| The technology that is associated with warehouse | | | | that are high above the ground. |
| storage systems has improved dramatically in the last | | | | The mezzanine storage system is a less expensive |
| few years. There are now automated warehouse | | | | method to make the best use of available |
| management systems (WMS) and robot forklifts that | | | | warehouse space. It is typically a structure that is |
| are guided by laser lights. There are numerous types | | | | constructed between the main floors to store |
| of storage options that are better designed to not | | | | additional supplies or equipment. It is less expensive |
| only improve space utilization but also efficiency. | | | | than other systems and can be moved from location |
| Pallet racking is a technique that utilizes racks so that | | | | to location. |
| goods can be stored in multiple levels above the | | | | The mezzanine storage system is best used in |
| ground therefore making better use of the available | | | | conditions where there is not an excessive amount |
| space. Instead of being limited to the storage of just | | | | of product to warehouse. In a large scale operation, |
| one pallet, the racking systems allows for stacking of | | | | this would not be the optimum method to employ. |
| up to four or five levels, increasing space utilization | | | | However, the cost is lower than that of other |
| many times over. | | | | systems. |
| There are various adaptations of the racking system. | | | | ASRS - Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems is |
| Total cost is dependent on the upgrades selected. | | | | a fairly recent system introduced for warehouse |
| Generally, the pallet rack system ranks in the middle | | | | storage. This is a complex system that utilizes |
| of the road in terms of cost; it is not the most | | | | computers to store and recall materials by storage |
| expensive nor is it the cheapest. This system is an | | | | location. Floor space is maximized because there is |
| excellent method to store goods and with a roller | | | | not a height constraint by the fork lift operator. |
| scheme included, the pallets can easily be moved in | | | | The ASRS system is extremely adaptable and can |
| and out in either direction. There are also excellent | | | | be used to warehouse both large and small products. |
| racking systems for storing heavy materials. | | | | There is significant savings because the system is |
| The pallet rack is clean, efficient and requires little | | | | automated and requires less man power. In spite of |
| maintenance. Because it is sturdy and re-usable, it can | | | | the smaller man power requirement, this system is |
| be moved from location to location. Used or | | | | more expensive to install than either the mezzanine |
| refurbished pallet racking can be purchased to cut | | | | system or the pallet system, plus there are high |
| down on costs. | | | | maintenance expenses connected to the ASRS |
| There are two disadvantages to the pallet rack | | | | operation. |
| system. Because all materials that are being stored | | | | Space, labor, and product damage are expensive |
| must be on pallets to be moveable, a substantial | | | | components to a warehouse operation. Fortunately, |
| inventory of pallets is required. The other | | | | there are many effective and cost reducing storage |
| disadvantage is that in order to fully utilize the | | | | systems that are available which can be tailored to |
| system, fork lift trucks must be able to reach pallets | | | | specific needs. |