:Different Storage System in a Warehouse:

Friday, January 11, 2008

In this particular article that we have searched on the internet and discovered how automated storage system is essential for a company like Elemash. In the article,they have listed certain advantages if they adopt the automated storage system. This includes placing stored items more compactly as it saves space and makes the work of store men easier and more effective. As such,we will then have a better understanding as to how storage systems helps a company in their operations.(See related article below)

Automated Storage System Put into Service at Elemash
11 January 2008
RIA Oreanda
English
© [2008] RIA OREANDA. All Rights Reserved
Companies. Elektrostal. ">OREANDA-NEWS . January 11, 2008.

The system is supposed to help the company to enhance the efficiency of the storage facility of its central laboratory.

The system allows using the whole height of a storage facility, placing stored items more compactly, it saves space and makes the work of store men easier and more effective. The system’s software allows connecting it to corporate information system.

This is just a pilot project. Such systems can be used for many purposes. In the future we are planning to use the system for storing the components of our basic equipment, says the deputy chief metrologist of the company Sergey Shemetov.

Facilitator's question: Under what circumstances the mobile rack (as shown in your Blog) becomes a preferred choice instead of other storage systems for the company? Explain.


Our response:
Firstly,the mobile storage system will become a perferred choice when the top management of Cargo Master Pte Ltd decides to improve the situation in the warehouse. For instance, they can consider improving utilisation rate in the warehouse and store items for a longer period. In this case, there are only few items to be stored thus the cost to implement the new system is not a problem.

Moreover, we feel that it is worthwhile to invest in the new storage system as the advantages derived from implementing the powered mobile rack includes good space utilization, random access to every pallet and is used mainly for stock which does not move fast. On the other hand,it is expensive. However,if price is not an issue for Cargo Master Pte Ltd and the management gives the green light, powered mobile storage system can then be implemented.

Our Recommendation for Cargo Master Pte Ltd

After adopting Cargo Master Pte Ltd as a warehouse so as we can get to see first hand certain types of storage systems,we have come up with our suggestion that Cargo Master Pte Ltd can adopt.Furthermore,after reading up on the various types of palletised,small size and odd size storage systems,we have come up with a few suggestions Cargo Master can adopt so as to make their warehouse operations more efficient.

Given the small size of Cargo Master's warehouse of 2400 sq feet(15 by 15 metres) and 6 metres in height, the fixed location system should be adopted.

Basically, a fixed location system makes use of a space in the warehouse where it is designated only to a specific product line. The layout of the warehouse is planned in such a manner whereby every product is placed and that it uses maximum space available. Currently, the warehouse is still not yet filled to its capacity and can afford to store more.

Cargo Master Pte Ltd currently has no fixed location for a certain type of item. It just stores where it is required. It is a very basic warehouse with few items to store and basic handling equipment such as trolleys and pallet jets are being used. By not having any assigned location for products in the warehouse, time is reduced. This is so whereby the order picker can just randomly stock the item anywhere in the warehouse and not search for the proper location for it.On the contrary, they must also consider when it comes to stock taking. This may pose a problem as it is hard to account for all the items due to the random location of the goods.

Cargo Master Pte Ltd also has 2 levels of rack. The first one is to store goods that are more frequent and urgent. The second level is to store the company's goods and items. As it is nearer to the ceiling, Cargo Master has taken into consideration of what type of goods to store at the first level and what to store on the second level. However, it can consider on perhaps a fixed area for certain type of products.

The layout of the warehouse does allocate space for the different types of items. It has designated certain cabinets to store small items, racks for standard size items and also some space for odd sized items.

We feel that Cargo Master just needs a few minor adjustments and it will be perfect. It is already good but we feel that there is still room for improvement.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Odd Size Storage


There are some instances whereby the item is unable to fit into normal palletised storage systems.On top of that,it may be too big hence small size storage systems may prove unsuitable.At such,the warehouse caters to this problem so as items which are of odd sizes can be stored properly in the warehouse so as to minimise damage and enhance space utilisation in a warehouse.


