A gravity flow system can
accommodate everything from the fastest-moving items to slow movers to
odd-shaped merchandise.
As importantly, you can store the same amount of merchandise in half the
space required by static shelving.
A typical system integrates components into a series of bays, so you
can arrange all your goods in family groupings in their natural picking
sequence.
Here's What Could Be In a Gravity System:
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1. Gravity Flow Shelves handle the medium to fast moving items -- typically about 90% of the goods in most systems. |
2. Static Shelves accommodate very slow movers and odd shapes, usually about 5% of the total. These shelves can fit within bays or attach to the outside at the ends of each row to keep goods close to their normal picking sequence. Static and gravity flow shelves are interchangeable for easy rearrangement at any time. |
3. Pallet Flow Shelves are for the fastest-moving items, usually 5%. They normally hold two pallets in a single bay. As with carton flow, the pallets move by gravity from the restock side to the picking position. Empty pallets are returned to the restocking aisle through the return shelf.
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4. Overhead Storage
Rack in one, two, or three levels enables utilization of all
available storage space. It allows for immediate replenishment of
your fastest movers -- no time is lost waiting for reserves to be
brought from other storage areas. Single- and double-width pallet
bays make it possible to handle the full range of pallet sizes. |
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Application
Guide 1.
Use flow rack when the average order consists
of multiple items, but only a few pieces per item. 2.
The rack system should be deep enough to hold a 3-5day
supply of the average item. 3.
For faster moving items, assign more than one lane or
restock more often. 4.
Pick items which are ordered in large quantities from a pallet
flow lane (usually 5% of the line).
5. Place extremely slow movers (usually 5% of the total line) on static shelves.
6.
Use gravity flow shelves for split case or full case-picking. 7.
Use carton-tilt shelves with 10° layback vertical frame,
when picking from open cases of similar size or totes. 8.
Use standard straight shelves and standard square front
vertical shelves when picking full cases. 9. Use carton flow systems to handle any weight package you can comfortably lift.
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Standard vertical frame and shelf combinations: |
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Squarefront vertical frame with straight shelves. Used when picking full cases. Examples: canned goods, wine. |
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10° layback vertical frame with straight shelves. Used when picking from open cases, when cases vary in size. Examples: health and beauty aids. |
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10° layback vertical frame with carton tilt shelves. Used when picking from open cases, when cases are similar in size. Examples: liquor, paperback books. |
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