Carton flow rack is commonly used in pick modules and other forward pick areas of distribution centers for split case or piece picking order fulfillment. Carton flow rack uses gravity to convey cartons on pitched wheel or roller tracks. As a result of this simple concept, order picking activity is physically separated from the replenishment activity. This offers a flexible and extremely efficient operation. Additionally, this type of storage system ensures that inventory is rotated on a First in, First Out (FIFO) basis which is often necessary for goods that have expiration dates or subject to obsolesence.
Carton flow rack can be provided as a stand alone storage system where the frame structure is designed specifically for the wheel or roller tracks. Additionally, selective storage rack that is already in place can provide the frame structure with the forward beam lower than the back beam and wheel or roller tracks dropped in and set on top of the offset beams.
Carton flow rack inside a pick module is also supplemented by a picking technology, such as voice picking or pick to lights. Additionally, either along the pick faces of the carton flow rack or in the middle of the pick aisle a take away conveyor can allow for an efficient pick and pass operation with multiple pick zones.
Advantages to utilizing a carton flow storage system include:
- FIFO inventory rotation
- Efficient cube utilization
- Configuration is flexible offering the ability to easily reprofile products based on their dimensions and order frequency
- Easy to integrate with other material handling equipment and technologies such as conveyors and pick to light or voice picking
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