One of the most important things you do in the order fulfillment process is order picking, which is when you select items from allocated storage sites in order to fulfill one of your customer’s orders. At Precision Warehouse Design, we’re familiar with all the different warehouse order-picking methods you can choose from and their pros and cons. If you’re interested in a tailored solution, explore our warehouse design services. 

Find Your Preferred Warehouse Picking Method

From discrete picking to pick-to-box, there’s no shortage of approaches you can embrace for your warehouse picking process. 

Batch Picking

One of the most common picking strategies is batch picking, which involves picking multiple customer orders up at the same time. This can maximize efficiency because you do not need to move back and forth for every order. This method can make it easy for your pickers and packers to mix up orders, though, so you’ll have to pay extra attention to packing and shipping. 

Single-Order Picking

Single-order picking is by far the most popular order-picking methodology. Also called discrete picking, you might come to love this method because it reduces the risk of order mix-ups and makes it easy to sort and pack items. However, you’ll quickly learn that single-order picking can significantly extend the travel time you need to distribute orders and is less efficient than batch picking.  

Zone Picking

Another method that can help you make your warehouse more efficient is zone picking, also known as pick and pass, in which you divide your warehouse into sections or “zones” devoted to specific types of items. For example, you could have an electronics zone with only electronic items. You then fulfill all the orders in one zone before you move on to the orders from the next zone. 

This method thus keeps your warehouse running in an orderly manner without congestion, which can pose safety risks for your pictures. You will unfortunately find some downsides to this method, though, as it is not always easy to sort an item into one zone, and you could create more work for some pickers than others. 

Wave Picking

When you have a large number of orders, you might choose wave picking for maximum efficiency. With this picking strategy, you group your customer orders into “waves,” which are batches based on common criteria or similar delivery deadlines. You then pick items within one wave before moving on to the next wave. 

Wave picking can reduce your stress by streamlining the process of picking items, especially if you want to prioritize certain delivery time frames. However, you might find that wave picking is more complicated than other picking methods because you will need to sort the items accurately and ensure that there are no mix-ups. 

Pick-to-Box

Finally, you might choose the pick-to-box method, in which a picker selects an item and puts it directly in the box for the order. This speeds up the packing process for you and reduces the risk of mix-ups during sorting. That said, it also can give you problems with setup, as you’ll need to have equipment laid out efficiently so that pickers can carry out this process. You’ll also have to ensure you train pickers on exactly how to follow this method to properly match items with their correct box.

Voice Picking

If you want to add more technology to your warehouse, voice picking is a great option. This method is a high-tech approach to order fulfillment, where pickers wear a microphone and headset to respond to verbal prompts about what items to pick. Voice picking keeps warehouse picking hands-free, but it can also require a time-consuming, costly setup. 

Keep Your Customers Satisfied

When you select the right method, you can keep your customers satisfied in several different ways. When warehouse picking is done correctly, you are ensuring that the correct items are sent to the customer in a timely manner. Efficient, accurate product delivery is one of the main things that keeps customers happy. 

You might not realize it, but warehouse picking strategy also has smaller effects on customer satisfaction. For instance, when you consistently deliver the right orders to customers in a short time, you reduce the number of complaints and customer service inquiries and help build a positive reputation for the company. 

Make Your Life Easier With Warehouse Technology

In this age of high-power technology, we’re also seeing technological developments transform warehouse-picking methodologies. A warehouse management system (WMS) allows you to track everything in your entire warehouse, from the products on the shelves to what is coming in and out. 

For example, you can keep track of zones to optimize the layout of the warehouse and ensure you are utilizing zones effectively. Using a WMS can make your life so much easier and lead to maximum efficiency as you can keep track of small details and avoid mix-ups. You can also use a pick-to-light system to help pickers visually identify items. Learn about our pick-to-light systems today.

Rely on Precision Warehouse Design for Your Tailored Solution

You need the right combined warehouse picking strategies for success, but it can be tough to determine which method to use for your warehouse’s needs. Luckily, our team at Precision Warehouse Design is here to help you discover the perfect pick solution. Contact us today to learn how Precision Warehouse Design can optimize your order-picking process with our expertly designed solutions. 

FAQs

From science fiction to reality, the increasing popularity of robotic systems in a multitude of factory based industries has helped to reshape the commercial landscape. As the technology of these systems continues to advance, the costs of integration become more affordable, and the capabilities continue to expand. What once was unavailable to many companies is now a reality that leaves production departments and corporate decision makers with the task of not deciding when to integrate these robotic systems into their production factories, but how to design the integration to meet their needs.

The Current State of Robotics in Warehouse Design

Over the last few decades, robotic systems have become increasingly popular in manufacturing and storage warehouses to help companies work more efficiently and to refocus the human labor force away from jobs that could cause potential harm and monotony that could cause high turnover rates. The use of robotics allows materials to be handled automatically while reducing errors and creating more consistency in design. For many companies, the thought of integrating these systems causes financial worry at the cost of integrating the technology; however, costs have continued to fall while helping to increase profits in the long term.

Integrating robotics into your warehouse has also become easier over the years, with a greater workforce available to both install and program, and maintain your new systems. The educational landscape is changing and integrating more opportunities for students to learn programming and engineering, creating an increase in robotic engineers to keep these systems operating and working in the way that you need.

The Role of Warehouse Robotic Systems in Modern Warehouse Operations

Robotics has changed the way warehouses can function regardless of the processes they will be tasked to complete. Because of the flexibility of robotic systems in performing both low and high volume tasks, not only can a robot handle large, repetitive tasks, but with minor programming changes, it can also easily handle low volume, niche processes as well. This creates a versatile system that allows both large and small operations to benefit from their usage.

When it comes to performing their intended tasks, robots allow factories to complete more complex and highly variable tasks in a shorter amount of time than if completed by human labor. This allows not only for more opportunities to expand product lines but also creates a system in which quality can be more consistent.

Robotic systems have not completely replaced your human workforce, which allows factories to continue to provide valuable employment for many individuals responsible for supporting their families. These systems have been designed to work in conjunction with your employees. Through integrated safety features, employees and employers can work with minimized risks for workplace accidents and injuries. With robots taking on the task of monotonous and boring repetitive operations, your employees are free to utilize their skills and knowledge in ways that continue to advance the operations and impact of your company.

