eBook - Warehouse Solutions (EM21060) - Book - Page 5
RACKING LAYOUT
FORKLIFTS
An efficient warehouse racking layout meets
the needs of your operations. Determining
factors can include storage ratio, available
floor and vertical space, docking locations,
throughput and the type of forklifts used.
Choose your racking based on the type of
storage you need (e.g., narrow aisle, highdensity, bulk storage). Also, a code-compliant
racking design may affect aisles and overall
spacing if your warehouse is in an area of
potential seismic activity. It is important to
match the rack capacity to the weight of
stored inventory and adhere to that limit.
Forklifts are vital for keeping your products
moving. However, efficiency and safety issues
could arise if you do not choose forklifts that
fit the application. While several factors are
involved in choosing the correct forklifts for
your operation, your forklift choices must
align with the type of racking and storage you
need in your facility. For instance, you may
need a very narrow aisle (VNA) turret truck
to maximize your rack height and available
floorspace. There is also the question of how
best to introduce automated forklifts into
your operation. For more on that important
decision, see our e-book “The Time to
Automate is Now: Overcoming the Hurdle
of Getting Started.”
CHARGING STATIONS
Strategically locate charging stations to
ensure easy and efficient access throughout
the shift. This is especially important for
forklifts that are opportunity charged to
increase runtime. Especially in cases where
lithium-ion batteries are used, it is possible
to forego a centralized charging and battery
storage area and charging stations can be
dispersed around the facility where they best
fit the application and operator travel. This
may include areas near break rooms and
dock areas. Charging station locations should
be considered when designing the warehouse
layout and racking to ensure sufficient room
to park the forklift and access the charger
without straining cables. You will also want
to make optimal use of the warehouse space
and maintain adequate access throughout
the facility.
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