Glossary

Flow Rack

Definition

A flow rack, also known as a gravity flow rack or carton flow rack, is a storage system used in warehouses and distribution centers. It enables inventory management in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) manner through slightly inclined shelves equipped with rollers or skate wheels. This arrangement allows goods to slide from the loading side to the picking side, utilizing gravity to assist in movement. As items are picked from the front, new items loaded from the back maintain a continuous flow, ensuring older stock is used first.

— sennder Team

FAQ

- **Improved space utilization:** Maximizes available storage area. - **Enhanced efficiency:** Facilitates quicker and more accurate picking. - **FIFO inventory management:** Automatically prioritizes older stock. - **Reduced labor costs:** Minimizes manual handling, cutting down labor expenses.
- **Retail and e-commerce:** For consumer goods and packaged products. - **Food and beverage:** Helps manage perishable items and ensures proper rotation. - **Manufacturing:** Useful for raw materials, in-progress and finished goods. - **Automotive:** Effective for organizing and storing parts and components.
Flow racks utilize inclined shelves with rollers or skate wheels, letting items slide down by gravity, contrasting traditional pallet racking that requires forklift access. This design supports FIFO management and increases picking efficiency.
Consider these factors: - **Types of items:** Best for medium-sized goods in cartons. - **Inventory management method:** Ideal if FIFO is required. - **Available space:** Excellent for maximizing limited space. - **Picking efficiency:** Streamlines the picking process for quicker operations.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

In road freight logistics, a company may use flow racks in its warehouse to streamline the storage and management of consumer goods that require FIFO inventory management. This system ensures older items are picked first, reduces obsolescence, maximizes space, and enhances picking efficiency without relying on forklifts or other heavy equipment.

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