When we talk about warehouses, we can refer frequently to all sorts of products, from items, cases, pallets, etc. Each warehouse or distribution center has a particular need to address and require mechanization or automation (in varying degrees) to effectively control their materials.
Below we present a general overview of possible solutions for the control of your warehouse:
1.- Manual control of items and cases
When working with items or cases that have to be stored and stocked up, but managed flows are relatively low (below 4 cases per minute or 120 items per minute), it is recommended to organize them into a conventional fixed shelf. Regarding items that have more flow, it is recommended to move them in carton flow, for example, flow racks.
The information management can be done either semi manual with support of conventional software such as Excel or Access, or any kind of development in house.
There are also low-cost standard software for WMS warehouse management, they can help you to control and manage efficiently the warehouse.
2.- Control and automatic handling of cases
If you need productivity, safety in your products, quality management product or process automation involved, then it is advisable to use Miniloads.
The Miniloads are smart automated warehouses to move cases or plastic containers. In the integration of a single package, allowing you to store, manage stock and fulfill orders; all in a safe, reliable environment and with information of control and tracking. They also have a great capacity for choice and an acceptable density.
There are different models with heights around 30m and automatic flows up to 2200 cases / hour.
3.- Control and storage of items
Control, storage and management of items is complex due to the high variety of weights, sizes and characteristics of these (may be amorphous and without consistent forms).
Even in not elevated flows, if you have many SKU’s or they are of critical importance, they are used vertical warehouses that can store thousands of items. They can save up to 60% of space in addition to stock orders and update stock in real time.
Within these stores we can find other relevant classifications, such as shuttles, and horizontal & vertical carousels.
Each application requires a type of technology; however, the important thing is that these warehouses can be solved with high reliability: the care, control and management of your operation.
4.- Manual or semi-manual control and storage of pallets
Pallets are normally stored in selective racks. According to its weight and size, they should allow an acceptable density.
If greater density is required it can be used in Drive in Racks type, also Push Back, which can store more pallets per cubic meter, but do not have the same selectivity. At each position a bar code which is read by any IT system and may be linked to WMS, or to the warehouse management system that has been implemented.
It can also be used Dynamic Racks, which allow high density and effectively manage the first inputs and first outputs. These Racks use roller sections with a slight slope and brake system to control the speed of the pallets. Similarly, each position is identified by a barcode and managed by the warehouse management system.
In this activity forklifts of different types are used, being electrical and narrow hallway the most utilized.
5.- Control and automatic storage of pallets
If your flow drive is high, or you require having versatility for pallets that are within the system, the automated warehouse AS / RS is an excellent choice for your process.
With AS / RS warehouse you can store, manage stock and fulfill orders. All in a safe, reliable way with control information and tracking, integrated to an only system.
They have a great selection capability and an acceptable density. The system reads a barcode located on the pallet, and randomly assign smart pallets to the most convenient position. All with immediately stock update.
There is a version of Racks with electrified trolleys that allow taking a pallet at any level, through an automatic vehicle that selects the pallet and locates it in the right place, so it fills the entire Rack.
Another option is to implement deep pallets. They control inputs and outputs done through bar codes and warehouse management software that recognizes and assigns positions. Also under the stock update in real time.
Total storage capacity can be as large as desired, please consider the speeds and distances that you require.
In GIEICOM we work with highly skilled professionals in control of warehouses, also they are willing to help you so you can take control of your business with the latest technology. Request free advice here.
