Shelf Warehouse

Description of shelf warehouse

When it comes to picking small parts that are not palletised, shelf storage systems are preferred. These are equipped with shelf racks in which the parts to be picked are arranged next to each other in containers of different sizes. This ensures direct access to all storage items. For more flexibility, movable partitions can be used in the shelves. If possible, groups of goods of the same size should be placed together or storage pockets should be formed.

Shelf warehouse is a storage facility in which goods are stored on different shelves. These shelves can be arranged at different heights. This allows the goods to be stored at different heights. Shelf storage systems are ideal for holding and handling all types of multiform goods. This feature makes them an indispensable part of modern goods security and distribution. Especially for the storage of goods that are not too heavy. The height of the shelves is chosen in such a way that the goods can be stored at any height with a pallet truck or a forklift truck.

The different shelves mean that the warehouse can be used very effectively and warehouse logistics can be optimised. However, a shelf storage system is also very complex and it needs to be carefully planned so that it can be used effectively. Shelf warehouse facilities are usually higher than conventional warehouses to allow for optimal utilisation of the storage space.

The shelves in a shelf storage system can either be free-standing or attached to a load-bearing wall. Shelf storage is often used in combination with racking or heavy-duty storage. Hazardous materials storage is also possible with the right equipment. They are suitable for storing goods of all kinds as well as tools and equipment and especially for goods that are needed frequently. The compartments are arranged so that the goods are easily accessible and can be removed quickly. The goods can be freely accessible or closed with a door or flap. As a rule, shelf storage systems are fully automated and the skyward moving stacking system transports the goods to their destination.

Modern intralogistics systems communicate with each other via WLAN and thus control a smooth flow of internal logistics processes. Shelf storage systems are used in the food industry, in retail, in the logistics sector and also in the private sector.

Picking is usually done manually for shelves with a maximum height of 2 metres. For higher shelves, mobile ladders or storage and retrieval machines are used to remove items. For ergonomic reasons, fast-moving items should not be stored in the upper as well as in the lower shelves.

Advantages of a shelf warehouse:

• Good space utilisation due to multi-storey storage
• Well suited for high turnover rates
• Hardly susceptible to breakdowns due to low automation
• Comparably low investment
• Allows a good overview of the entire stored goods
• Helps save time and costs

Disadvantages of a shelf warehouse:

• Limited automation
• High personnel requirements

For more information on the various types of storage, take a look at our Warehouse Overview page, where we offer a lot of additional interesting information.