Enhance Your Storage Density With Movable Pallet Racking

Movable pallet racking comes in many shapes and sizes, both manually operated and automatic.

In manual systems, one component or part of the whole moves with input from an operator or forklift driver (think gravity flow, push-back racking, and movable shelving). In automated systems, products are stored and handled without much input or human interaction (conveyor systems, robotics, and shuttle systems, for example).

In either case, movement within storage and material handling has completely changed the game for storage efficiency and space utilization—and the technology continues to improve with every passing year. Movable storage and high-density solutions have led to capacity increases of 400% (5x) that of standard selective racking. 

With these breakthroughs in storage density and automation, facilities are storing more than ever, all while remaining organized, efficient, and compliant.

Movable pallet racking systems primarily require input from an operator or forklift driver to move, store, and retrieve products. These manually-operated movable systems are a breakthrough in storage density, allowing warehouses to store products deeper and significantly increase pallet positions within a facility.

Push-Back Racking

Push-back pallet racks might be the first system that comes to mind when imagining movable pallet racking. This manually-operated moving storage system functions with the help of a forklift, placing and retrieving pallets from the pick face. When a pallet is retrieved, the pallet behind rolls forward to take its place at the front.

Gravity Flow Racks

Once loaded with product, gravity flow systems like pallet flow and carton flow racks rely on nothing but the force of gravity to carry boxes and pallets to the pick face. Rarely automated and highly efficient for increasing density while decreasing the work it takes to access and retrieve products within the system.

UNEX SpeedCell

UNEX provides this revolutionary storage solution for small parts storage and piece-picking applications. SpeedCell is a totally unique hanging storage system with sturdy, divided columns that manually slide side-to-side for deeper access.

Lateral Sliding/Pull-Out Shelving

Lateral sliding shelves are often found in warehouses for high-density small parts or tool storage. These mobile shelving systems allow for more storage in a smaller footprint and can be accessed manually by sliding the shelves side-to-side or rotating a wheel.

Pull-out shelving or roll out racks are a great option to make the most of smaller spaces, like underneath pallet racking or areas where more storage density is helpful. Roll out racks are often used for sheet metal, heavy tools and equipment, and longer materials like pipes or tubing.

Another branch of movable storage systems is automated systems. Rather than relying on manual force from an outside operator or forklift driver, automated systems are powered by electricity and often require meticulous planning and programming per product and application.

Shuttle Systems

Pallet shuttle systems are an automated storage and retrieval system that store pallets deeper than pushback or other high-density solutions otherwise allow. These systems consist of a shuttle that carries pallets automatically to and from the pick face. 

Conveyor Systems

Automatically moving products from one place to another drastically reduces manual labor and operating costs. Conveyors (fully automated or not) open up a world of possibilities for warehouse managers to optimize workflows and keep costs down.

Cranes & Lifts

Warehouse cranes and VRC lifts move in ways to reach underutilized vertical spaces within a warehouse. They carry heavy loads and make light work of tasks that would otherwise be impossible or would require time-consuming manual labor.

Carousel Systems

Carousels rotate products laterally or vertically to increase the number of SKU positions within a small space. They are automated so that operators can access any given product without travelling far at all.

Robotics

Warehouse robotics is transforming assembly and packaging lines by replacing inefficient, expensive labor with fast, automated machines. Robots are highly customizable and, while they are still relatively new and expensive, are becoming more and more common in warehouses around the world.

If you’re worried that your warehouse is getting a bit cramped, you may be in the market for movable pallet racking or an automated system to increase your storage capacity. 

At AK, we offer all of the systems mentioned above and are eager to help optimize your warehouse operations. If you have questions or are ready to talk through your options, fill out a quote form or call 800-722-5908 today. We look forward to hearing from you!