Pallet rack flow

In a pallet flow racking system, pallets are loaded onto inclined lanes at the back of the rack. These lanes are equipped with rollers or wheels that allow pallets to glide smoothly toward the front of the rack as they are removed. Each time a pallet is taken from the front, the pallets behind it automatically roll forward, maintaining a continuous flow of inventory. This design minimizes the need for aisles, maximizing storage density and improving access to products.

Key Components

• Flow Rails: These are inclined tracks that support the rollers or wheels, allowing pallets to move freely.
• Pallet Stops: Located at the front of each lane, these mechanisms prevent pallets from rolling off the rack when being accessed.
• Speed Controllers: These ensure that pallets descend at a controlled speed, enhancing safety during operation.

1. High-Density Storage: By eliminating aisles between racks, pallet flow systems can store more pallets in a smaller area, making them ideal for warehouses with limited space.
2. Improved Inventory Management: The FIFO system simplifies stock rotation, reducing waste and ensuring that older products are sold first.
3. Enhanced Safety: With designated loading and unloading areas, the risk of accidents is minimized as forklift traffic is reduced within storage lanes.
4. Increased Picking Efficiency: The automatic movement of pallets reduces the time and effort required for picking orders, leading to faster fulfillment rates.

Applications

Pallet flow racking systems are particularly beneficial in industries where inventory turnover is high and product freshness is critical, such as:

• Food and beverage distribution
• Pharmaceuticals
• E-commerce fulfillment centers