An Introduction to the MiR Robot and Its Capabilities

One of the robotic systems that is helping to revolutionize robotics in warehouse operations is the AGV MiR 1000. The Mobile Industrial Robot safely navigates your warehouse space with complete automation to improve transportation and logistics operations. When your warehouse has products to move or trucks to load, this little robot delivers a big performance in safely moving products and materials throughout your warehouse. Its intentional design is made to withstand the wear and tear of warehouse work as well as plan for the hustle and bustle of the environment. Complete with laser guides and integrated safety features, it can easily maneuver itself around objects, stop when something crosses its path, and is damage resistant to falling objects.

As part of a full line of MiR products, it can easily integrate with other elements of your system that improve your warehouse capabilities.

The Future Trends of Robotics in Warehouse Design

If the past is any indication of the future, robotic systems will continue to improve the ways in which work in your warehouse functions. As robotics continue to develop, so do the opportunities available for warehouse operators to expand their own companies. Future trends indicate an increase in modular style robotic systems that allow for a variety of operations that can truly customize the needs of any warehouse.

Other advancements in robotic technologies include:

• Mobile robots. These bots are designed to replace extensive and large conveyors, which can free up additional space in your warehouse for other needs.
  
• Cobots. Short for collaborative robots, these are intended to work in collaboration with human employees, easing the burdens of their job.
  
• Drones. Drones are becoming a more versatile robotic system that continues to reveal multiple different ways to utilize small but effective technologies. For warehouses, there are continued developments in safety, operation without GPS, and the ability to scale the number needed to accomplish the task.

Not all robotic operations will happen with a machine; technology improvements continue to develop in the computer systems that keep machines functioning which can allow more user friendly interactions both in person and online with your customer base. These computer systems also allow for better wireless tracking of your fleet and other connected logistical operations. The computer technologies that are integrated with these systems create cloud-based management that will allow you to pinpoint production or supply difficulties that allow you to pivot quickly.

How Precision Warehouse Design Can Assist Businesses in Robotic Systems Implementation

Making the decision to take your warehouse operations to the next level can be difficult, with worries about costs, training, and maintenance. However, when you work with Precision Warehouse Design, our team can help you integrate new technology that will improve your overall operations. Whether you are interested in learning more about the MiR 1000, one of the leading solutions in warehouse robotics, or exploring our range of warehouse robotic systems, our team can help customize your warehouse design to increase function and safety to improve production and lower costs.

Our team has an extensive history of helping companies of all sizes continue to modernize their warehouse operations. From FedEx to Chewy.com and many more, we help design and implement robotic systems that are right for you. Contact us today and speak with one of our team members.

FAQs

Automation is one way to improve the performance and success of your business. Since the early 20th century, conveyor belts have been used to move materials, increase productivity, and make businesses more efficient. 

The needs of your business are unique, so it is important that you have the systems in place you need to be productive, efficient, and cost-effective. Designing a conveyor belt system is one way to give your business the tools and support it needs to be successful. At Precision Warehouse Design, we offer ten different varieties of belt conveyors, including slider bed and roller bed styles, that can each be designed to meet your warehouse needs. 

Types and Uses for Conveyor Belt Systems

Businesses that create and distribute a high volume of products know how important it is that things run as smoothly as possible. Belt conveyor systems increase productivity by automating the process of moving products through your warehouse. 

Conveyor belt systems like the incline roller bed can help move large, bulky, or unwieldy products from one floor to another with ease. Trough belt conveyors, on the other hand, can reduce costs by helping to ensure that no loose materials or cartons are lost while they are being transported through the warehouse. 

Each industry has unique needs where conveyor belt systems are concerned. A food processing business may need overhead conveyor systems that allow them to separate, package, and move various food products easily. Manufacturing and logistics organizations would likely benefit from automated conveyor systems that are able to handle large, heavy items. Whatever your business needs are, belt conveyor systems have seemingly endless advantages. 

Five Advantages of Conveyor Belt Systems

When your business relies on a warehouse for the creation, packaging, or distribution of your products, it is essential that it runs like a well-oiled machine. The various conveyor belt systems that Precision Warehouse Design offers can help make that possible with a few key advantages. 

Efficiency

These systems are able to automate nearly any aspect of the product creation process to make it more efficient. Slider bed systems allow workers to stand alongside the belt to inspect or pack products. 

Increased Productivity

When your workers can take unnecessary steps out of their work process, such as lifting or moving boxes, they are able to work faster. Working with an automated system also helps them to become more familiar with the process over time, which can improve their work speed. 

Cost Savings

You want to be sure that your business is sustainable long-term, so saving money is essential. Conveyor belt systems help you cut costs without sacrificing any of your products’ quality. These systems can reduce labor costs because your warehouse will not require as much manpower and could reduce machine costs because you will not need to operate or repair additional machines. 

Versatility

Your business is unique, so the systems you use should be too. Precision Warehouse Design has ten types of conveyor belt systems to meet your needs. We will work with you to design a system, using the options we have available, that meets your needs, from sorting to distribution. 

Space Utilization

Even in a warehouse, you do not have unlimited space, and there are likely many different steps that must be completed before your product is ready. It is important to use your space wisely. Our low-profile belt conveyors are available in multiple heights and widths to fit your space. 

Five More Advantages of Conveyor Belt Systems

Improved Safety

Workers in your warehouse may have to carry or lift heavy boxes or materials. A conveyor belt system will improve the safety of your workplace by reducing the need for workers to interact directly with dangerous or heavy things. 

Flexibility

Your needs are always changing, and our conveyor belt systems are designed to meet your needs. We offer systems that can change direction, move between levels, and move at your ideal speed. 

Reliability

You should be able to trust that the tools you use in your warehouse will last. The best conveyor systems we offer at Precision Warehouse Design are dependable, so your business can keep running smoothly. 

Reduced Downtime

Ensuring that your warehouse is running as efficiently as possible is crucial. Our conveyor belt systems can help reduce downtime by eliminating the need for forklifts, loading, and unloading. 

Scalability

If you are responsible for the warehouse operations of a local logistics business, then you may not need extensive conveyor belt systems. At Precision Warehouse Design, we can help you find the system you need, no matter the size of your operation. 

