Warehouse Storage and Picking Solutions for Perishable Stock

Warehouse Storage and Picking Solutions for Perishable Inventory

Most people likely think of food and beverages or pharmaceuticals when considering perishable inventory. Still, the category encompasses many products, including cosmetics, flowers and plants, chemicals, and more. While these are very different products, they have similar challenges regarding warehousing and processing. Luckily, several warehouse storage solutions work well within safe, efficient perishable inventory processing parameters. Here are the challenges and some solutions to help you optimize your warehouse storage solution. 

Warehousing Storage Concerns for Perishable Inventory 

• Efficient processing for date-sensitive inventory
• Climate control – Equipment must be resistant to damage in cold, moist environments
• Cleanliness – Rack design should allow for cleaning, incl. wash-down if required
• Compact footprint – Storage systems should maximize premium warehouse space 
• Low maintenance – Minimize expensive of repairs and downtime

Full Pallet Storage

Pallet racking systems are key to maximizing your cube space when storing palletized inventory. They create tall vertical storage that opens the floor space for other operations and keeps pallets separated while allowing easy and efficient access. Some pallet racking systems also offer dense, compact storage which helps with flow and efficiency. Typically, First-In/First-Out (FIFO) pallet rack systems are the go-to for perishable inventory; however, we have a Last-In/First-Out (LIFO) system to recommend as well –take a look.

Pallet Rack for Perishable Inventory 

• Selective rack
• Pallet flow rack
• Push-back rack
• Mobile pallet rack
• ASRS

Selective racking is a simple, single, or double-deep pallet storage rack that offers quick, easy access to pallets and can significantly take advantage of vertical space. Selective is most efficient for a high number of SKUs with low pallet volume. By placing the rack systems back-to-back, you consolidate the design and minimize aisle space. 

Note, however, that double-deep systems require a deep-reach forklift.

Pallet flow rack is a high-density gravity flow system that uses separate aisles for loading and unloading. Pallets loaded in the rear of the system flow down to the opposite pick aisle on wheeled or roller tracks. Pallet flow lanes can go deep lane up to 20+ pallets, and they are segmented by SKU, keeping inventory separate. Pallet flow systems are durable, wash-down compliant, and rated for all warehousing climates.

Push-back rack is the LIFO system that may be an unexpected inclusion on this list. Push-back systems, like pallet flow, store SKUs multiple pallets deep in individual lanes; however, it is only accessed from a single aisle. 

For perishable inventory, push-back is often designed two- to three-deep storage and fast turn applications whereby the full lane of pallets is picked at the same time, vs. other systems where a single pallet or two are picked at a time.  

Mobile pallet rack is a high-density pallet storage solution with 100% SKU accessibility. The rack rows are built on mobile carriages that move side-by-side to open aisle space and allow for forklift access. A mechanical-assisted handle or electrically-powered motor triggers row movement.

ASRS – Automated storage and retrieval systems are highly condensed storage racking that use shuttles or cranes to place and pick pallets within the system. These systems are very high-density and require less vertical height than pallet flow and push-back rack. ASRS systems operate with minimal labor force, particularly advantageous in cold warehouse environments.

 

Case & Carton Warehouse Storage

Carton flow rack is a popular storage solution in beverage distribution, cosmetics, and kitting applications, among others. It is ideal for high-density storage of cases, cartons, and individual items selected for order processing. Like pallet flow rack, it loads from the rear and flows forward to the pick aisle. It’s a great way to ensure FIFO inventory rotation, and the lanes can be segmented to ensure compliance if required.  

You can install carton flow in the lower sections of pallet rack to create a pick zone with replenishment storage above. Add conveyor, and you kick your picking application into high gear.

All Inventory, All Climate Solutions — Call Apex

The Apex team delivers full-service support for our customers, whether date-sensitive ice cream or beauty products to long-life home goods and automobile parts. If it’s your inventory, it’s important to us, and we will help you find the most effective solutions for storage and processing.

We offer warehouse design through expert installation, right through to warehouse safety inspection and rack repair. One call does it all — Call Apex to learn more.