1)Long loads---In some cases,the items may be very long and unable to fit into palletised storage systems.Items such as carpets and bars requires special storage and handling.

Advantages:

  • Easy access to stock as it is stored properly(pigeonhole racking)
  • Makes use of the cantilever principle whereby goods are stored at different levels

Disadvantages:

  • It may require more space in the warehouse as goods of different sizes need different amount of space.

  • Furthermore,the gangway must be wider than the length of the items being stocked which reduces overall space.(pigeonhole racking)


2)Metal plate and sheet---Metal plates and sheets requires special handling thus it is essential that the warehourse considers this when designing how to store certain items.Thus,the warehouse may consider stacking these metal plates on top of one another so as to reduce the space required.

Advantages:

  • Do not need to purchase any kind of special racking to store these metal plates

  • Inexpensive to implement
Disadvantages:

  • Does not give good access to item

  • Might distort the metal plates
Therefore,to illustrate further,we have enclosed a video where you can see how steel plates are being handled in a warehouse.It goes to show that even odd sized items do have proper places for storage and handling them is important.If mishandled,the item is susceptible to damage and this would cost the warehouse more money to replace it.













Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Different types of palletised storage

Cargo Master Pte Ltd can adopt various methods in order for them to store their big items.There are 8 ways in which whereby the first 5(namely block stacking,APR,double deep pallet racking,palletised live storage,drive-in and drive-through storage and powered mobile storage) has a height limit of up to 10m. Thus, if a case arises where the company wants to maximise the use of height in their warehouse, the above 5 storage methods are not applicable.Instead,they can either adopt high rack narrow aisle racking or high bay.

1)Block Stacking---Loaded pallets are placed on the floors in the warehouse and built up in stacks, by rows.

Advantages:

  • Suitable for products with limited product line

  • Used for products with high throughput level (FILO basis)

Disadvantages:

  • Reduced storage capacity
  • Limitation as to how high pallets can be stacked
  • Cannot withstand pallets with heavy weight


2)Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR)---Consists of end frames and horizontal beams with adjustable height. The beams are height adjustable and the racking can easily be adapted to cater for any change in the type or size of goods stored.

Advantages:

  • Inexpensive to implement

  • Easy to install and is highly versatile

  • Gives random access to all individual pallets
Disadvantages:
  • Fork truck gives access to only two rows of racking

  • Low building utilisation

3)Double Deep Pallet Racking---Allows pallets to be stored deep but still accessible from the same aisle. Uses double deep reach trucks only.

Advantages:
  • Enhanced space utilisation
Disadvantages:
  • Poor visibility for truck drivers when accessing rear locations
  • Loss of absolute FIFO




4)Palletised Live storage---With this system pallets are stored on the first-in/first-out principle (FIFO). The push back system is fitted with roller tracks whereby it pushes the pallets into their storage location and they return under the force of gravity.


Advantages:

  • Deep space utilisation is excellent

  • Provides automatic "first in first out" (FIFO) stock rotation

  • Highly used for items with rapid throughput level

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive to implement

5)Drive-in and drive-through racking---Drive-In Racks allow a lift truck to enter the rack from one side to pick or pull out pallets. This is done because pallets can slide backwards on a continuous rail.


Advantages:

  • Installation not limited by strength of palletised goods

  • Side by side pallet handling stabilizes the load and improves efficiency and safety

  • Drive Through System loads and picks from both sides for first in/first out (FIFO) inventory retrieval

Disadvantages:

  • Pallets are only supported at the edge hence pallet conditions and types of pallets are also limited

  • No beams joining the uprights along the face of the racking thus making it susceptible to damage

In this subsequent video, you will get to see how a palletised live storage works in a warehouse.

6)Powered mobile storage---It consists of sections back-to-back adjustable pallet racking on electrically powered base frames that moves along rails set into the floor.

