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

Gravity Flow Racks Explained

Gravity-assisted racks are storage systems designed to use gravity to transport items 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 one to be picked from the face, following the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) inventory system. This strategy is especially useful for products with expiration dates, such as food items, medicines, and other time-sensitive items.

Carton Flow Racks

Carton flow racks, also referred to as gravity flow racks, are ideal for storing and picking individual items that are usually stored in cartons or bins. These racks consist of slightly inclined shelves configured with rollers or skate wheels. When a carton is added to the higher end of the shelf, gravity moves it down to the bottom end, where it is readily accessible for picking.

Carton Flow Rack Benefits

Better Picking Efficiency: By keeping goods systematically arranged and readily accessible, gravity flow racks considerably lessen the time workers spend searching for items. This translates to accelerated order completion and increased productivity.

Space Optimization: Case flow racks optimize vertical space, enabling warehouses to stock more inventory in a smaller footprint. This is extremely useful in buildings with insufficient floor space.

Improved Inventory Management: A FIFO system guarantees that older stock is picked first, minimizing the possibility of outdated or obsolete inventory. This is essential for maintaining product condition and reducing product loss.

Decreased Labor Costs: With products automatically moving to the face of the rack, employees consume less time moving and more time picking, translating to reduced labor expenses and increased efficiency.

Pallet Gravity Flow Racks

Pallet flow racks are designed for bulkier, heavier products that are palletized. These systems function using the same idea as carton flow racks but are built to accommodate the heaviness and bulk of pallets. Pallet flow racks are made up of sloping roller tracks that allow pallets to move from the loading end to the pick face.

Advantages of Pallet Flow Racks

Increased Storage Density: Pallet gravity flow racks enable high-density storage by optimizing vertical space and deep lane storage. This is particularly beneficial for storage operations with high turnover ratios.

Optimized Inventory Rotation: The FIFO system ensures that the first added stock is picked first, which is crucial for goods that are set to expire or those that demand rigid inventory control.

Improved Safety: By cutting down on the need for lift trucks to navigate through aisles to pick up pallets, pallet gravity flow racks lower the risk of accidents and product damage.

Reduced Labor Costs: Similar to case flow racks, pallet flow racks minimize the man hours needed for picking, resulting in lower labor expense and increased operational efficiency.

Speak To A Warehouse Storage Professional

Gravity flow racks offer a variety of advantages for warehouses and distribution centers. As the demand for faster and more labor-saving order fulfillment keeps increasing, gravity-assisted racks present an excellent solution for operations that strive to remain competitive in the constantly changing logistics environment. To find out more about flow racks, contact a warehouse expert at Raymond West now.

Raymond West's Las Vegas facility serves all of the Las Vegas Valley, including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Enterprise, Winchester, Whitney and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Las Vegas Material Handling Equipment Supplier

2555 E Washburn Rd
North Las Vegas, NV 89081
(702) 651-6480