FAQs:

Trust Precision Warehouse Design for Your Warehouse Conveyor Systems

Ensuring your warehouse runs properly is essential for the long-term, sustainable success of your business. Belt conveyors are reliable, so you can trust that your manufacturing business is efficient and regularly meets deadlines for clients. 

Conveyor belt systems are not one size fits all because no two warehouses are the same. The team at Precision Warehouse Design works with you to create your ideal conveyor belt system. Contact us for more information.

Ignition by Inductive Automation is a powerful warehouse automation software platform for industrial automation and control systems. It is designed to help businesses and organizations streamline their processes, increase efficiency, and improve outcomes by providing a comprehensive and cost-effective suite of tools to help with:

• Monitoring
• Controlling
• Analyzing warehouses and industrial facilities
• Any other operations that require robust and highly responsive instruments for logistics, analysis, and data management

Warehouse owners and facilities managers who want to stay competitive in modern markets are looking for ways to automate their operations, and converting to the Ignition platform can be a game-changer in this respect. It achieves this by integrating data from a wide range of sources, including PLCs, SCADA systems, MES systems, digital storage appliances, and all manner of other industrial software applications. Custom programming solutions can even allow it to integrate with your in-house applications and proprietary databases.

By integrating dozens or hundreds of data sources in an intelligent and highly functional way, Ignition allows users to easily monitor and control all aspects of their industrial operations from a single, coherent interface. This makes it easier to track inventory, manage workflows, and optimize processes for maximum efficiency.

What Is Ignition Software — and Why Does My Warehouse Need It?

One of the obvious key benefits of using Ignition software is the potential for significant cost savings. By automating routine tasks, businesses can reduce their reliance on manual labor, allow their employees to better manage their time and workflows, and improve productivity from end to end. All of this boosts your overall production rates and reduces customers’ returns and rejected deliveries — contributing significantly to your bottom line.

In the context of warehouse automation projects, Ignition can save money, reduce the need for tedious manual data entry tasks, and increase productivity at multiple phases of your operation. Put plainly, Ignition provides warehouse businesses with the tools they need to achieve maximum efficiency and profitability. 

Another of the key advantages of using Ignition software is its near infinite scalability. Whether you’re operating a single, small warehouse or a large, complex distribution hub serving a dozen warehouses, Ignition can be easily scaled up or down to meet the exact needs of your operation. Ignition’s modular nature also makes it easy to add new features and functionality as needed, allowing businesses to customize the platform to suit the specific needs of their various departments and job roles.

In addition to this impressive scalability and cutting-edge tech, Ignition is also built on a solid philosophical foundation of open standards and technologies. This means it can easily integrate with virtually any other industrial system or device, making it simple to connect to existing industrial infrastructure and add new devices and systems as needed. There is also a great community of Ignition users and experts online to learn from and bounce ideas and issues off of.

When it comes to getting a great return on investment (ROI) for your decision to get on the automation bandwagon, Ignition software will be a key driver of cost savings and increased efficiency. By automating routine tasks and optimizing processes from end to end, Ignition-powered warehouses reduce their reliance on manual labor, improve throughput, and reduce the occurrence of errors. This can result in significant cost savings, increased production, and a competitive advantage in any marketplace.

Understanding Key Ignition Terms

Some key terms to understand with Ignition include:

• HMI. A “Human-Machine Interface” is a computer science term that broadly refers to the controls and systems through which you interact with computers and other machines. In this case, it refers to how we use computers to monitor equipment, inventory, personnel, and processes in a complex industrial operation. To that end, Ignition includes powerful HMI tools that allow users to create custom interfaces to meet the specific needs of their warehouse or industrial operations.
• MES. A “Manufacturing Execution System” is a type of software application used to manage and control a manufacturing process. Ignition includes MES tools that allow users to track and analyze manufacturing operations in real time.
• MQTT. This stands for “Message Queuing Telemetry Transport,” and it is a lightweight messaging protocol popular for machine-to-machine communication. Ignition includes built-in support for MQTT, making it easy to connect the various devices and systems that make up your operation.
• OPC-UA. “Open Platform Communications – Unified Architecture” is a set of open standards for industrial communication and data exchange platforms. Ignition includes built-in support for OPC-UA, which means it can easily integrate with a wide range of industrial devices and systems from any manufacturers or developers also complying with OPC-UA standards.
• SCADA. This stands for “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition” and refers to a type of industrial control system used to monitor and control industrial processes. Ignition includes powerful SCADA tools that allow users to monitor and control complex industrial processes from a centralized location.

Precision Warehouse Design — A Reliable Partner for Your Ignition Implementation

At Precision Warehouse Design of Texas, we have extensive experience successfully implementing Ignition at warehouses and similar operations. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs so that we can design customized, end-to-end solutions that will meet the specific goals and requirements of each site.

Our team of software, automation, networking, and database experts has deep knowledge of the Ignition software platform, and we’re ready to help businesses like yours get converted to Ignition as efficiently as possible.

Contact us today to learn how to take the first step.

With more than 27 offices located globally, Mouser Electronics is responsible for distributing electronic components such as semiconductors for more than 1,200 manufacturer brands. Mouser thrives on introducing new products in the technology field to both buyers and design engineers alike.

At Mouser Electronics Global Distribution Center, employees use high-quality warehouse management systems that allow them to ship orders any time of the week. Recently, they have expanded their line card, allowing them to handle over one million different products, all of which are available to ship, giving them the world’s largest inventory of the latest electronic components. 

Mouser’s efforts and teamwork with other clients have earned nearly $2 billion in sales as of 2019, which is why they’ve been able to expand their corporate headquarters. By using high-tech systems in their various warehouses, they’ve been able to satisfy and retain customers all across the globe.

How Mouser Distributes Their Products

Mouser’s distribution center spans one million square feet, and employees perform several tasks using conveyors, carousel systems, and more. Various technologies are used to pick and ship items to various clients, and this process includes several important steps. Products such as speed sensors, converters, thermal management tools, and more are packaged and shipped 24/7.

Receiving

The first step of the distribution process starts with receiving. Here, products on pallets are taken and unloaded. The staff then sorts over 8,000 different products, submitting their information into the system’s inventories. After this is finished, the products are placed into a robotic sorting area before being shipped to a designated warehouse.

