Live Storage Systems
Live storage systems offer many benefits in the correct applications. These include improved stock control (FIFO), separation of replenishment activity from order picking and opportunities to improve order picking efficiencies by condensing the pick face and reducing travel times.
The two main types are:
Pallet live storage
Pallets are placed on inclined rollers or track and move under gravity.
Carton live storage
Similar principle to pallet but with cartons or totes rather than a pallet. These are placed into the system and picked manually. Very useful solution where there are a high number of SKUs and carton live storage creates the opportunity to condense the pick face and improve pick rates.
Push back racking
Unlike pallet live storage, push back racking allows access to pallets stored in lanes from the same aisle, hence put away and retrieval takes place from the same location. Pallets are placed on trolleys and pushed back into the rack using a fork lift truck. Retrieval takes places in reverse of this process. Useful system in marshalling areas and as bulk or replenishment stock to order picking systems.
