Optimize Your Warehouse: The Power of Flow Through Racking

In today's fast-paced logistics and distribution environment, maximizing warehouse efficiency, reducing operational costs, and ensuring seamless product movement are paramount. Traditional static shelving often falls short when dealing with high-volume, fast-moving SKUs. This is where Flow Through Racking (FTR), also known as Gravity Flow Racking or Live Pallet Racking, emerges as a game-changing solution.

What is Flow Through Racking?

Flow Through Racking is a dynamic high-density storage system designed specifically for First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory management. Unlike conventional pallet racking where each pallet occupies a static position, FTR utilizes inclined rails or rollers to create a dynamic flow lane. Pallets are loaded onto the higher end of the lane and then glide smoothly down the incline via gravity to the lower end (the picking face) as space becomes available.

How Does It Work?

The system typically consists of several key components:

1. Flow Lanes: These are the inclined channels, usually constructed using rollers (for pallets) or skate wheels (for cartons), set at a slight decline (typically 3-6 degrees).

2. Lane Separators: Structural frames that support the flow lanes and separate them.

3. Loading End: The higher end where pallets are loaded into the lane.

4. Picking/Face End: The lower end where pallets are accessible for picking or unloading.

5. Braking Systems: Speed controllers or brakes are integrated to ensure pallets descend at a controlled, safe pace and stop gently at the picking face.

6. End Stops: Safety stops at the picking end to prevent pallets from rolling off.

The core principle is simple: Load from one end, pick from the other. As pallets are removed from the picking face, the entire queue of pallets behind automatically advances forward. This ensures the oldest pallet (first in) is always the next one available (first out), perfect for perishable goods, items with expiration dates, or any inventory requiring strict rotation.

Key Advantages of Flow Through Racking

1. Enhanced Space Utilization: By eliminating aisles between each pallet position within a lane and utilizing depth, FTR achieves significantly higher storage density compared to selective racking. Warehouses can store more pallets in the same footprint.

2. Improved Operational Efficiency: Automating the movement of pallets reduces the need for forklift travel within the storage lanes. Forklifts only access the loading and picking ends, drastically cutting travel time, labor costs, and potential damage from maneuvering in tight aisles.

3. Guaranteed FIFO: The inherent gravity-driven flow ensures perfect stock rotation without manual intervention or complex tracking systems. This is critical for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

4. Increased Throughput: Faster put-away and picking cycles are achieved due to reduced forklift travel and the immediate availability of the next pallet at the face. This supports higher order volumes and faster distribution.

5. Reduced Labor Costs: The minimized forklift travel translates directly to lower labor hours required for replenishment and picking tasks. Operators spend less time navigating aisles and more time on productive loading/unloading.

6. Improved Safety: By limiting forklift entry into the storage lanes, the risk of collisions with racking or stored goods is significantly reduced. Controlled descent mechanisms also prevent pallets from moving too quickly.

7. Better Inventory Management: The clear FIFO flow simplifies inventory counting and reduces the risk of stock obsolescence.

Ideal Applications

Flow Through Racking excels in scenarios with:

• High-volume SKUs with consistent pallet sizes.

• Strict FIFO requirements (e.g., perishables, dated products).

• Warehouses needing to maximize storage capacity within limited space.

• Operations experiencing high throughput demands.

• Need to reduce labor costs associated with pallet movement.

Typical industries include Food & Beverage, Retail Distribution Centers, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Automotive Parts, and any logistics operation managing large quantities of fast-moving goods.

Choosing Flow Through Racking

Implementing FTR requires careful planning. Factors to consider include pallet dimensions and weight, required throughput, available warehouse height, floor conditions, and the specific characteristics of the stored goods. Working with an experienced racking provider is essential to design a system tailored to your unique operational needs.

Flow Through Racking Pallet Racking System

Features of Flow-through Racking:

1. The racking is developed from the medium duty racking.

2. Aluminum or steel roller rail are equipped between a pair of beams per layer to form a slope of 3 degree, and under the fluency of gravity, “first in first out” for the goods is implemented.

3. It is convenient to access and suitable for places such as the two sides of the assembly lines, distribution centers, etc.

4. The height of the racking is normally lower than 2.5m and the loading capacity of each layer is 1000kg at the most.

FAQ:

Q: Are you a distributor or manufacturer?
A: We are a manufacturer. NOVA was established in 1997, one of the largest integration enterprises for smart logistics systems and automated warehouse systems. Business scope covers planning, design, manufacture, installation, maintenance, and consulting services.

Q: What are your trading terms?
A: 1) Payment terms: T/T 30% deposit after order confirmed, 70% balance paid against bill of lading.
2) Lead time: normally in 15-35 days after deposit is received.
3) Sample policy: Samples are always available for each model. Samples can be ready in 7-15 days once payment is received.
4) Shipping port: Shanghai / Nanjing China.
5) Discounts: we offer a good discount for large quantities.

Q: How I can deliver my goods?
A: 1) Sea Freight: we will update sea freight once we know your sea port where goods will be delivered.
2) Agent designated by client: please tell us the contact detail of your shipping agent and we will arrange to deliver the items.

Q: What is your service?
A: 1) Your inquiry related to our products or price will be replied to in 12 hours.
2) Well-trained and experienced staff to answer all your inquiries in fluent English.
3) OEM & ODM, any your customized racking we can help you to design product.
4) We have very experienced professional engineers to make the best solutions.
5) Warranty: 10 years warranty, the broken parts will be replaced and sent to you.

Q: How to purchase your product?
A: Design drawing →Confirm drawing→Quotation→PI→Confirm PI→Arrange 30% deposit→Manufacturer→QC inspect→Pay balance→Shipping

Q: May I know the status of my order?
A: Yes. We will send you information and photos at the different production stages of your order. You will get the latest information in time.

Q: What's the payment? 
A: T/T or LC