Sorting

Products are sorted into various areas with a warehouse carousel system. This system uses rollers to transport items to their designated location easily. This sorting system allows for easy access when a customer orders an item. Sorting can also be performed by hand, but the implementation of conveyors, accelerates the process, saving time and energy. When a customer does order a component, order pullers immediately begin their work.

Pulling

An order is broken down by item into what is known as a line, and the items in the order are sent to designated zones. This step allows orders with multiple products to be pulled simultaneously from their specific locations and is performed either by hand or using flexible conveyors. If a component is sensitive and requires delicate handling, an order puller will retrieve the item by hand. Otherwise, it is safe to use an automated system for retrieval. Also, pulling can occur using vertical lift modules (VLMs), which are similar to giant filing cabinets that instantly organize and bring the correct items to the order puller.

More than 300,000 components can be stored without requiring aisles when using an auto-store. With this method, robots travel around the store, retrieve the required components, and deliver them to warehouse staff. Once a line has been pulled, the puller will send the components to the consolidation area.

Consolidation

In the consolidation phase, lines are assembled into complete order. Mouser uses their console systems to assist the consolidators by scanning the components in order and immediately bringing the components to them for final assembly. During this phase, smaller orders, including single-line orders, are sent to the I-Pack machines, which create appropriately sized boxes that seal and label the items automatically. Once all components are packed and labeled, they move on to the shipping phase.

Shipping

When a component is ready to ship, automated systems are responsible for directing each package to the designated shipping service. The components are then loaded onto specific trucks and shipped to the customers.

It’s also worth noting that Mouser is registered as a Foreign Trade Zone, meaning all international orders will pass customs while on a flight to their destination.

Customers can receive notifications about their orders online when an order is placed. Mouser also provides information online regarding order history, non-stocked items, and backorder shipping should a client request it.

The Results of Mouser’s Work

Mouser utilizes many different warehouse design services to get their job done. Using high-quality automated systems, Mouser can unload a component and ship it out within 15 minutes. This has allowed Mouser to receive several awards and certifications for their efforts, and it all comes down to how they operate at their various warehouses.

Mouser has also been able to open additional locations all over the world, including Shanghai, India, Japan, and France. They continue to expand their efforts, both on location and online, using various eBooks and technical resources that engineers may find effective.

Without optimal solutions for their industrial and distribution needs, Mouser wouldn’t be able to expand their business and satisfy clients all across the world. Mouser worked with our team at Precision Warehouse Design to achieve their goals, and we’re also prepared to assist your business.

Precision Warehouse Design Can Help

If you own and operate a warehouse for any business, it is essential to keep your workspace properly maintained and efficient. With the right systems in place, you can ensure that both your staff and customers are satisfied with your business. Should you need warehouse installation services, our team can assist you.

If you need a warehouse design company that can address your concerns and improve your business’s daily operations, we can help. At Precision Warehouse Design (PWD), we have over 200 years of combined experience installing and managing equipment used in the manufacturing industry. Whether you’re looking for new shelving solutions or want to install barcode and print systems, we can design warehouse solutions to fit your business’s needs.

Precision Warehouse Design combines customer service with experience and technique, which allows us to perform complicated tasks and meet your needs. We are equipped to design, price, and deliver solutions quickly and efficiently, and we know that we must develop systems that satisfy both your customers and staff. Our team is ready to assist you in this process. To learn more about what we do and how we can help, contact us today.

A pallet rack is a material handling storage system designed to store pallets, or “unit loads.” Pallet racks can be made of various materials, but the most common type is the selective pallet rack.

Selective pallet racks are so named because they allow the user to “select” or choose the pallet they want to retrieve from the rack, as opposed to other types of pallet racks which require the user to access the pallets from the front of the rack only. In this guide our team at Precision Warehouse Design is going to take a closer look at the selective pallet rack: what it is, its benefits, how to select the right one for your needs, the different types of selective pallet racks, and more.

What Is A Selective Pallet Rack?

A selective pallet rack is a storage system used in warehouses to store products on pallets. They are the most common type of racks used in warehouses, and they can be found in many different sizes and styles to meet the needs of different businesses. Selective pallet racks are available in both open-air and enclosed designs, and they can be mounted on walls or floors.

Selective pallet racks are the most common type of racks used in warehouses because they offer several advantages over other types of racks.

For example, selective pallet racks allow businesses to efficiently organize their inventory by size and shape. Additionally, selective pallet racks are typically easier to move than other types of storage systems, which makes them ideal for use in busy warehouses.

Selective pallet racks can be found in many different sizes and styles to meet the needs of different businesses. For example, selective pallet racks that are open-air can be used to store products on pallets that are spread out across a room. Conversely, enclosed selective pallet racks can be used to store products on pallets that are stacked inside of an enclosure.

Selective pallet racks are also available in both open-air and enclosed designs. Open-air selective pallet racks allow products to be stored on pallets that are spread out across a room, while enclosed selective pallet racks allow products to be stored on pallets that are stacked inside of an enclosure.

Finally, selective pallet racks are typically easier to move than other storage systems, which makes them ideal for use in busy warehouses.

The Benefits Of Using A Selective Pallet Rack

Warehouses are often crowded and full of products that are not being used. A selective pallet rack can help you to increase the density of your warehouse, which can in turn help you to store more products in the same amount of space – and increase your profitability by storing more goods!

This can be beneficial for businesses as it can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Additionally, selective pallet racks are also more cost effective than other types of racks. So, if you’re looking to invest in a warehouse upgrade, a selective pallet rack may be the best option for you.

How To Select The Right Selective Pallet Rack For Your Needs

When selecting the right selective pallet rack for your needs, it is important to consider a variety of factors. These include the type of products that you will be storing, the size and weight of these products, and the space available in your warehouse.

Selective pallet racks can be very helpful in managing inventory. By using a selective pallet rack, you can ensure that only specific types or sizes of products are stored on each pallet. This can help to reduce noise and clutter in your warehouse, as well as improve efficiency. Additionally, selective pallet racks can increase profits by reducing the cost associated with product storage.

Selective pallet racks also have many benefits beyond simply inventory management. For example, they can help to prevent accidents due to product overloads or falling objects. They can also improve safety by limiting access to dangerous areas. In short, if you are looking for a solution that will improve both efficiency and safety within your warehouse, a selective pallet rack may be the perfect option for you!

