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What are the different warehouse storage systems, and for what type of merchandise are they used ?

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Question added by Wasi Rahman Sheikh , Warehouse Supervisor , AL MUTLAQ FURNITURE MFG
Date Posted: 2016/03/26
Mohammed  Ashraf
by Mohammed Ashraf , Director of International Business , Saqr Al-Khayala Group

The warehouse is the most common type of storage though other forms do exist (e.g., storage tanks, computer server farms). Some warehouses are massive structures that simultaneously support the unloading of numerous in-bound trucks and railroad cars containing suppliers’ products while at the same time loading multiple trucks for shipment to customers.

Below we discuss five types of warehouses:

Private Warehouse

This type of warehouse is owned and operated by channel suppliers and resellers and used in their own distribution activity. For instance, a major retail chain may have several regional warehouses supplying their stores or a wholesaler will operate a warehouse at which it receives and distributes products.

Public Warehouse

The public warehouse is essentially space that can be leased to solve short-term distribution needs. Retailers that operate their own private warehouses may occasionally seek additional storage space if their facilities have reached capacity or if they are making a special, large purchase of products. For example, retailers may order extra merchandise to prepare for in-store sales or order a large volume of a product that is offered at a low promotional price by a supplier.

Automated Warehouse

With advances in computer and robotics technology many warehouses now have automated capabilities. The level of automation ranges from a small conveyor belt transporting products in a small area all the way up to a fully automated facility where only a few people are needed to handle storage activity for thousands of pounds/kilograms of product. In fact, many warehouses use machines to handle nearly all physical distribution activities such as moving product-filled pallets (i.e., platforms that hold large amounts of product) around buildings that may be several stories tall and the length of two or more football fields.

Climate-Controlled Warehouse

Warehouses handle storage of many types of products including those that need special handling conditions such as freezers for storing frozen products, humidity-controlled environments for delicate products, such as produce or flowers, and dirt-free facilities for handling highly sensitive computer products.

Distribution Center

There are some warehouses where product storage is considered a very temporary activity. These warehouses serve as points in the distribution system at which products are received from many suppliers and quickly shipped out to many customers. In some cases, such as with distribution centers handling perishable food (e.g., produce), most of the product enters in the early morning and is distributed by the end of the day.

Ahmed Mohamed Ayesh Sarkhi
by Ahmed Mohamed Ayesh Sarkhi , Shared Services Supervisor , Saudi Musheera Co. Ltd.

wait more details from expert on this field

 

MUBARAK INAY TULLA KHAN
by MUBARAK INAY TULLA KHAN , Procurement Manager , UNIT7 CONTRACTING EST. RIYADH.

The storage is having several type of storage.

a. Racking system. Heavy Duty.

b. Palletized system. ( Wooden pallet / Plastic Pallets.)

c. Cabinets for electronic and costly items, but no need more space.

d. Self cabinet system.

Agree with above mention answer by experts

Vikas Bachhuka
by Vikas Bachhuka , Sales Manager - Tire, Lubs & Batteries , ALI ALGHANIM & SONS AUTOMOTIVE CO.

There are two different types of storage systems (i) Manual (ii) Automatic. It all depends on your cost/benefit analysis for your particular company as these systems vary from the kinds of products you are dealing with from shape to the size of the product. But some of the popular storage systems for small items include AutoStore, and warehouse carousel systems. If you are looking at manual storage system then the latest include Pick to Light systems, they are efficient where a person walks through and picks according to light indications provided by your WMS software. For Larger items much popular are Miniload or Unit load systems, moreover you can also go semi automatic by including conveyor belts whereby it decreases the travel distance for your picker but again it can decrease your warehouse space utilization. So it depends, if you can give more specific details then maybe we can provide you with more structuring.

 

Given below are list of merchandises and different warehousing technique uesd.

Versatility / Limited, fixed spaceSelective - palletized product such as books and packaged foodsMovirack (not available in US) - flat goods and small goodsUnit Load AS/RS for Pallets - obviously palletized productMiniload AS/RS for Totes & Carton Boxes - obviously totes/containers and carton boxesMT stacker cranes - palletized product such as archives, files, documents, and hard dataLarge quantities, few itemsDrive-In/ Drive-Thru - refrigerators, TVsPush-Back Rack - perishable/fresh goods such as fruit, vegetables, and dairySmall quantities, many itemsWide Span Shelving - consumer goods such as cereal boxes, tissue boxes, and soup cansBoltless Shelving - paper bundles and office suppliesOptimize space, with space to build upMezzanine - artwork, drywall, excess goodsRack-supported buildings - almost everything, esp. high-density itemsAS/RS - almost everything, esp. high-density itemsClasimat and Clasmiat Basic vertical carousels - clothing, carpet, paper, hanging itemsLarger CapacityStructural Rack - structural rack differs from standard rack because it is made from structural steel as opposed to roll-formed steel. It is available in Selective, Cantilever, Drive-In, and Push-Back variations. - iron, mechanical tools, metal goods, bricksOddly-shaped goodsCantilever - tires, carpets, columns, beams, furnitureEfficient pickingPallet Flow, Carton Flow, Radio-shuttle, Spinblock - multiple orders, online goods warehousesSpinblock - pharmaceuticalsMiniload, Clasimat, and Clasimat Basic apply to this category as well.

Vinod Jetley
by Vinod Jetley , Assistant General Manager , State Bank of India

If you are looking for a storage system for your warehouse then make sure it is durable and can carry and support a heavy load. The storage system should provide access to the products stored in them easily and should not take up much floor space. There are different types of warehouse storage systems available especially made for warehouse purpose.

•    Pallet storage systems •    Storage cabinets

Pallet storage systems can be assembled easily. They are available in different sizes. You should buy the one that best suits your storage needs. Pallet storage systems are versatile. Pallet storage systems do not take up much floor space and hence allow you to walk freely within the warehouse. You can also customise the size of pallet storage systems depending on your needs.

For high density equipment storage in the warehouse, you can also use storage cabinets. The material stored in storage cabinets can be accessed easily. They maintain cleanliness and provide additional security with a lock and key feature. Storage cabinets used in warehouse are made specifically for warehouse purposes as they have mechanical parts and electrical components.

Warehouse storage systems are designed keeping in mind the needs of users. By using warehouse storage systems, you can easily stock your goods and even move them from one place to other. They are compatible with forklifts and other warehouse moving equipment.

You should choose your warehouse storage cabinet system carefully considering the design, storage space and the material.

Rafi Shajahan
by Rafi Shajahan , Supply Chain Coordinator , QATAR AIRWAYS

Racking System is most common for accessories

Palletized  storage for  Textiles

mezzanine floor, to increase storage capacity

 

 

Well answer add by all champion

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