Introduction

The objectives of this chapter are to:

• Review operational layout or design parameters and operational characteristics

• Identify and evaluate master carton and pallet storage transaction vehicles, storage devices, and rack and transport concepts

• Review methods and technologies to improve employee productivity, and to examine storage capacity, position identification, and inventory control

• Review vendor-delivered UOP and CO piece flow

Awareness and understanding of design parameters and storage operation characteristics are key factors in designing and operating a facility. Improvements in master carton or pallet storage and transport activity increase company profits and improve customer service.

For quick and easy reference to key topics covered in Chapter 3, the following outline is provided.

• Storage area design parameters

  • Peak, average, and most frequent handling volumes

  • Three-month average or three-month moving average storage volumes

  • SKU position projection

  • Inventory stratification

  • SILO inventory scrap concept

• Facility design considerations

• Storage area design factors

• Master carton and pallet

  • Dimensions

  • Pallet types

  • Pallet materials

  • Block and stringer designs

  • Components

• Slip sheet

  • Material

  • Designs

  • Forklift truck attachments

• How to secure cartons on a pallet

• Master carton and pallet storage components and concepts

  • Position identification location

  • Floor stock or block and stacking frames

  • Decked or hand-stacked in standard pallet racks

  • Standard or slotted angle iron shelves

  • Standard pallet rack components, dimensions, and designs

  • Double deep racks

  • Bridge or bridge and aisle racks

  • Drive-in racks

  • Drive-through racks

  • Mobile or sliding shelves or racks

  • Gravity flow racks

  • Air flow racks

  • Push-back racks

  • Cantilever racks

  • AS/RS high-rise racks

  • Car-in or mole racks

  • Sort...