What are the benefits and challenges of warehouse mobile racking in cold storage?

1 How warehouse mobile racking works

Warehouse mobile racking is a type of high-density storage system that consists of rows of racks mounted on rails that can move sideways. The racks are controlled by a remote or a touch panel, and can be moved together or apart to create an access aisle where needed. This way, you can access any pallet without wasting space on fixed aisles, and only open the aisles you need at a given time.

2 Benefits of warehouse mobile racking

Warehouse mobile racking offers several advantages for cold storage warehouses, such as space optimization. By using warehouse mobile racking, you can increase your storage capacity by up to 80% compared to traditional racking systems. This not only allows you to store more pallets in the same or smaller footprint, but also frees up space for other purposes. Additionally, warehouse mobile racking can reduce energy consumption and costs by up to 50%, making it more energy efficient and reducing your environmental impact. Moreover, it is flexible and scalable, allowing you to adjust the number and width of aisles according to your operational needs and preferences, as well as expand or modify the system as your business grows or changes.

3 Challenges of warehouse mobile racking

Before implementing warehouse mobile racking, you need to consider some challenges, such as the initial investment. Warehouse mobile racking is more expensive than conventional racking systems, and you need to calculate the long-term savings and benefits against the upfront costs. Safety and reliability are also important factors to consider, as warehouse mobile racking involves moving heavy loads and machinery. You need to ensure that your system meets the relevant standards and regulations and that your staff is trained and certified to operate it. Additionally, you will need a robust warehouse management system (WMS) to track and control your inventory, integrate it with your mobile racking system, and optimize picking strategies to minimize aisle openings and movements.

4 Best practices for warehouse mobile racking

To make the most of warehouse mobile racking, you need to plan your layout and design carefully, taking into account factors such as the weight and size of your pallets, the number and frequency of access, and safety and security measures. Additionally, you must maintain your system regularly by inspecting and servicing it to ensure its performance, safety, and longevity. This includes checking the rails, motors, sensors, batteries, and other components for any wear, damage, or malfunction. Furthermore, you should clean and lubricate your system to prevent dust, ice, or corrosion from affecting its movement. Lastly, it is essential to train your staff properly by educating them on how to use and operate your system safely and efficiently. You should provide clear instructions and manuals, conduct regular drills and tests, monitor performance, and address any issues or concerns. By following these best practices for warehouse mobile racking, you can enjoy its benefits without compromising safety, reliability or productivity.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?