Dynamic Storage Systems
Dynamic storage systems use gravity, rollers, or moving components to maximize your warehouse footprint. Unlike static racking, dynamic systems allow you to drastically increase your storage density without locking away your inventory or blocking aisle access.
DYNAMIC STORAGE SYSTEMS TYPES
PUSH-BACK RACK
Push back racking offers the same storage density as drive-in racks but with greater selectivity. All loads are stored and retrieved from the aisle. Loads in each lane rest on a cart on a rail that slopes slightly toward the front. When a new load is deposited into a lane, it ‘pushes back’ the one already at the face and all of those behind it. Then, when that load is picked, the contents of the lane all move forward again, hence the term “Push Back Racking”.
PALLET-FLOW
Pallet Flow racking systems fully utilize the available storage space while ensuring the faces along the picking aisle remain regularly stocked. In this first-in/first-out (FIFO) system, pallets are loaded at the top end of the slightly inclined rack and glide safely and effortlessly at a controlled pace to the other side. These heavy-duty systems are designed for years of trouble-free operation with rugged load-bearing wheels.
CONVEYOR SYSTEMS
Order picking is often the most important function in warehouses and distribution centers. With conveyor systems, warehouse operations can run with maximum efficiency.
CARTON-FLOW
Carton Flow Rack can be used for both cartons and pallets. The systems may be many units deep and are most often used in situations where the carton or pallet at the front is going to be picked first.
SPAN TRACK
Span track's drop-in design fits to any pallet racking structure, therefore, converting an existing static pallet racking system into a dynamic storage system is done quickly and inexpensively.
COMPARE DYNAMIC STORAGE SYSTEMS
| System | Industries & Applications | Inventory Rotation | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push Back Racking | Food & beverage distribution, cold storage, manufacturing, automotive parts, wholesale distribution, 3PL warehouses with multiple pallets per SKU | LIFO | High-density pallet storage, increased capacity, fewer aisles required, improved forklift efficiency |
| Pallet Flow Racking | Food & beverage, grocery distribution, pharmaceutical, cold storage, high-volume manufacturing, warehouses requiring strict inventory rotation | FIFO | Automatic pallet movement, improved stock rotation, ideal for perishable or date-sensitive products |
| Carton Flow Racking | E-commerce fulfillment, retail distribution, parts storage, automotive service centres, manufacturing assembly areas | FIFO | Faster order picking, improved SKU organization, ergonomic picking positions |
| Span Track Dynamic Carton Flow | Existing pallet rack warehouses, distribution centres, e-commerce operations, parts departments, manufacturing facilities | FIFO | Converts existing pallet rack into carton flow picking lanes, improves order fulfillment efficiency without major rack replacement |
| Conveyor Systems | E-commerce fulfillment centres, parcel distribution, 3PL warehouses, manufacturing production lines, high-volume distribution facilities | N/A | Automates product movement, reduces manual handling, improves throughput and workflow |
DYNAMIC STORAGE SYSTEMS BENEFITS
Increased Storage Density
The key benefit of Dynamic Storage Systems is the increase in storage density, which allows for maximum warehouse footprint use
Improved Accessibility
Inventory retrieval is designed conveniently so that accessibility is not lost due to the increase in storage density
Reduction in Labour Needs
With increased accessibility, dynamic storage systems allow for a reduction in labour costs due to increased efficiency of order picking and material handling
DYNAMIC STORAGE SYSTEMS FAQ
Dynamic storage systems are warehouse storage solutions that use gravity-assisted movement through rollers, carts, or rails to move pallets or products closer to the picking area.
Dynamic pallet storage increases warehouse capacity, improves inventory accessibility, reduces wasted aisle space, and can improve picking efficiency.
Push back racking typically uses LIFO inventory rotation and allows loading and unloading from the same aisle. Pallet flow racking uses FIFO inventory rotation, with pallets loaded from one side and retrieved from the opposite side.
Dynamic storage is better for warehouses storing multiple pallets of the same SKU or requiring higher density. Selective pallet racking is better when every pallet requires direct access.
Space savings depend on warehouse layout, inventory profile, aisle requirements, and system design. A warehouse storage expert can evaluate the best solution based on pallet quantities and operational needs.
Yes. Dynamic systems can often be integrated into existing warehouse layouts to increase capacity without expanding the building footprint.
DYNAMIC STORAGE SYSTEMS RESOURCES
