Shelving can serve different types of load units. While in most cases it is used for the storage of products placed on pallets, there are also systems that are more efficient for small products with very high turnover and others that are especially efficient for very long bundles of section bars or wood profiles. Thus, different industrial shelves respond to different logistical needs.
We have already talked about the main factors that influence the choice of the ideal shelving: the space available, the type of unit load, the degree of selectivity.
Now, let's have a look at the main types of racking systems.
This system operates according to the FIFO logic, with entrance and exit from two different sides of the structure. In general, it is used for high density storage of homogeneous products (per channel) with high turnover. Gravity-fed systems are characterized by the presence of rails where the unit loads slide on rollers. Unit loads are moved by gravity, therefore the pallets are always aligned with the picking side: this ensures a real increase in productivity.
Like gravity-fed racking, this system also works according to the FIFO logic. It is ideal for not particularly heavy, small-medium size unit loads, such as boxes, plastic or metal containers. This solution facilitates very fast picking and is used in many applications, both commercial and industrial. To increase the efficiency of the storage system, it can be combined with the storage of pallets on the upper levels.
This system is normally used according to the LIFO logic but, thanks to the drive-through solution, it can also follow the FIFO logic. This racking is served by a trolley in the case of the drive-in version, or by a shuttle, which allows operators to work from the outside. The Drive-In system is ideal for high density storage of homogeneous, low-turnover goods with a high number of pallets per item. Products are stored homogeneously for each column in which the pallet is placed.
This mobile system is suitable for very high-density storage of materials with low to medium turnover. The main feature of this solution is the mobile system consisting of electrically-driven mobile carriages, supporting traditional or cantilever racking, with shape and size defined according to the materials to be stored and the optimization of the available space. Mobile racking systems are especially used in the "cold" sector (cold rooms) or when companies have limited warehouse space. In fact, for the same surface area they guarantee double capacity compared to a traditional solution. The added value of this system lies in that it can be reconfigured and transferred with great ease.
This filing system is equipped with mobile shelving structures that slide on rails properly secured to the ground. Like other high-density mobile storage systems, this solution doubles the storage capacity compared to traditional shelving for the same space. Thanks to the translation of its mobile shelving structures, an aisle can be created for picking and placing operations. The shelving structures can be moved manually by means of a handwheel or electrically.
Multi-purpose shelving is a modular storage system for medium loads, ranging from very light solutions for home and office to multi-storey industrial solutions. These shelves also stand out for their versatility: ideal for all picking needs, they can be adapted to the layout of the warehouse and to the type of material.
The mezzanine is a system that optimizes space with a raised platform made of modular structures to increase the storage surface of warehouses and premises in general. It can easily integrate with other storage systems. A mezzanine is a load-bearing structure for all intents and purposes. It is designed and built according to static and dynamic standards and requirements that take into account all risk factors, including seismic events.
