flow racks
loading and unloading in the flow rack
A flow rack is a rack that can be loaded with goods from one side, while goods can be removed from the other side of the rack. The goods are moved from one end of the flow rack to the other with the help of drive elements or gravity and roller tracks.
Table of contents
Mission
Drive-through racks are suitable for large quantities of an item with a generally small range of products. Drive-through racks are also suitable when one or more of the following points apply:
- Warehouses should be used optimally
- Goods should be available and accessible at all times
- Multiple pallets of the same product should be stored separately
- Logistics processes should be clearly structured
flow racks and storage processes
FiFo principle : First-In-First-Out. The goods that are stored first are transported to the other side of the flow rack via roller conveyors or other drive means and are also removed first.
LiFo principle : Last-In-First-Out. The items that were stored last are also the first to be removed. The goods are stored on one side of the shelf and transported to the other side of the shelf. With this principle, the items are removed from the side on which they were stored. This means that the last object stored can be removed first. The pallets are pushed against the slope into the channel of the flow rack using a forklift. This type of rack is therefore also known as a push-in rack.
Advantages
- Direct access : Goods can be accessed directly at both ends of the shelves - both according to FIFO and LIFO. Depending on the height of the shelves, the pallets are removed either with an electric high-lift truck for shelves up to 3.5m or with a forklift for higher lifting heights. Thanks to the drive means, removed goods are automatically replenished. If there are enough items available, a reserve is guaranteed.
- Storage space gain : Compact storage leads to a storage space gain of up to 60%.
- More efficient work : Storage aisles are strictly separated, which avoids disruptions to operations. The higher order picking performance also increases the throughput. Short travel times improve productivity.
extensions
Overrun stops on the removal side allow goods to be removed by forklift trucks without creating a build-up of pressure. This prevents damage. Fold-up roller conveyors allow easy cleaning underneath the shelf. This is essential for companies that work with food. But also in the pharmaceutical industry, where hygiene and cleanliness are very important.
