High Density Rack Systems and Real Estate Decisions

High density pallet rack systems have proven to increase storage capacity from 10% to up to 60% over conventional selective pallet rack. So one would assume huge potential savings in how much warehouse space that you need, right? But, there are a number of considerations before jumping into any of these types of high density rack systems. Each type has it’s pros and cons.

First, let review the terminology used in evaluating high density pallet rack systems.

Selectivity- The ability to access any given pallet in a system. In other words, if you have to move another pallet to reach the one you want, you do not have 100% selectivity. Single Deep Selective rack has 100% selectivity.
Utilization- This is the ratio of actual pallets stored by the total number of spaces allowed to store the product.
Floor Density- calculating storage percentage based on square footage alone
Cubic Density- calculating storage percentage in cubic feet
LIFO- Last in, First Out
FIFO- First in, First Out
Average Lot Size- The average of number of pallets per SKU

Next, let’s list the types of high density pallet rack systems (non-automated) and the ranges of number of pallets deep that they can store

Double Deep Selective (2 deep)
VNA Selective Pallet Rack (single deep)
Pushback Pallet Rack (2 deep to 6 deep)
Pallet Flow Rack (2 deep to 20+)
Drive-in Rack (2 deep to 12+ deep)

So the elephant in the room is the question “Which one, if any is right for me?” The answer lies in a number of factors: budget, square footage savings, real estate costs, moving costs, operations costs for each type, forklift decisions, forklift compatibility, throughput, lot sizes, and FIFO requirements. Putting too much emphasis on storage density can be a crippling mistake if the product mix does not fit the rack system. Together, a user and an experienced rack professional can narrow down the choices to make an operation as efficient as possible and possibly reduce warehouse space needs. If you are interested in a high density rack system and would like to speak with a racking specialists call us @ 800-722-5908 or Fill out a Contact Us Form.

Posted By:


Senior Warehouse Design Specialist Brian Koski




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Warehouse Safety Tip: Pallet Rack Inspections

Preventative maintenance is most likely performed on all machinery and equipment in your warehouse or distribution center. However, likely the largest system in your warehouse got overlooked: Your Rack System! We recommend inspecting your warehouse pallet racking at least once a year and we also recommend it be performed by a warehouse rack expert. Below is a list of some items that should always be watched by your warehouse associates:

• Anchors in the uprights and any column protectors

• All safety clips on beams

• Footplates on uprights

• Deflection on beams

• Dents on upright column

• Dents on the beams

• All accessories and/or hardware

Are you interested in a Warehouse Safety Walk-Through? Call 800-722-5908 or Contact Us

Posted by:



Storage and Layout Specialist Pete Brandon

Google+

Are you on Google+? If so lets connect... and if not here are three reasons why we recommend signing up and why we would love to connect with you and your business.

The number one reason why you should join the Google+ community is simply because Google+ is Google's social network. Now let me re-phrase that...Google+ is the social community for the largest internet search company in the world. Do you care about how you rank on Google? How would you like to recommend your site so that it would pop up in search results ahead of your competitors when your customers, friends or family search for products? EXACTLY... Google+ allows you to recommend all of your company web pages and allows you to +1 all other sites you think would be valuable to your circles.

Google+ is growing FAST! Google+ continues to put up record numbers in growth when compared to other social media websites.

Share and distribute your valuable information. Google+ allows you to share your new blog posts, cool web pages, photos and all of your other valuable information. When you create a Google+ brand / company page you can step up on your competition and be a leader in your industry by providing good quality information. Add AK to your circle today and stay up to date on the most current material handling news and product info and in return we will help share your information and product news.

Check out our Google+ Company Page: AK Material Handling Systems

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A Mezzanine Minute...

