Pallet Picking Order Fulfillment
Nearly all warehouses and distribution centers (DC) must allocate some portion of their warehouse space to storing raw materials and finished goods for full or partial pallet picking and replenishment. To help reduce the total amount of space devoted to this, pallets can be block stacked or stored using racks.
Pallet Racking
Pallet racking is the most common form of pallet storage and allows for multi-level storage and retrieval and can be configured in a number of different profiles from narrow aisle racking to push-back racking, pallet flow, and traditional single pallet position storage. MMCI's Inventory Control module, powered by our DCX Software, can support multiple configurations for receiving and putaway, replenishments, and order allocation.
Block Stacking
Block stacking does not require any form of storage equipment as the pallets are stacked on top of one another and therefore is the cheaper alternative of the two. Warehouse space can quickly get consumed with block stacking since pallets can only be stacked so high, depending upon factors like pallet load strength. Block stacking can also create picking challenges when business rules require FIFO inventory management as first-in product may be stored at the bottom of the pallet.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
As pallet volume increases, replacing conventional pallet racking for an automated storage solution can significantly reduce the amount of space needed for pallet picking by compacting the amount of space in-between storage racks. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) without question can provide picking and accuracy efficiencies, but are not a realistic solution for most DCs because of the hefty price tag. Often, companies cannot support the upfront cost or cannot justify recouping the costs down the road after several years.
At MMCI Order Fulfillment, we believe that fast, accurate, and efficient retrieval and delivery of pallets can be achieved through several ways. To determine if complete automation is needed through an ASRS, the increase in productivity needs to offset the cost of implementation. In most applications, forklifts will be the most cost-effective solution for pallet picking and can still provide efficiencies by supplementing with mobile pick technology.
How Can We Help?
At any stage of your automation project, we can help.
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