Efficient warehousing: An overview of different types of storage
Choosing the right type of storage is a crucial factor for the efficiency and cost structure of a company. An optimally planned warehouse can not only optimize processes within production and logistics, but also enable significant cost savings. Different types of storage offer different advantages that come into play depending on the specific requirements and goals of a company. But which type of storage is the right one for your company and how can existing conditions be optimized? In this blog post, we give you an overview of the most important types of storage and their special features.
Capital commitment and space management: The challenge of efficient warehousing and the role of buffer stocks in times of crisis
Inventory not only ties up capital, but also valuable space that could be used for other purposes. At the same time, overcrowded warehouses can slow down inventory and logistics processes and cause unnecessary costs. In some production systems, such as the Kanban system, the aim is to keep warehousing as lean as possible, with materials and components delivered just-in-time and processed directly. But not every company can do without extensive warehouses. Especially in times of supply bottlenecks, as became apparent during the Corona pandemic, buffer warehouses have proven to be valuable in ensuring production reliability.
Optimal warehouse selection: balancing costs, space utilization and level of automation
Many factors play a role in choosing the right type of warehouse, including investment and operating costs, space utilization, level of automation and employee costs. A block warehouse, for example, is inexpensive to purchase, but often does not make optimal use of the available space. In contrast, modern high-bay warehouses or narrow-aisle warehouses offer more efficient use of space, but require higher investments in storage technology.
In this article, we will focus on some of the most common and effective types of warehouses: the pallet warehouse, the wide aisle warehouse, the narrow aisle warehouse, the order picking warehouse and the high bay warehouse. These types of warehouses offer specific advantages depending on the application and requirements and can make a significant contribution to optimizing your warehouse processes.
Find out more about the different types of storage and how Griptech GmbH can help you to optimize your storage with tailor-made solutions.
Pallet storage
In modern logistics, efficient storage methods are essential to ensure the smooth movement of goods. The pallet warehouse plays a central role in this and is used in large production companies and distribution centers in particular. But what exactly is a pallet warehouse and what advantages does it offer?
A pallet warehouse is a warehouse in which goods are stored on pallets that serve as transport and storage units. These pallets can be moved using industrial trucks such as forklifts or pallet trucks, making it much easier to store and retrieve goods. Storage usually takes place in specially designed shelves that have a high load-bearing capacity and allow quick access to the individual pallets. This not only reduces the time required for the storage processes, but also the physical strain on employees.
There are different types of pallet storage that can be selected depending on the specific requirements of a company. For example, a block storage system, where pallets are stacked directly on top of each other, enables cost-effective and space-saving storage. However, access to individual pallets is limited.
In contrast, there is the high-bay warehouse, which enables very high space utilization and quick access to goods through a vertical arrangement, but requires higher investments in technology and security.
Choosing the right pallet warehouse depends on several factors, including the type and quantity of goods to be stored, the space available and the budget. Companies that store large quantities of uniform items or bulky goods will particularly benefit from the efficiency and lower processing costs of a pallet warehouse. However, the long-term requirements of the warehouse, such as future growth and security aspects, must also be taken into account.
In summary, a pallet warehouse offers numerous benefits, including efficient use of storage space, reduced working hours and high flexibility in the storage and transport of goods. However, implementing such a warehouse requires careful planning to ensure that it meets the specific needs of the company and provides long-term economic benefits.
More efficient cross-docking with TeleKOOI forks from Griptech
Cross docking (Video) is an effective logistics process in which incoming goods are prepared directly for shipment without being stored temporarily. One of the biggest challenges, however, is handling pallets of different sizes. KOOI®Reachforks RGE2 Griptech's 800/400 are specifically designed for handling Euro pallets. When retracted, they offer the perfect length for picking up a pallet sideways, while when extended, they ensure the ideal length for picking up a pallet lengthways.
This flexibility increases safety when transporting Euro pallets and minimizes the risk of damage caused by protruding forks. Especially in cross-docking, where pallets have to be picked up frequently and frequently alternately lengthways and crossways, these KOOI®Reachforks a significant advantage. They optimize the efficiency and safety of the entire process, reduce the risk of damage to goods and pallets and thus also reduce the effort required for time-consuming repacking. This leads to a rapid return on investment, as damage and the associated costs are significantly reduced.