Advantages:


  • Good space utilization

  • Random access to every pallet

  • Used mainly for stock which does not move fast

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive to implement

7)High rack narrow aisle racking---These are actually adjustable pallet racking accessed by narrow aisle free path stackers equipped with rotating or sliding pallet handling mechanisms on the mast.

Advantages:


  • Enhanced space utilization of up to 50%

  • Can operate up to 20M high

Disadvantages:

  • Turret trucks are needed to access the pallets and turrets trucks are expensive

8)High Bay---Pallets racking up to heights of 30M in which pallet moves using the help of stacker cranes, giving free access to all pallet locations.


Advantages:

  • Space utilization is high with the use of height and narrow aisles

  • Can operate up to 30M high

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive to build

  • Design should be thought through carefully as there is little flexibility for subsequent change


Tuesday, January 8, 2008






Small Item Storage

As the name implies it is basically for items which are small in size.It should be modular to allow different storage componets to be grouped and stocked.Thus,in order to adopt a more efficient handling system,different storage systems can be adopted for various products.There are 6 types of items used for small sized items.

1)Shelving---It is made of mild steel of various height and width. Moreover,it allows easy access of items as it can be picked from both faces on of the unit.

Advantages:






  • Relatively inexpensive




  • Gives random access to stock




  • Interchangeable and can be moved easily



Disadvantages:







  • Adjustment to shelf heights is not always easy after a period in use




  • Separation of small quantities can restrict access.



In this video, we get to see how shelving works.















2)Tote Pans and Bins---It comes in modular sizes in sub-multiples of standard dimensions.

Advantages:







  • It can be fitted to louvre panels.
Disadvantages:







  • Once fitted, it is fixed to one size. Any changes will have to replace with another tote pans and bins



3)Louvre panel systems---Designed to be used to hold pans and other attachments for more awkwardly shaped products.

Advantages:







  • Able to store all sorts of odd shaped products.



Disadvantages:







  • Once attached, only can handle certain type of product thus must be careful when making a choice if not it will be a waste of money.



4)Cabinets and drawers---It can be free-standing or incorporated into shelving modules.

Advantages:







  • It makes good use of space and easy access to products stored on it.



Disadvantages:







  • Constraint on space.




  • May not be able to handle many items.




  • Weight constraint.



5)Dynamics Systems---Usage of mobile shelving and gravity conveyors (Live Storage)





Advantages:







  • Able to handle high throughput products. FIFO system thus no old stock kept.



Disadvantages:







  • Very expensive set-up




  • Only suitable for products with high throughput level or else waste of capital




  • 1 lane only 1 item thus must ensure that item is in very high demand for quite some time if not it will not be practical.



6)Mechanised Systems---Carousel is Parts to Pickers.

Advantages:







  • Give good order picking rates




  • Ready access to stock




  • Good security and can be readily put on to computer control and computerised control so it is more accurate and reliable



Disadvantages:







  • If the system is down, it is unable to operate as it requires the system to function


Brief Introduction about Cargo Master

Cargo Master is located at No.1 Upper Aljunied Link #01-06, Joo Seng Warehouse Block A Singapore 367901.

They specialise in air & sea fowarding, warehousing/logistics,transportation to and from Malaysia, central distribution centre, documentation and custom clearance.

The floor area is 2,400 square feet and the height of the building is 6 metres.

Hence, in our subsequent posts above, we will enlighten you as to what are the various storage system a warehouse can adopt including its advantages and disadvantages of each.
In this blog, you will get to get to know more about the various storage systems in a warehouse. We will be using Cargo Master Pte Ltd as an illustration.


Distribution Center Management
Names:Melissa,Bukhari,Shi Chao
Average Age:19
Hobbies:Tennis, Swimming, Cycling, Food, Sleeping, TV, Movies
Wishlist:
A PS3
A Red Enzo Ferrari
Tour Around the World
A Cosy Apartment