Warehouse Storage
Racking and Shelving
Efficient storage for warehouses begins with a well-designed plan. At CSL, we create warehouse storage solutions that maximise your available space, improve picking efficiency, and streamline replenishment.
The right system depends on factors such as:
- Product type and dimensions
- Stock life cycle and turnover rate
- Throughput and picking frequency
Many warehouses benefit from a hybrid approach, combining different storage methods for maximum efficiency, such as:
- Pallet Racking, adaptable for bulk and mixed SKUs
- Live Storage, ideal for high-turnover items
- Shelving, for smaller, fast-moving goods
Pallet Racking
Our pallet racking systems offer versatile options:
- Wide Aisle: Versatile access for varied products and stock cycles.
- Narrow Aisle: Maximises vertical space for higher storage density.
- Double Deep: Doubles capacity while maintaining good selectivity.
- Drive-In / Drive-Through: High-density storage with minimal aisles, ideal for bulk handling.
- Push Back: Combines high density with efficient stock rotation.
- Pallet Line Storage: Streamlines pallet organisation for easy retrieval.
For moving pallets between storage zones, see our Pallet Conveyors and Product and Material Transit systems.
Live Storage
- Carton live: Gravity-fed rollers move cartons or totes to the pick face for FIFO stock management. Perfect for fast-moving goods and order picking processes.
- Pallet Flow – Controls pallet movement in FIFO or LIFO patterns. Pallets are loaded at one end and automatically move to the other for offloading.
See how our Order Picking systems integrate with live storage for faster fulfilment.
Shelving
Robust, configurable shelving is essential for most fulfilment centres. A strategic design maximises density and enables speedy, accurate picking.
When integrated with conveyors, shelving can enable operator-per-zone picking, boosting throughput while keeping workflows linear and efficient.
Combine shelving with Stock Replenishment processes to ensure high-demand items are always available.
Tote bins
Good quality tote bins are essential for all automated warehouses, not only for their longevity but also for automation reliability for many years.
CSL will help you select the right tote bins for your products, processes, and automation system. Such as:
- Nesting
- Trays
- Baskets
- Stackable
With over 28 years experience, we pride ourselves on delivering successful installations for leading organisations. Our commitment to excellence fosters strong relationships, allowing us to provide tailored automation solutions and ongoing support.
For more information, contact us at 01283 55 22 55.
Our Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
How do pallet racking systems enhance warehouse storage?
Pallet racking systems enhance warehouse storage by optimising vertical space, increasing storage capacity and facilitating efficient goods retrieval.
How to maximise warehouse storage space
To maximise warehouse storage, use vertical space with high racking, choose the right mix of storage systems for your stock type, and minimise unused aisle space. Implement live storage for high-turnover items, use narrow aisle racking where possible, and integrate automated systems to speed up retrieval and free up floor space for additional storage.
How to efficiently store a warehouse
Efficient storage relies on strategic layout planning, grouping fast-moving items closer to packing stations, and integrating automation where possible. Use warehouse storage solutions such as live storage, shelving, and pallet flow systems in combination with conveyors for quick product movement between storage, picking, and packing zones.
Can your solutions be tailored to our specific warehouse needs?
Absolutely. Our experts customise solutions, considering product types, stock cycles, and more to match your unique requirements.
How do integrated systems revolutionise warehouse efficiency?
Integrating pallet racking, mezzanines, and goods lifts optimises workflow, space utilisation, and product movement, ultimately boosting overall efficiency.
What is the difference between shelving and racking?
- Shelving is typically used for storing lightweight items that can be manually picked. It is common in retail, offices, and warehouses where small products, tools, or boxes need to be organized.
- Racking is designed for heavier loads, usually pallets and bulk storage. It is used in industrial and warehouse environments where forklifts or other equipment are needed to load and unload products.
What is the difference between FIFO and LIFO?
- FIFO (First In, First Out): The oldest stock is used or sold first, ensuring that products don’t expire or become obsolete. This is commonly used in food storage, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods.
- LIFO (Last In, First Out): The most recently received stock is used or sold first. This is often used in industries where stock does not expire, and businesses want to manage costs based on the most recent purchase prices, such as in raw materials or construction supplies.
Why is having quality totes important?
The humble tote plays a pivotal role in warehousing and fulfilment centres. However, not all totes are created equal, and the choice between cheaper and more expensive totes can have far-reaching consequences on your business. Let’s delve into the value of investing in quality totes and how they can enhance your eCommerce operations.