Wide aisle warehouse
Optimized use of space in wide aisle warehouses through innovative TeleKOOI forks
An important aspect when designing a wide aisle warehouse is the turning radius of the industrial truck used. The smaller the turning radius, the narrower the aisles in the warehouse can be, which seems contradictory at first glance, but actually enables more efficient use of the storage space. Larger aisles require more space, which is lost for the shelves. This is where the KOOI®Reachforks from Griptech comes into play. Despite their long fork length when extended, these innovative telescopic forks allow a small turning radius when retracted. In addition, they facilitate storage and retrieval in double-deep storage facilities (Video).
TeleKOOI forks offer significant advantages to companies that want to use their forklifts more versatilely. They transform conventional forklifts into reach trucks, optimize space utilization and storage density, and enable one-sided loading and unloading of trailers or wagons (Video)These features not only contribute to safety and time savings, but also reduce fuel and labor costs. The use of TeleKOOIforks can reduce internal transport costs by up to 50% by enabling the simultaneous transport of two pallets instead of just one. This significantly increases efficiency and flexibility in wide aisle warehouses.
Narrow aisle warehouse
A narrow aisle warehouse is characterized by its efficient use of space, which is made possible by particularly narrow aisles and high shelves. This type of warehouse is ideal when it comes to storing a maximum number of goods in a limited space. The main goal of a narrow aisle warehouse is to minimize the space required while maximizing the turnover of goods. The narrow design of the aisles and the optimal use of the room height mean that the storage space is used particularly efficiently. It is important that your employees have unrestricted access to every pallet space at all times. Due to the high driving and lifting performance of the vehicles used, precise warehouse planning is essential. The choice of suitable industrial trucks and compliance with safety precautions are particularly important.
A narrow aisle warehouse can use different racking systems, depending on the type of goods stored and the specific requirements of the warehouse. Pallet racking is suitable for larger items, while drive-in racking is particularly suitable for items with high turnover. The narrow aisles require the use of specialised vehicles, such as narrow aisle forklifts that can maneuver in very small spaces, or automated storage and retrieval machines that ensure high efficiency and precision in the movement of goods.
Due to the limited space in a narrow aisle warehouse, the safety of your employees is of the highest priority. For safety reasons, people and industrial trucks are strictly prohibited from being in the narrow aisles at the same time. Technical protective measures such as personal protection systems, laser scanners and light barriers are essential to prevent accidents. In addition, organizational measures and personal protective equipment such as safety shoes and helmets should be used. A narrow aisle warehouse offers an excellent solution for companies that need a high storage capacity in a limited space. The high storage density and efficient use of space justify the investment in the necessary infrastructure and safety technology, especially in industries with high goods turnover and limited space.
GripView: For maximum safety and efficiency not only in narrow aisle warehouses
For even greater safety and efficiency in narrow aisle warehouses, the fork tine GripView with a camera fully integrated into the contour, an innovative solution. This technology significantly improves visibility, especially when handling loads at height or when transporting goods that impair visibility. The protected position of the camera in the fork tine makes GripView suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. The improved visibility enables more precise and safer storage and retrieval, which is a decisive advantage in a narrow aisle warehouse. With GripView, you make an active contribution to reducing sources of danger and at the same time optimize your load handling process.
Order picking warehouse
A picking warehouse is used to specifically assemble goods that are needed to fulfill customer orders. In contrast to traditional warehouses, in which complete loading units are moved, in the picking warehouse only the quantity of an item that is actually required is taken. This means that partial quantities are taken from larger stocks and prepared for shipping.
The processes in a picking warehouse usually begin with the receipt of an order. The items are either taken from the shelves by staff using various methods, such as pick-by-voice or pick-by-scan, or transported directly to the picking station by automated systems. These methods, which are specifically tailored to the requirements of the warehouse, ensure a fast and efficient process.
Another important feature of order picking warehouses is the type of warehouse management. FIFO (First In, First Out) or LIFO (Last In, First Out) methods are often used, depending on which storage strategy best suits the nature of the goods and the order structure. The choice between "goods-to-man" and "man-to-goods" picking also depends on the specific requirements. The former method is particularly efficient because the goods are transported directly to the picker, while the latter method is used primarily for smaller and lighter items.
Modern picking warehouses are increasingly relying on automation to increase efficiency and minimize the error rate. By using robot arms and conveyor belts, the items can be brought to the picking station precisely and quickly, which is particularly advantageous when there are high order volumes.
The decision as to whether a company operates a picking warehouse depends on various factors, such as the volume of goods shipped and the diversity of the product range.
