Row storage is one of the most popular ways of spatial organization, which in certain circumstances definitely comes out most favorably among all competitive solutions due to the high possibility of adapting racks to one’s own needs. However, it is not a perfect option, so it is worth knowing what it involves, when it works, and when it is more beneficial to bet on another method.
Storing goods is an integral part of warehouse processes, but it accompanies us not only there. We see it after all during moves or when space on shelves runs out and books, CDs or movies start to grow… in piles. It is also a storage method. What are its disadvantages and advantages? We rather checked this on our own example. Storage methods are characterized, among others, by the fact that already at first glance we can state what the advantages of individual ones are. And row storage is, of course in great simplification, such storage in piles, just on a higher level of organization. Row storage is the most convenient from the perspective of people operating the warehouse, because it allows free access to load units in each of the rows. We have access to SKU thanks to corridors located between rows. The rows themselves allow storage on one or many levels, stacking piles and other combinations. Row storage works well in a situation where we have many load units and a small number of a single warehouse index. SKUs stored in this way can be conveniently managed thanks to integration with the WMS system .[grve_title title=”Row storage – what are the advantages of this solution?” heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h2″]
One could say that what the advantages of row storage are, everyone sees, but it is worth realizing them.
- Adaptation to any warehouse space,
- storage of loads of various dimensions and mass,
- easy access to every stored unit (most often),
- low costs,
- easy work organization.
Depending on what and how we want to store, row rack slots can be filled in various ways. Chipboard or metal panel? There are many solutions. Thanks to modification possibilities, row racks can serve to store goods in boxes, containers or simply loose. Row racks are grateful in operation and easy in maintenance. If they are damaged in some way, their elements are easily replaced, although one should remember to consult with the supplier of these structures, because acting on one’s own may mean loss of warranty.[grve_title title=”Does row storage have any disadvantages?” heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h2″]
Like all methods, row storage is not a perfect way. The main problem is how much space the organization of storage in such a way takes up. The necessity to mark out aisles between all racks causes the space intended for storage to decrease, which boils down to the fact that the warehouse space utilization rate is quite low and amounts to from 20% to 60%. However, if we do not have to store a huge amount of goods, it is a very convenient option both in terms of assembly, service, as well as operation. The second most frequently used solution in warehouses is block storage, which indeed increases the space utilization rate, but also has its disadvantages. How does row storage compare to block storage? We encourage you to read our article “What is block storage?” to know the answer to this question.