Optimizing Your Access Points

When planning and laying out your warehouse mezzanine it is important to consider your personnel access points and material flow. First, let's consider the access and egress points for people. Depending upon your local codes and intended usage of your mezzanine, you may need two points of egress (emergency) exiting. Conventional stairs are normally used but you may have another exit if you are adding on or adjoining to another floor or mezzanine level. Planning for the stairs can require for some creativity. The basic standard set up for stairs are straight welded stairs with or with out a landing. Landings are required if you are turning right or left at the top of the stairs. There are numerous options for stairs to make them fit into those tight areas or to maximize your space and optimize your mezzanine. Intermediate landings with turns, L shaped, U shaped, or stacking stairs can all be possibilities. Also, stairs can be inside or outside of the mezzanine perimeter. It is also important to remember that stairs are often longer than most people think due to building code requirements. You can choose from the following style of stairs

Welded Stairs
Our welded mezzanine stairs can fit your existing, new, or free standing mezzanine. If you are looking for a simple standard access point to your mezzanine the standard welded stair option is your answer. We can also add a custom platform to the top of the stairs to meet existing requirements. The standard width for the welded stair structure measures 36”. These stairs are available in open bar grate or closed diamond plate treads.

Knock-Down Stairs
Our knock-down stair systems offers a high quality, code compliant, industrial solution for you access point. With the standard width at 36” and heights ranging from 3’ to 12’ our knock-down stairs Meet OSHA 1910.24 Safety Requirements. These knock down industrial stair options are offered in Straight, L , or U shaped designs. Knock-Down stairs are typically used on mezzanine systems with limited space for installation.

*Note: Any staircase over 12' requires an intermediate landing.

On the Next Mezzanine Minute... Considering Material Flow When Designing Your Mezzanine

AK Material Handling Systems is a mezzanine systems provider located in Maple Grove, MN working on mezzanine and warehouse systems across the United States. If you are interested in pricing or more information on industrial mezzanines call 800-722-5908 or contact us.

Take a Tour of Our Warehouse

When purchasing new or used pallet rack it is always important to see and view the product before purchasing. Here at AK we always welcome our clients to visit our warehouse facility to view our products and operations. If our clients are out of state or can not view the products in person we offer HD pictures and videos. Below is a brief video tour of our warehouse facility which is now located at 8630 Monticello Lane in Maple Grove, MN. Check it out and let us know if we can help you out with your next New or Used Pallet Racking project.

Economical Cost Savings Mezzanine

Are you looking for a cost effective way to increase your pick locations as your company grows?

Scenario: You currently have 6,000 square feet designated for your carton flow storage racks and order picking. Operations are going well and your customers are happy until one of your clients demands 6000 more square feet for more pick locations. You quickly realize buying or leasing more space is not an option.

Solution: Installing a rack supported two level pick mezzanine which allows you to almost double your existing pick locations with out purchasing or leasing any more space. You would utilize your existing carton flow racks on the mezzanine above and then you would install a new carton flow pick system into the racks below.

If you are interested in learning more about our mezzanines or carton flow storage racks call 800-722-5908 or visit us on the web http://www.akequipment.com/mezzanine.html

By: Senior Warehouse Design Specialist Jerry Fredrickson

What is a VRC?

The technical name for a VRC is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor. Sounds complicated right? Well, it's just a complicated name for an industrial material lift similar to an an elevator. The key difference is that passengers are not allowed to ride on VRC's.

VRC's are mainly found in industrial applications where a lift is needed to transport materials up to mezzanine levels or down basement levels. When you have frequent material to transfer from level to level, the safest and most efficient way is to use a VRC.

VRC’s can be sized for just about any type of application. Weight capacities range from 100 pounds to 30,000 pounds. The sizes of the platforms range from tote size up to 12’ x 30’ long.

VRC’s are much more cost effective in comparison to standard elevators and also VRC's require less permitting.

Here are some of the most common names for a VRC lift: Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRCs), Vertical Conveyor, Material Lift, Freight Lift, Custom Lift, Vertical Lift, Mezzanine Lift, Modular Lift, Mechanical Lift, Hydraulic Lift, Freight Elevator, Continuous Lift, Industrial Lift, Continuous and Vertical Conveyor just to name a few.

In general, VRC’s should be considered any time you have vertical material transfer taking place by people or forklifts. Your safety department will thank you for it. If you are interested in pricing or more information on Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors call 800-722-5908 or CONTACT US.

By: Senior Warehouse Design Specialist Brian Koski