The logistics market is constantly developing, with more and more storage and handling system options.
The logistics market is constantly evolving, with an ever-increasing number of storage and handling system options. On the one hand, this is great, as it offers alternatives for companies. On the other, it demands... constant studies and updates by managers, who need to understand which system best fits their needs.
It's easy to understand why this care is so important. Inventory management increases cost control and improves the quality of stored products. To determine the right storage and handling system for your company, managers need to consider:
-What types of items will be stored (if they are perishable, refrigerated, etc.);
-When should they be refilled;
-What is the minimum quantity to be stocked during a predetermined period;
-Keep inventory up to date;
-Identify and eliminate obsolete or damaged items.
With this in mind, it's possible to take the next steps: learn about storage systems and identify which ones can help with storage management and material location.
Importance of material location
Within a warehouse, the material location system serves to identify where materials are stored through the use of codes.
For example, the Pallet Rack Systems They can be identified by letters, always from left to right in relation to the main entrance. This orientation is intuitive and allows your employees to find materials effortlessly, saving time.
In general, two types of material location criteria are used: fixed storage and free storage.
Fixed storage
In this case, the product can only be stored in a predetermined area. The downside of this storage system is that it can waste storage space, due to the intense inflow and outflow of materials.
There is also the risk of a shortage of certain material and an excess of another, This causes other problems. The lack of space for excess materials causes them to be stored in the aisle, making it difficult for employees to move around. At the same time, there are empty shelves due to the lack of materials.
Free storage
Incoming materials occupy any empty space, except for special items. This type of storage system also presents its own challenges, such as maintaining addressing control, as it must be redone whenever changes occur. This way, the manager avoids the risk of having lost material in stock that will be found, either by chance or during inventory.
The recommendation is that this control be done using two tabs: a master tab for controlling the total balance per item and another for controlling the balance per stock location.
Storage systems: what are the types of strategic storage?
After understanding the difference between material location criteria, let's learn about the most effective types of storage and handling systems for your company's operations.
Pallet Rack System
It is one of the most used systems in the world because of their easy and quick handling. This makes it easier to find goods and adapts to changes in size relative to the space in which they are located.
Regarding operation, the Pallet Truck is a system compatible with all types of forklifts available on the market and also supports various combinations of dimensions, weight and load volume.
There are three models available:
-Conventional;
-Double depth;
-Narrow corridor.
Flow Rack System
Flow Rack is ideal for small goods and loads. For example, plastic or cardboard boxes, individual and high-turnover items within the stock, intended for type A items in the ABC curve.
Its features include reduced picking time and high efficiency on production lines. Operating on the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle, it has separate supply and removal aisles.
The Bertolini Flow Rack System provides savings in travel time between 40% and 70%, when compared to conventional shelving. It also reduces the footprint by up to 30%, making the Bertolini Flow Rack a very compact and economical solution for most storage environments.
Cantilever System
This storage system is simple and durable, adaptable, and capable of storing different types of goods. It provides excellent storage for companies that need to stock large parts, products, and merchandise—as well as for businesses that store raw materials on a large scale.
Its horizontal and vertical structures benefit all processes within the environment in which it will be installed. Depending on the space available, the Cantilever system can be modified, with unlimited expansion and in both directions, providing versatility for companies.
Push Back System
Finally, we have the Push Back system. It was developed based on technical expertise and the pursuit of optimal performance in production lines and storage, while also enabling high storage density.
This system represents a variant of the Dynamic Bertolini structures, with simple and reliable operation through the LIFO (Last In, First Out) concept, in which the last one in is the first one out.
In other words, when a pallet is removed from the channel, the other pallets move smoothly under the action of gravity towards the front position at the same speed at which the pallet is removed.
This reduces medium to long-term maintenance costs and allows operations to continue without interruption.
With this information, it is clear that it is necessary to know the storage systems most suitable for each type of application. This is the only way to know which product best fits your company's needs and get the most out of the solutions.