The Different Types Of Selective Pallet Racks

Selective pallet racks are a type of storage system that can be used to store objects such as products or materials. There are three main types of selective rack: drive-in, push back, and live storage. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the needs of the user. This article will discuss each type in more detail.

Drive-in selective pallet racks are the most common type of selective rack and they work by moving pallets into and out of the rack using a series of tracks. This type is best suited for businesses that need to quickly move large quantities of products around, or for businesses that have limited space. One downside is that this style of rack can be difficult to use if you have a lot of smaller items that need to be stored alongside your larger products.

Push back selective pallet racks work in much the same way as drive-in selective racks, but they use hydraulics instead of tracks to move the pallets in and out. This makes them easier to operate than drive-in racks, but they tend to be more expensive due to their extra features.

Live storage selective pallet racks are similar to pushback selective racks in that they use hydraulics to move the pallets in and out, but they also include shelves that store objects above the Pallets. This allows users to easily access their products without having to remove them from the Rack. The downside is that live storage racks can be less versatile than other types of selective racks because they are not as flexible when it comes to how many different types of objects you can store inside them.

The History Of The Selective Pallet Rack

The history of the selective pallet rack begins in the early 1900s. At this time, businesses were beginning to store their products in warehouses more efficiently. One way that they did this was by using selective pallet racks. These racks were designed to store products safely and securely. As a result, today selective pallet racks are used by businesses all over the world to store their products safely and securely. If you own or use a warehouse to store products, chances are you have or will use a selective pallet rack at some point in time.

Selective pallet racks are made out of a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. They come in a variety of sizes to fit any warehouse. Most selective pallet racks have walls that are at least 2 feet tall and a width of at least 3 feet. They also have a capacity of at least 500 pounds per rack.

Most selective pallet racks come with adjustable shelves. This allows you to customize the space on the rack to fit your needs. You can attach wire or wooden hooks to the shelves to hold products securely. Or you can use clamps to hold products in place.

Selective pallet racks are an important part of any business’s inventory management system. They allow businesses to store their products safely and efficiently so they can be used quickly when needed.

How To Properly Use A Selective Pallet Rack

Selective pallet racks are a popular way to organize and store goods in warehouses. These racks can be used in many different warehouse settings, and business owners and operators must learn how to properly use them if they want to take full advantage of their potential benefits. Here are six key points to keep in mind when using a selective pallet rack:

1. Load capacity – Selective pallet racks can hold a certain amount of weight, depending on the model. Make sure you know the load capacity of the rack before you purchase it, so that you don’t overload it later on.

2. Column spacing – Selective pallet racks come with specific column spacings, which determine how closely the shelves will be packed together. Make sure your columns are wide enough to accommodate all of the items that you plan on storing in the rack.

3. Equal loading – Items should be loaded evenly into each row and column of a selective pallet rack, so that they can move freely during transport or storage. Overloading a selective pallet rack will cause it to collapse or buckle under stress; this is not safe for either users or goods stored in the rack.

4. Beam length – The beam length of a selective pallet rack is important because it determines how far apart the shelves will be spaced from one another (in inches). Choose a beam length that’s appropriate for your warehouse setting and loading requirements; too short of a beam length might result in overcrowding, while too long of a beam length might lead to stability issues and decreased load capacity.

5. Safety devices & authorities having jurisdiction – Always make sure that any safety devices present on or near selective pallet racks are operational and properly configured before using them. For example, some racks may require ladders or steps to access individual shelves. If these devices aren’t available or work improperly, then employees may have trouble reaching items stored on higher shelves without causing injury.

6. Maintenance & cleaning – To maintain optimum performance over time, selective pallet racks need periodic maintenance visits by an experienced technician who knows how to clean them correctly… Failure to do so could lead to damage caused by debris accumulation over time.

Tips For Maintaining Your Selective Pallet Rack

Maintaining a selective pallet rack is important in order to keep it safe and in good condition. Here are five tips for doing just that

1. Make sure the rack is properly secured to the floor or wall – if it’s not, it can become unstable and potentially dangerous.

2. Always wear safety goggles when working with the rack – even if you are only cleaning it. This will help to avoid any accidental injuries.

3. Avoid touching the moving parts of the rack – this can cause damage and injury over time.

4. Keep all debris away from the rack – this includes both physical objects and any liquids or gases that may be released during storage or use of the Rack.

5. Clean and lubricate the moving parts of the Rack every couple of months – this will help to ensure long-term reliability and function.

Troubleshooting Common Issues With Selective Pallet Racks

Selective pallet racks are a popular solution for storing products in warehouses. However, they can sometimes experience problems. This blog will discuss some of the most common issues that selective pallet racks can experience, and how to troubleshoot them.

Selective pallet racks are a type of storage rack that is used to store products on small shelves. They are typically used in warehouses, but they can also be used in other types of businesses, such as retail stores or manufacturing plants.

Warehouse owners

Warehouse owners use selective pallet racks to store products on small shelves. Selective pallet racks are a popular solution for storing products, as they allow warehouse owners to store more product on fewer shelves than traditional storage methods, such as shelving or cabinets.

Business owners

Business owners use selective pallet racks to store products in their stores or factories. Selective pallet racks are a good option for businesses that need to store large quantities of product on small shelves without taking up too much space. Additionally, selective pallet racks are easy to install and maintain, which makes them an attractive option for business owners who want easy access to their product inventory.

A selective pallet rack is a material handling storage system designed to store pallets, or “unit loads.” Pallet racks can be made of various materials, but the most common type is the selective pallet rack.

Selective pallet racks are so named because they allow the user to “select” or choose the pallet they want to retrieve from the rack, as opposed to other types of pallet racks which require the user to access the pallets from the front of the rack only. The benefits of using a selective rack are many.

They offer businesses an easy and efficient way to organize inventory by size and shape while also being more cost effective than other types of racks. Additionally, selective racks improve safety by limiting access to dangerous areas and preventing accidents due to product overloads. If you’re looking for a solution that will increase efficiency and safety in your warehouse, look no further than a selective rack!

With increased demands for warehousing space, optimizing processes through automated solutions is more important than ever for the industry. Thankfully, warehouses, manufacturing, and other product and storage facilities have more options than ever before when it comes to better utilizing warehouse space. The various types of industrial shelving and storage solutions, including automated picking systems, bolster efficiency and will likely alter many of the following statistics in the coming days!

