slides it down to the lower end, where it is conveniently accessible for picking.

Benefits of Carton Flow Racks

Improved Picking Efficiency: By keeping products well-organized and conveniently accessible, carton flow racks significantly lessen the time workers spend looking for items. This results in accelerated order fulfillment and enhanced throughput.

Space Optimization: Case flow racks optimize vertical space, allowing warehouses to stock more products in a reduced area. This is extremely beneficial in facilities with insufficient floor space.

Better Inventory Control: The FIFO system makes sure that older stock is used first, minimizing the potential of spoiled or obsolete products. This is essential for maintaining product quality and minimizing product loss.

Decreased Labor Costs: With products naturally moving to the face of the rack, pickers consume less time moving and more time picking, resulting in lower labor expenses and increased productivity.

Pallet Gravity Flow Racks

Pallet gravity flow racks are designed for larger, heavier goods packed on pallets. These racks function using the same concept as carton flow racks but are constructed to withstand the heaviness and size of pallets. Pallet flow racks include inclined roller shelves that enable pallets to glide from the top side to the pick face.

Advantages of Pallet Flow Racks

Boosted Storage Density: Pallet gravity flow racks enable high-density storage by making use of vertical space and deep lane storage. This is extremely beneficial for operations with high turn rates.

Optimized Inventory Rotation: The FIFO system makes sure that the first added inventory is selected first, which is essential for items with expiration dates or those that need rigid inventory control.

Enhanced Safety: By minimizing the demand for lift trucks to move through the warehouse to retrieve pallets, pallet flow racks lower the chance of collisions and product damage.

Lower Labor Expenses: Similar to case flow racks, pallet gravity flow racks reduce the time and effort needed for picking, translating to diminished labor costs and increased overall productivity.

Consult With A Warehouse Storage Specialist

Gravity flow racks offer a multitude of benefits for storage facilities and distribution centers. As the demand for faster and more streamlined order fulfillment continues to grow, gravity flow racks present an ideal solution for operations that strive to remain competitive in the rapidly moving logistics landscape. To find out more about flow racks, consult with a warehouse specialist at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's San Diego facility serves all of San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Downtown, El Cajon, Escondido, Fenton Carroll Canyon, Grantville, Kearney Mesa, Levanto, Morena, National City, Oceanside, Otay, Otay Mesa, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Sorrento Mesa, Spring Valley, Vista and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | San Diego Material Handling Equipment Supplier

8221 Arjons Dr # B2
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 679-1800