By Rainee | 13 December 2022 | 1 Comments
Shuttle Rack vs Drive-In Rack vs Selective Rack
What is Shuttle Rack?
Shuttle rack is a compact semi-automated warehouse storage solution that is typically used in conjunction with pallet racks to load and unload the goods by Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). AGVs are remotely controlled by an operator storing or retrieving the stock. The items on them can be transferred from the deepest part of the shuttle system to either end of the rack, then forklifts will pick them up. That’s why the shuttle rack is a semi-automated system.
Advantage of Shuttle Rack
Available for FIFO or LIFO
The shuttle system can be designed for either First In First Out inventory management or First In Last Out inventory management, it depends on where the system you tend to install.Human Resource Saving
AGVs can move the goods in a repetitive manner to save operating time and increase the productivity of the shuttle system.Maximum Storage Space
The aisle can be built closer and the horizontal and vertical extension of rankings can maximize the storage space and optimize the operation in warehouses.Low Workplace Accident Rates
As AGVs will shuttle between the systems to pick up or deposit the pallets, warehouse staff do not need to go through the racking with the risk of cargo falling or the collapse of the racking.Extended Racking Specifications
Shuttle systems can be extended horizontally and vertically to increase the racking depth and the height of the racking structure and eliminate aisles.Disadvantages of Shuttle Rack
High Maintenance Requirement
The automated equipment will require specialized personnel to operate and maintain regularly. The AGVs run on rails inside the racking channels. Hence the breakdown of AGVs may affect the working plan and cause losses.High Cost of AGVs
As the transportation of the items depends on the remote control, an upfront investment cost will be required.Not Suitable for Piece Picking Operation
As goods are moved on pallets, single-piece picking is not allowed in shuttle systems.What is Drive-In Rack?
Drive In Rack is a high-density pallet racking system operated by forklifts. By eliminating aisles, its storage capacity is up to 80% more than the selective racking system. Click Why Choose Drive-in Pallet Rack for Warehouse for more information.Advantage of Drive-in Rack
High Volumes of the same SKUs(Stock Keeping Units)
The LIFO inventory system makes drive-in racks suitable for large quantities of the same and similar products.Highly Customizable
Drive-in rack can adjust its height, width and depth to fit the warehouse space or specific requirements.Disadvantages of Drive-in Rack
Poor stability
Drive-in Rack is the least stable racking system. The upright column is the main support.High risk of damage
As the forklifts need to drive through the uprights and into the system, the upright column is exposed to the risk of a crash from the forklifts.LIFO Inventory System
In the drive-in pallet system, the first in will be the last out. The old items will not be used before the new items in front d they being moved out.Low Range of SKUs
The LIFO will limit the type of goods stored in the drive-in system, such as food, drink, cigarette and frozen products or low stock rotation products, or some seasonal items that move quickly.High Rack Cost
To increase and ensure stability, several accessories are necessary,Medium to Wide Aisles Required for Handling
As the width of aisles depends on the size of forklifts used in drive-in racks, the usage rate reduces.What is Selective Rack?
The selective rack is the most commonly used warehouse racking system. It allows warehouse operators to select and retrieve any pallet load from the system without having to move other pallets. That’s why the rack is called “selective”. It has the lowest storage capacity but the lowest cost. Click Selective Rack - The Most Popular Racking System for more information.Advantage of Selective Rack
High Range of SKUs
The system can store different types of goods in various sizes and specifications and be changed to fit different.Available for FIFO or LIFO
Selective racking system has no limit on the inventory systems, the optimal placement depends on the warehouse layout. Contact Heda Shelves for professional advice.Easy movement
Warehouse operators and forklifts can reach any item directly.Assembled & Disassembled Simply
The system can be adjusted or moved easily to meet the needs of storage requirements.Disadvantages of Selective Rack
Low space usage
Aisles must be left between selective racks. Accordingly, storage capacity reduces.High Cost for High Volume Storage
Selective systems take up lots of space which makes them not suitable for high-volume requirements and their height is limited to no more than 10m.Which kind of racking system are most suitable for your warehouse?
We will tell you that it mainly depends on:
Types of items you store
Drive-in rack and shuttle system are not well-suited for single-piece picking while selective rack makes quick retrieving available. Accordingly, the latter is a good choice to store a high range of SKUs with a small number.For goods with a high throughput rate, shuttle racks with AGVs can increase the flow of goods in and out of the warehouse. Unlike drive-in systems, items of shuttle systems can be grouped by channels, rather than requiring a full lane, making the storage of high ranges of SKUs available.
Equipment you own
The size of your forklifts may affect the aisles of selective racks and drive-in racks and shuttle systems do not need to consider it by using AGVs.Ability of Your Forklift Driver
Selective racks and drive-in racks need to take the risk of the crashes of forklifts while it is not a problem for shuttle systems.Budget for Storage System
the budget you calculate according to the size of your warehouse. Because of its affordable price and regular style, the selective rack is the most common system among them. By contrast, high-density storage may be the biggest advantage but the cost is a bit high than the selective rack. However, the shuttle system is the most efficient storage solution without a doubt as it operates semi-automatically which reduces people's repetitive activity. It needs a costly investment cost but the operating cost reduces.Cost of Local Human Resource
Obviously, it is a battle between automated equipment and human labor. The cost of local human resources may take into consideration.About Heda
Guangzhou Heda Shelves Co., Ltd, located in Pazhou - the Exhibition based of Chinese Import & Export Fair Complex, is a professional manufacturer specializing in designing, manufacturing, selling and installing all types of warehouse racking systems like mezzanine for sale, heavy duty shelving on wheels, pallet rack mezzanine and radio shuttle, supermarket storage shelves like black gondola shelving and wood lozier gondola, store display rack like tool display racks and slatwall freestanding display. We keep making shelves with good quality and providing first-class professional service for 20 years.Recently Reviews
Read MoreLeave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked. *
POPULAR BLOG
- Advantages of Gondola Shelving - Why It Is Popular In Retailing
- 9 Ideas To Attract Customers By In-store Merchandising Displays
- Advantages & Features of Pallet Rack Mezzanine for Warehouse
- Fruit And Veg Display Stand - The Best Types & Layout Suggestions
- How To Boost Sales for Shops With Product Display
CATEGORIES