Companies that have to process a large number of orders every day benefit from the high level of efficiency and flexibility that a well-organized picking warehouse offers. However, the costs of setting up and operating such a warehouse should not be underestimated, especially if a high level of automation is desired. A well-organized picking warehouse can make a significant contribution to optimizing delivery processes and customer satisfaction. A well-thought-out warehouse strategy and the targeted use of technology can speed up picking processes and minimize errors, which ultimately leads to greater efficiency and lower costs.
How Griptech weighing systems optimize order picking
Order picking is a central process where outgoing orders must be thoroughly checked for errors. An effective way to reduce order picking errors and reduce labor costs is to weigh each unit. This can be done using Griptech's load cell based weighing system, such as the rebuilt EP6 electric pallet truck and the SmartBox.
The system makes it possible to prevent picking errors without additional work steps. The weight of each product is sent directly to the smart box so that the employee only has to scan the product and place it on the pallet. The weighing system precisely records the number of products on the pallet by means of weight changes and transmits this data to the customer's system via WLAN or 4G.
High-rise warehouse
In the dynamic world of e-commerce and global supply chains, warehousing has emerged as the key to business success. High-bay warehouses are a response to the challenge of using storage space efficiently while ensuring high storage capacity. These specialized storage systems rely on vertical space design and thus optimize the available space in an impressive way.
A high-bay warehouse is characterized by its impressive height, which allows goods to be stored on shelves that can be up to 50 meters high. This design makes maximum use of the vertical space, which allows a large amount of goods to be stored in a very small space. The pallets are handled in these shelves either manually with forklifts or automatically by special storage and retrieval machines (SRMs). These devices transport the pallets precisely to the desired height and ensure efficient storage.
Compared to traditional warehouses, which mostly rely on horizontal space and are relatively low, high-bay warehouses make optimal use of vertical space. This leads to a significant increase in storage density and reduces the need for large plots of land. While manual processes and physical interactions with the goods are often required in traditional warehouses, automated systems take over handling in high-bay warehouses. This not only increases efficiency, but also minimizes the risk of errors.
Automated high bay warehouses represent the pinnacle of warehousing technology. They are equipped with computer-controlled storage and retrieval machines that precisely position and transport pallets. These automated systems offer numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, greater accuracy and improved safety. Reduced human intervention reduces the risk of workplace accidents and enables precise inventory tracking. However, the initial investment costs are high and technical problems can lead to downtime. In addition, these systems require regular maintenance to ensure continuous operation.
High-bay pallet warehouses are a specific variant that specializes in the storage of pallets. These systems optimize the available space by using high racks that can store several pallets on top of each other. This allows goods to be stored and retrieved quickly and is particularly flexible as it can accommodate a wide range of goods. Nevertheless, the costs of building and maintaining such warehouses are high, and accessibility to the racks can be limited depending on the height of the structure.
In summary, high bay warehouses offer a number of advantages such as efficient use of space, increased storage capacity and the possibility of automating warehouse processes. These warehouse solutions are ideal for companies that need to store large quantities of goods in limited space. The flexible adaptation to different storage needs and the integration of modern technologies make them a valuable asset in modern logistics. However, when planning a high bay warehouse, all aspects should be carefully considered in order to maximize the benefits and overcome potential disadvantages such as high investment costs and maintenance effort.
Maximum safety in high-bay warehouses with camera systems from Griptech
Especially with high-bay stackers, it is crucial to have a powerful camera system on board. When moving the industrial truck in narrow aisles, especially at heights of 9 meters, for example, it is very important to be able to recognize people in the aisle area effortlessly and without physical exertion. Our HMOS DIGICOAX CORNEREYE camera, which offers an impressive viewing angle of up to 270°.
Comprehensive camera surveillance is also essential for automated warehouses. Should a system malfunction occur, an advanced camera system from Griptech enables the problem to be identified quickly and accurately without having to search the entire warehouse.
An excellent example of the effectiveness of such a system can be found at a renowned manufacturer known, among other things, for its exquisite chocolate pralines. There we successfully implemented a state-of-the-art camera system in combination with an automated storage system. This setup ensures efficient monitoring and problem detection, which optimizes operating costs and minimizes downtime.
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How can existing conditions be optimized?
Make optimal use of existing resources, even in older building structures. An existing gate passage does not necessarily have to limit the achievable lifting height. By using a lifting fork carrier of the type "LCF" as an additional lift (Video) the process can be significantly improved. Even areas that at first glance appear to be limited can often be used more efficiently by arranging the shelving system in the so-called double-deep variant. Hydraulic telescopic forks can be used here to significantly optimize storage.