- Frequent replacements and inefficiencies: Cheap totes, made from low-quality materials, often wear out quickly. This leads to frequent replacements, increased costs, and disrupted workflows.
- Damage and compatibility issues: Low quality totes can misalign or break, causing jams and downtime on conveyor systems, and potentially damaging equipment. Ensuring compatibility with your conveyor and automated systems is crucial to avoid these issues.
- Increased handling risks: Totes with rough edges, weak handles, or unstable bases pose risks of accidents and injuries, affecting worker safety and productivity. Ergonomic and reliable totes improve handling efficiency, leading to faster picking and packing processes. Premium totes are also designed for better stacking and nesting, maximising the use of available space in storage and transportation.
- Material Quality: Opt for totes made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) for durability and impact resistance.
- Design features: Look for reinforced corners, smooth interiors, and ergonomic handles to enhance durability, ease of cleaning, and handling comfort.
- Technology integration: Consider totes equipped with RFID modules or LPNs (license plate numbers) for efficient inventory management and tracking.
More Information
Pallet Racking
CSL Automations’ expertly designed pallet racking and shelving systems bring precision and adaptability to your storage needs. Whether considering new installations or enhancing existing setups, our pallet rack mezzanine solutions cater to your unique requirements, including product type, stock life cycle, throughput, and compatibility with retrieval and replenishment machinery.
Pallet Racking / Mezzanine Systems: Choose from an array of pallet racking options meticulously designed for optimal storage efficiency:
- Wide aisle: Offering versatile access to your goods, suitable for various product types and stock cycles.
- Narrow aisle: Ideal for high-density storage, maximising vertical space utilisation.
- Double deep: Doubling storage capacity while maintaining selectivity.
- Drive in/through: High-density storage with fewer aisles, perfect for bulk goods.
- Push back: Maximising space while allowing for efficient stock rotation.
- Pallet live storage: Systematically streamlining storage.
Automated Storage
Benefits of automated vertical storage systems (AVSS)
Automated vertical storage systems work to optimise warehouse and distribution centre storage. These systems retrieve items from vertically stacked trays or bins, bringing them to an accessible pick-up point.
By capitalising on the full height of a facility, they reduce the floor space required for storage. All while increasing the accuracy and speed of inventory retrieval. These solutions streamline operations in an era where rapid order fulfilment is crucial. They reduce human error and maximise your storage density. Allowing you to modernise your storage approach and ensuring you stay competitive in the fast-paced logistics landscape.
Key features
Vertical Storage Systems are the future of warehouse efficiency. Here are the standout features:
- Rapid installation: Minimise operational disruptions with our quick setup, ensuring a speedier return on investment.
- Operator bays: Designed for hassle-free picking and refilling. These bays dramatically streamline the workflow and decrease manual labour.
- Motorised elevator: At the heart of our AVSS is a central motorised elevator. This ensures rapid and smooth movement of product trays for immediate inventory access.
By harnessing these features, our systems promise a seamless transition to a more efficient, space-saving, and time-optimised storage system. Letting you experience the next level in warehouse operations.
- Space efficiency: Experience unprecedented space conservation, saving up to 90% of your existing storage area.
- Time efficiency: Negate the need for operators to traverse vast warehouses, optimising product retrieval times.
- Safety & security: Elevate safety by eliminating high-level access and enhancing security, granting entry solely to authorised personnel, and ensuring stock protection.
- Precision & productivity: The integrated system identifies products, increasing accuracy in storage and retrieval processes.
- Optimal stock management: Stay ahead with consistent and automated stock-level recordings. Enabling precise inventory tracking and management.
Choosing the right storage system for your needs
Selecting the perfect automated vertical storage system requires understanding your industry’s specific demands. You should consider the volume of items stored, retrieval frequency, and any unique specs your goods may need.
These systems thrive in diverse settings, proving pivotal in industries like eCommerce with rapid order fulfilment. They are also beneficial in manufacturing, where component accessibility can drive efficiency. And also in pharmaceuticals, where precise storage and retrieval can make a marked difference. With extensive stock varieties, the retail sector also stands to gain from such systems.
A tailored solution not only satisfies your current needs but anticipates future growth and shifts in demand. Choosing wisely can revolutionise your operation, fostering scalability and enhanced performance.
