Hey there! I’m a supplier of Push Back Racking, and I’ve been in this game for quite a while. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how this type of racking system can have a major impact on order picking efficiency in a warehouse or distribution center. So, let’s dive into how Push Back Racking affects order picking efficiency. Push Back Racking
First off, let’s talk about what Push Back Racking actually is. It’s a high – density storage system that allows pallets to be stored one behind the other in a lane. The pallets sit on carts that are mounted on inclined rails. When a new pallet is loaded, it pushes the existing pallets back along the rails. When it comes to order picking, this setup has some unique features that can either boost or pose challenges to efficiency.
One of the biggest advantages of Push Back Racking is its high – density storage capacity. In a traditional selective racking system, each pallet location requires direct access, which means a lot of aisle space. But with Push Back Racking, you can store multiple pallets deep in a single lane. This reduces the amount of aisle space needed in the warehouse. As a result, you can fit more inventory in the same amount of floor space.
This high – density storage is great for order picking efficiency in terms of inventory management. When you have more inventory stored in a smaller area, it’s easier to keep track of what you have. You can group similar items together in the same lanes, which makes it quicker for pickers to find the products they need. For example, if you’re dealing with a large number of different SKUs, you can organize them in a logical way within the Push Back Racking system. This reduces the time pickers spend walking around the warehouse looking for items, which directly translates to improved order picking efficiency.
Another aspect is the flow of pallets in the system. Push Back Racking operates on a last – in, first – out (LIFO) principle. This can be a huge advantage in certain situations. For businesses that deal with products that have a long shelf life or where the order of inventory movement isn’t critical, the LIFO system works just fine. When a picker needs a pallet, they can simply access the one at the front of the lane. The system is designed to make this process smooth and easy. The inclined rails and the cart mechanism ensure that the pallets move forward easily when the front one is removed. This smooth flow means that pickers can get to the products quickly, without having to struggle with moving heavy pallets around manually.
On the other hand, there are a few things about Push Back Racking that could potentially affect order picking efficiency in a negative way. The LIFO principle can be a drawback for products with short shelf – lives. If your business deals with perishable goods or items that have a limited manufacturing date, using a LIFO system might lead to issues. You could end up with older inventory sitting at the back of the lanes while newer products are being picked first. This can result in a situation where you have to do extra work to access the older inventory before it expires, which slows down the order picking process.
Also, the initial setup and design of Push Back Racking is crucial. If the lanes are not set up correctly in terms of the number of pallet positions deep and the width of the lanes, it can cause problems. For example, if the lanes are too deep, it can be difficult for pickers to access the pallets at the back. There could be more resistance when pushing the pallets back, and it might take longer to get to the desired products. And if the lanes are too narrow, the forklift operators might have a hard time maneuvering, which can increase the time taken to load and unload pallets, thus affecting order picking efficiency.
Maintenance is another factor. Push Back Racking has moving parts, like the carts and the rails. If these parts are not maintained properly, they can break down or become less efficient. A damaged cart might not move smoothly, which can make it difficult to push the pallets back and retrieve them. This means that pickers will have to wait while the maintenance team fixes the problem, and that’s time lost from the order picking process. Regular inspections and maintenance of the Push Back Racking system are essential to keep order picking efficiency high.
In addition, training plays a big role. Forklift operators and pickers need to be properly trained to use Push Back Racking. They need to understand how the system works, how to load and unload pallets safely and efficiently, and how to troubleshoot minor issues. Without proper training, they might make mistakes, like pushing the pallets too hard or not loading them correctly, which can lead to jams in the system or damage to the pallets and the racking itself. All these mistakes can slow down order picking.
Let’s talk about some real – world examples. I’ve worked with a few businesses, and in one case, a company switched from a selective racking system to Push Back Racking. Before the switch, their order pickers were spending a lot of time walking between different pallet locations in the wide aisles. After installing Push Back Racking, they were able to re – organize their inventory more efficiently. They grouped similar products together in the lanes, and the pickers could access multiple pallets of the same item from a single lane. As a result, they saw a significant reduction in the time it took to pick orders. Their order picking efficiency increased by about 30% in just a few months.
But in another case, a business didn’t consider the LIFO principle when they installed Push Back Racking for their perishable goods. They started to have problems with expired inventory at the back of the lanes. They had to spend extra time and resources to move the pallets around to access the older products, which actually decreased their order picking efficiency. It took them a while to find a solution, like re – evaluating their product mix and adjusting their inventory management strategies.
So, as you can see, Push Back Racking can have a huge impact on order picking efficiency, both positive and negative. It’s all about understanding how the system works, carefully planning its installation, and making sure it’s maintained and used correctly.
If you’re thinking about improving your order picking efficiency in your warehouse or distribution center, Push Back Racking could be a great option. But it’s important to do your research and talk to an expert. As a supplier, I’ve helped many businesses make the right decision about their racking systems. If you want to learn more about how Push Back Racking can work for you, or if you’re interested in a quote or a consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be more than happy to have a chat about your specific needs and see how we can make your order picking process more efficient.
Flow Racks References
- "Warehouse Storage Systems: Design and Application"
- "Materials Handling Handbook"
- Industry reports on warehouse automation and storage systems
Nanjing Jinhui Storage Equipment Co.,Ltd
JINHUI is one of the leading push back racking manufacturers and suppliers in China, engaged in customized service. Feel free to buy the best quality push back racking at competitive price for sale from our warehouse and get quotation from our factory.
Address: NO.22, Ankang Road, Guli concentrated zone, Nanjing City, China.
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