The following ten warehouse industry statistics show the impact automated systems currently have on the warehousing industry. In a growing industry that constantly evolves with new products and automation solutions, these statistics will likely change as we push forward, so keep an eye out for future updates from Precision Warehouse Design!

Top Warehouse Industry Statistics

At Precision Warehouse Design, we’re passionate about warehouse efficiency through automated storage solutions, conveyor systems, pallet racking systems, warehouse software systems, and so much more.

Part of that passion revolves around watching the ever-changing warehouse environment nationwide. That’s why we spent time researching and gathering the following statistics for you!

1. The global warehousing market is projected to reach $41 billion in 2027.

There’s no question that the warehousing market is booming, with projections stating that it will reach $41 billion in global market value in 2027. These projections represent a compound annual growth rate of nearly 15%, which is hardly surprising considering the growth of e-commerce and multichannel distribution in recent years.

2. There are over 20,000 private warehousing and storage facilities in the U.S.

As of the first quarter of 2022, there are over 20,000 private warehousing and storage facilities in the United States, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This number represents significant growth over the past decade—only 15,525 of such facilities were in operation in 2012.

As demand for more products increases, and manufacturing returns home, we’ll likely see private warehousing and storage facilities grow in number. Though that remains to be seen.

3. Warehouses are among the least energy intensive buildings per square foot.

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, warehouses are among the least energy intensive buildings in the U.S. As of 2018, the average energy expenditures per square foot came out to less than $0.75.

That said, warehouses and storage facilities were the sixth highest in terms of total energy consumption, right after lodging and shopping malls. While the cost per square foot is relatively low, modern storage facilities have a lot of square footage, increasing total energy costs in the sector and constituting a significant portion of warehouses’ overhead costs.

With the rising cost of energy worldwide, it’s more important than ever to use energy and space efficiently. It’s one thing to pay monthly energy bills for sizable warehouse space in a stock environment. But why pay extra? With automation and conveyor systems, warehouses are more likely to get their money’s worth.

4. The average warehouse has over 15,000 square feet of space.

As of 2012, the average size of a warehouse in the United States was over 15,000 square feet, and that number has only increased since. Greater demand for warehouse space is apparent in other studies, including one survey in 2018 in which 76% of respondents planned on some type of expansion. About 23% planned to expand to additional buildings, increasing the total square footage of their storage facilities.

While the average is certainly high, you must consider the fact that, in the United States, we do have facilities with over 100,000 square feet of floor space. Can you imagine a manual workforce attempting to successfully traverse this floor span to pick and pack products or finish a manufacturing job? It’s slow and cumbersome.

With the growing size of warehouse floor plans, it makes more and more sense to invest in automation technology, like conveyor systems and automated storage solutions. With such automation in place, products and manufacturing supplies can traverse the entire span of a facility in minutes, arriving on-time and in the proper place to fulfill the next part of the warehousing process.

5. Over 1.7 million people are employed in the warehousing industry.

As of September of 2022, about 1.782 million people were employed in the warehousing industry. Roughly 1.5 million were in nonsupervisory or production roles. The personnel costs in the industry are significant, with the average employee earning $22.29 per hour (and working a little over 40 hours per week). Nonsupervisory employees averaged a little less than the total average at $21.32 as of August 2022. Naturally, utilizing this labor force efficiently is vital to maintaining cost effective operations.

After all, it doesn’t make sense to pay two employees to perform a job that one employee could manage with greater efficiency and better workflow. Running a successful warehouse means focusing on efficiency, first and foremost. You don’t want anyone tripping over each other’s feet, slowing down the line, or failing to fulfill orders.

6. Attracting hourly workforce candidates is a major challenge.

While labor costs are significant for warehousing facilities, there’s also the cost of attracting needed workers. 55% of respondents in a 2018 report indicated that attracting and retaining a qualified hourly workforce was the greatest issue they faced, making it a major challenge for the industry.

By switching to automated systems to pick and pack products or manufacture goods, warehouse facilities can greatly reduce their necessary workforce to a few select, highly-trained individuals. While facilities must still attract and retain workers, the size of the workforce makes it easier to find select candidates with long-term potential.

7. Automated storage and retrieval systems vastly improve efficiency.

With such high square footage and labor requirements, how do warehousing facilities keep their operational costs down? One way is by eliminating waste, which is the goal of automated storage and retrieval systems such as vertical lift modules, shuttles, and sortation systems. These systems have been shown to increase accuracy levels to 99.99% while also saving up to 85% of wasted floor space. Labor productivity can also be increased to 85% with automated technologies.

To summarize, there are numerous benefits to investing in automated storage and retrieval (ASRS) systems besides the boost to efficiency and accuracy. For example:

• Greater Ergonomics — The “Golden Zone” is the area between a worker’s shoulder and knees. When products are delivered directly to this zone, it improves workflow and efficiency without taking a physical toll on your workforce. A lift table can also provide the same benefit, while also reducing the risk of injuries.
• Better Inventory Control — An ASRS solution contains the warehouse or manufacturing facility’s inventory in a single, contained system for greater security and control overall. Only authorized personnel have access, reducing the risk of missing or broken inventory during the picking and packing process.
• Increased Picking Throughput — In an old-school, manual picking environment, warehouse workers must pick and pack a single order at a time. It was slow, to say the least. But with automated storage and retrieval systems, multiples of each item can be selected at once, then delivered to the proper workstation to fulfill orders in bulk.

8. Over 10% of warehouses are using automated technologies.

As of 2016, research showed that over 10% of warehousing facilities were making use of automated technology, and that number has been climbing since. These technologies include sophisticated systems such as automatic sorters, robotic picking modules, palletizers, and more.

While 10% does not appear significant in the grand scheme of things, you must remember there are over 20,000 private warehouses and storage facilities nationwide. Using only that number of facilities, that’s over 2,000 warehouses or storage services utilizing brand-new tech that continually evolves.

Furthermore, the recent advancements we’ve enjoyed in automation technology will surely attract more warehouse and storage facilities before long. Each new advancement brings greater efficiency and helps reduce the overall workforce on-site at any given time.

For instance, Precision Warehouse Design currently offers robotic systems, warehouse software systems, and automated storage solutions. These automated technologies help our customers to improve workflow, increase picking and packing, and cut down on manufacturing and shipping times overall.

