The correct storage of items in an industrial company is an important activity that requires the use of an effective and functional system. Of the different options available, racking and pallet storage are the most common. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two industrial storage methods, their advantages and disadvantages, in order to help you choose the one that best suits your business needs.
Shelf storage
The shelf storage system involves the use of fixed or mobile shelves to arrange the goods in an orderly and accessible way. This system is ideal for storing small to medium sized items, which can be efficiently organized on the various shelving units. There are different types of industrial shelves, among which the most common are the following:
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Interlocking shelves: they are easily assembled and disassembled, suitable for situations where the space configuration changes frequently.
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Rail shelves: these have rails on which the pallet hangers slide, allowing easy access to individual items.
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Gravity Racks: Use the force of gravity to move pallets from one side of the rack to the other, without the need for electricity.
Advantages of shelving
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Greater accessibility: thanks to the arrangement on different levels, the articles are easily accessible and identifiable.
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Optimal use of space: the multi-level organization allows you to make the best use of the available space, increasing storage capacity.
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Flexibility: the different types of shelving allow you to customize the storage system according to the needs of the company.
Disadvantages of shelving
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Reduced load capacity: the maximum weight that can be supported by each shelf is less than that of a pallet.
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Greater complexity in handling: the items must be picked up and placed individually, increasing handling times.
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Fewer opportunities for automation: The rack storage system does not lend itself well to automation, limiting the use of innovative solutions such as robots.
Pallet storage
Pallet storage, as the name suggests, involves the use of pallets to place items on. This storage method is ideal for storing large or heavy goods, such as building materials, machinery, food products, electronics, etc.
Advantages of pallet storage
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Greater load capacity: Pallets are designed to support heavy weights, increasing storage capacity.
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Simplified handling: pallets can be picked up and put away easily, without having to handle each item individually.
- Advanced Automation: The pallet storage system is highly automatable, allowing for the use of robots, forklifts and other automated handling tools.
Disadvantages of pallet storage
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Larger Footprint: Pallet storage requires more space than shelving.
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Limited accessibility: Pallets must be stacked on top of each other, making access to individual items more difficult.
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Limitations in customization: Pallets have standardized dimensions, limiting the possibility to customize the storage system.