9. More warehouses want to invest in conveyor/sortation technology.

As of 2021, more warehouses expressed interest in investing in conveyor and sortation technology than the year previous. According to a recent survey, 69% of respondents in one survey indicated they wanted to invest in these systems, representing a significant increase over the 33% in 2020.

The significant increase makes total sense, too. A warehouse or manufacturing environment utilizers conveyor or sortation technology and requires less employees overall. Furthermore, innovative conveyor/sortation equipment can help increase production rates, ensuring faster throughput.

10. Optimization software is key to success in the warehousing industry.

Data from Deloitte Consulting indicated that about 75% of organizations with superior supply chain capabilities use optimization software as part of their operations. In addition, 67% use visualization software and 65% use RFID tags, indicating the role that advanced software and automation systems have in building world class warehousing processes.

In the same study, warehouse facilities recognize that innovation is “extremely important.” A staggering 96%! 

Furthermore, 88% of warehouse facilities claim they are more than willing to recruit supply chain professionals who understand analytics, especially those with global experience. The complexities of business in today’s hectic and ever-changing environment are slowly catching up with countless businesses globally and nationwide. With proper advancement through optimization software and automation technology, warehouses and manufacturing facilities can keep up with the necessary flow of goods and products in demand today.

Modern Systems for Modern Warehouses

From automated storage solutions to conveyor systems and beyond, Precision Warehouse Design understands the need for advancement and better warehouse storage solutions.

Precision Warehouse Design can help you optimize your warehouse to increase efficiency in the 21st century. Check out our portfolio or get in touch to learn more.

The advantages of a conveyor belt system can result in significant cost-savings for your facility. Warehouse conveyors increase efficiency while reducing loss from accidents and human error.

About Warehouse Conveyor Systems

More and more companies are discovering the benefits of implementing conveyor systems in their warehousing facilities. Here are some of the basics on how these systems serve warehouses in particular.

What Is a Conveyor System?

Conveyors are mechanical handling systems that use rollers, belts, or other systems to move items around a facility. They consist of a drive system that turns pulleys to move belts, rollers, chains, etc.

Types of Conveyor Systems Used in Warehousing

Conveyor systems come in a variety of styles that utilize different handling systems. Some of the types of conveyor systems we offer at Precision Warehouse Design include:

• Belt conveyors
• Roller conveyors
• Chain driven conveyors
• Overhead/hanging conveyors
• Spiral conveyors
• Bucket conveyors

Various types of sorters and accumulation systems can also be added to increase functionality.

Choosing the Right Type of Conveyor System for Your Warehouse

To yield the most benefits to your warehouse operations, you’ll need to select the right conveyor system. Some considerations here include:

• Safety requirements
• Volume of product you need moved every day
• Sortation requirements
• Automation needs

These factors will inform you on the size, features, and layouts that will maximize efficiency in your facility.

Advantages and Benefits of Conveyor Systems

There are several advantages to implementing a conveyor system in your warehouse facility. Some of the most important benefits include the following.

Faster Product Movement and Sortation

Warehouse conveyors can move product much more quickly and reliably than manual transportation methods. That means more capacity for packaging and fulfillment processes and higher loads than might normally be possible with purely manual handling. Sortation can also be automated with specialized conveyor belts, helping to reduce the impact of human error on your fulfillment processes.

Easier on Your Personnel

By moving away from manual handling, the movement of product around your facility is far easier on your personnel. This could actually save your workers from the musculoskeletal injuries that result from constantly lifting, turning, and carrying heavy items. Given that over 38,000 musculoskeletal injuries occurred in the warehousing and transportation sector in 2018 alone, that impact can be significant. Overall, conveyors are better for your workers and, as a result, easier on your insurance costs.

Safer Working Environment

Workplace safety should always be a priority for warehouse facilities, and a conveyor system can help support that. While many people might cite the risk for injury presented by the mechanical components of automatic conveyors, those risks pale in comparison to the other hazards present in most warehouses.

For instance, forklift-related injuries are far more common than conveyor system injuries, with incidents nearing 100,000 per year. Other common injuries include those resulting from slips/falls and repetitive movements. Given that automating processes with a conveyor system can reduce your facility’s reliance on forklifts and heavy lifting, they can support a safer workplace overall.

Streamlined Operating Costs

Finally, conveyor systems can help you streamline operating costs by cutting overhead, reducing the incidence of workplace accidents, and making more efficient use of labor hours. A reduced incidence of human error and accidental losses can minimize costs from lost or misallocated product while preventing returns from customers as well. The end result is a more efficient and more profitable warehouse facility.

Designing an Effective Warehouse Conveyor System

While there are many advantages to conveyor belts in a warehouse, there are some limitations as well. The primary disadvantage of a conveyor system is it tends to be fairly inflexible once it’s installed. Often, warehouse facilities need some major infrastructural changes in order to accommodate conveyors, so it’s important to consult with experts when considering a new system.

Using our FasTrak design services, our professionals at PWD can help you design the perfect conveyor system that can overcome the hurdles most facilities experience. Our services include layout design, equipment specification, and budgeting, making it both comprehensive and efficient. To learn more, get in touch with Precision Warehouse Design.

Warehouse Conveyor FAQs

Warehouse space is at a premium, and expansion is quickly becoming less viable for many organizations. As such, many organizations are looking for ways to optimize their space utilization. In this article, we’ll discuss warehousing optimization methods that don’t require expanding your square footage.

Importance of Warehousing Optimization

Optimizing space utilization in your warehouse is vital to making the most use of your available square footage. Some of the benefits of warehouse optimization include the following.

Avoid Maxing Out Warehouse Capacity

Reaching maximum warehouse capacity can be harmful to your operations. When shelves get too full, it takes longer to make adjustments to your inventory, which can be especially detrimental when seasonal changes come.

Ultimately, reaching your warehouse capacity can create a bottleneck in your supply chain, making for a less efficient process. Optimizing storage is a way to prevent that.

Streamline Operating Costs

With more breathing room, an optimized warehouse is able to operate more efficiently. There are fewer bottlenecks in your picking and putting processes, and you don’t need to invest in a larger facility, saving on overhead and building maintenance costs.

Avoid Expansion

Among the most important benefits of warehouse organization today is the fact that it allows you to do more with less overall space. The share of available warehouse space has declined significantly since 2016, making it harder than ever to secure additional square footage when needed. Maximizing the use of space in your existing facilities can save on revenue and overhead, both now and in the future.

General Ways to Improve Space Utilization in Your Warehouse

While the concept of optimizing warehouse space utilization sounds great, it can be difficult to know where to start. These general tactics can help you get started.

Expand Upward, Not Outward

If you need to increase your shelving space, it helps to think in three dimensions. Consider how much overhead space is available in your warehouse and how you might best utilize it. Taller shelves can help, as can advanced technologies.

There are many solutions that can help you maximize the use of vertical space in your facility, including vertical lift modules, vertical carousels, and mezzanines for elevated storage space. Hanging conveyors can relocate sortation and fulfillment processes from the floor to overhead space, further minimizing the horizontal square footage you need in order to operate.

Minimize Aisle Space

Keeping aisle space to a minimum can also help you optimize storage in your facility. Consider the amount of space personnel and forklifts need to move, pick/put product, and turn around, and use those measurements to build narrower aisles.

Aisle space can also be further reduced—or in some cases, eliminated entirely—by using automated warehousing solutions such as The Perfect Pick system, which is ideal for smaller items, or pallet shuttle systems, which can reduce the need for bulky forklifts.

Adjust Beams

Sometimes saving a few vertical inches here and there can add up to an extra layer of storage space across your facility. In most cases, the clearance needed for boxes and pallets is only six inches, so if you have shelving with more than that much clearance, it may be worthwhile to lower beams to create extra overhead space. Planning warehouse layout is simple with a well-tuned design system such as PWD’s FasTrak services.

Streamline Inventory

Sometimes, inventory becomes obsolete. In fact, estimates indicate that as much as 20% to 30% of inventory in well-run companies could be completely obsolete, so it’s important to cycle it out when necessary.

By cutting out dead SKUs with slow—or no—turnover, you can maximize available space for items that will actually move through your facility. In addition, placing high-turnover SKUs in easy-to-access areas can help you optimize your operations, saving on overhead and preventing bottlenecks.

Implement Warehousing Software

Finally, software solutions can help you manage your warehouse more efficiently by giving you access to valuable data. Warehouse management systems (WMS) have become highly popular, with their global market reaching $2.94 billion in 2021 and projected to continue growing in the future.

These systems can help you determine which SKUs are becoming obsolete, which ones need to be placed in easy-access areas, and even when you need to scale available item counts up or down to meet seasonal needs. Other software systems can also help you automate your processes, making it easier to make the most of your available space.

Warehouse Capacity FAQs

Warehouse Organization Solutions from PWD

If you’re concerned about reaching your warehouse’s capacity, we can help you design the perfect solution. At Precision Warehouse Design, we have multiple strategies for helping you consolidate inventory, streamline storage systems, and adapt to fluctuations in demand. To learn more about what we can do for you, get in touch.

Keeping an eye on your inventory is key to optimizing warehouse processes and fulfilling orders in a prompt and reliable manner. This is why supply chain and inventory visibility are so vital to managing operations.

What Is Supply Chain Visibility?

Supply chain visibility refers to your ability to track the location, number, and status of objects at any point in a supply chain. Its impact is significant, with research showing that retailers lose a total of $1.1 trillion worldwide as a result of inventory distortion. By improving inventory visibility, you’re able to make informed changes to eliminate delays, prevent errors, and reduce waste.

5 Benefits of Improving Visibility in the Supply Chain

Improving visibility in your supply chain is important regardless of the scale of your operations. Taking measures to improve inventory visibility can help you in the following ways.

1. Reduce Stockouts and Overstocks

First, increasing your inventory visibility allows you to reduce stockouts and overstocks. When you know how many of a given item you need to keep in stock, it’s easier to meet demand without wasting storage space. The potential financial impact of doing so is significant: reducing stockouts and overstocks can lower your inventory costs by about 10%.

2. Reduce Late Shipments

The second benefit of creating a more visible supply chain is a reduction in late shipments. In fact, in 2017, a survey revealed that 34% of businesses had late shipments resulting from stockouts, so by keeping a closer eye on your inventory, you’re better able to plan ahead and make shipments on time.

3. Improve Order Accuracy

Order accuracy is key when it comes to supply chain fulfillment, and visibility over your inventory can help improve that as well. For instance, out-of-stock items may require splitting the order into separate shipments, increasing the odds that something will go wrong.

4. Increase Adaptability

A real-time view of your inventory and supply chain processes gives you more data to work with, and that data can be analyzed to find common trends. By tracking data on each item, it’s possible to adapt more quickly to surges and declines in demand.

5. Improve Overall Efficiency

All these benefits boil down to improving your warehouse’s overall efficiency. With fewer stockouts, less overstock, and fewer errors in your supply chain and fulfillment processes, you’re able to operate with less wasted revenue, increasing your facility’s overall profitability.

Strategies to Increase Inventory Visibility

There are a number of systems, software, and practices that can be used to improve inventory visibility in your facility. A few of these strategies include those described below.

Use a Warehouse Management System

One of the most powerful ways to improve visibility in the supply chain is to use a warehouse management system (WMS). This software stores data to give you a full view of receiving, allocation, picking, packing, shipping, and other processes, and it includes systems that give you more control over your operations.

Expedite Cycle Counting

Regular cycle counting can help you verify data in your WMS database, and the right physical infrastructure can make that easier. Giving personnel full view of items makes it easy to conduct routine counts and tell when items are about to run out.

We actually offer a number of racking systems and picking modules that can help in this area, including:

• Selective pallet racks
• Pallet flow racks
• Push back racks
• Drive-in racks
• Pick modules

Each of these systems makes it easy for personnel to physically see palletized or boxed product, expediting counts.

Automate Inventory Picking

Automated inventory picking can be linked to your WMS, making it possible to track inventory counts in real time. For instance, automated pallet shuttles and our perfect pick system can both help you improve inventory visibility.

Implement Radiofrequency Devices and Barcoding

Scanning, pick to light, and RF devices also serve to automatically update your warehouse’s central database, making inventory visibility fast, precise, and completely up-to-date.

Inventory Visibility FAQs

Improve Inventory Visibility with Precision Warehouse Design

Precision Warehouse Design offers a wide range of products and software systems that can help you improve inventory visibility in your facility. To learn more, get in touch.