Pallet Flow Racking (FIFO)
Pallet Flow Racking system (AR Live Storage FIFO) is ideal for warehouses where stock turnover control and space saving are critical.
It consists of a compact structure where each level has linear roller beds that allow the load units to slide easily thanks to a slight inclination.
AR Racking is proud member of these national associations:
Live Storage Pallet Racking (FIFO) live pallet racking is a high-density storage system perfect for storing homogeneous pallets.
This system uses the FIFO (first in, first out) method, where the loading area is at the opposite end of the unloading area and the goods are transported through this space thanks to the roller beds that form a rail with an slope.
As a complement to Pallet Flow Racking FIFO there is also Push-Back Racking LIFO which uses the LIFO system (last in, first out) and therefore has a single loading and unloading point; goods are stored by pushing the previous ones towards the back.
More information about Live Storage solutions on our Blog: Type of Live Storage systems
How does Pallet flow racking - AR Live Storage work?
The AR LIVE STORAGE is a FIFO pallet racking system made by a compact structure with a slight slope and roller conveyors that allow palletized goods to roll over.
Loaded pallets are loaded at one end and move securely along the roller conveyors at a controlled speed, moved only by the gravity, until they reach the other end, ready to be unloaded.
The movement of the palletized goods in the gravity racking systems AR Live Storage is fully secured since the system is equipped with several devices for control and protection.
It operates by the palletized loads entering the structure at the higher level of the two ends.
The unit load moves by the force of gravity of the roller conveyors, but at a safe and controlled speed with the help of the Pallet Flow Racking raking and safety systems.
When the pallet reaches the opposite end, it stops thanks to the retainer or the last pallet deposited and it is then ready to be removed.
In order for the loading, unloading and movement of the unit loads in the Pallet Flow Racking system to be carried out in complete safety, the structure is provided with a series of technical and organizational control and protection measures.
Other design options
Live pallet racking systems can vary from their original design according to each customer’s specific storage needs.
Push-Back Management (LIFO)
A Push back system based on LIFO warehouse management (Last In, First Out) can also be installed.
The main difference is that only one aisle is used for work as loading and unloading take place in the same area.
Folding Rollers
The folding roller system allows roller conveyors to be moved and raised for cleaning and maintenance, and to access the warehouse floor.
All this while maintaining the same technical characteristics and system operation.
Split Rollers
Split rollers can be installed in the loading and unloading areas of Pallet Flow Racking systems to simplify the work of forklift and pallet trucks.
They also prevent roller damage.
Floor Level Pick-Up
Sometimes warehouses with dynamic racking systems need the load units to be picked up at ground level. To simplify this operation, a special pallet output area can be added.
Advantages of the Pallet Flow Racking system:
The advantages of Live Pallet Racking FIFO are their compaction, time savings and good stock management.
- Reduced loading and unloading times.
- Increased storage capacity in a warehouse with selective pallet racking.
- Enabling of loading and unloading aisles reduces risks for the operator.
- Pallet Flow Racking system can be automated.
- Optimal use of space. High-density storage system, so more storage capacity in the same space
- Ideal product rotation: Perfect for FIFO systems (first-in, first-out).
- Fast, simple removal. Ideal positioning of the products reduces load manoeuvre and extraction times.
- No traffic interference. The forklift trucks insert and remove load units in different aisles since the loading and unloading aisles are separate.
- Adaptable to any space, and to any weight or size of the merchandise to be stored.
- Extremely safe. The Pallet Flow Racking structure is fitted with a control and braking system to minimise any risks: brake rollers, pallet centring or retainer system, and pallet stops.
- Improved stock control since each loading aisle has a single product reference.
- Dynamic pallet system is compatible with other automatic and selective storage systems.
- Allows you to continue to use the same type of forklift trucks used in selective pallet racking warehouses.
- Reduced operating costs thanks to excellent use of space.
Main applications for Pallet Flow Racking FIFO
Live Pallet Racking systems significantly optimize the space available in the warehouse, but Pallet Flow Racking FIFO in particular, due to its stock management method, is especially recommended in the following circumstances:
- Storage of goods with an expiration or best-before date, due to its excellent stock management. The first products to enter will be the first to leave the warehouse.
- Warehouses for companies in the Food, Medicines, Cosmetics sector or sectors whose products become obsolete or “go out of style” very quickly.
- Storage in intermediate or transition zones between several areas within the same warehouse, to facilitate the fast movement of the unit loads.
- Storage in order, waiting or dispatch areas in the warehouse; Pallet Flow Racking FIFO facilitates the flow of goods.
- Possibility of installation in warehouses with cold rooms or freezing chambers.
System structure of the Pallet Flow Racking
The Pallet Flow Racking system has a basic structure of frames, uprights and dynamic profiles, similar to other storage systems in the AR Racking range.
Its most common applications are for the storage of perishable products that require perfect turnover and waiting and intermediate warehouses.
AR LIVE STORAGE (PAL) live pallet racking systems have a base structure made up of frames, beams and dynamic profiles, similar to the rest of the storage systems in the AR Racking range.
Together with the basic structure, this dynamic racking system also includes a large variety of specific elements for safe, controlled displacement of the load units.
Main components that make up this Pallet Flow Racking system are:
Galvanized frame
The galvanized frame is one of the basic components of the structure and consists of 2 uprights, their diagonals, baseplates and floor fixing elements.
The frames will be anchored to the floor for greater rigidity of the structure.
Beam
Beams are the horizontal elements that support the load (in the case of Pallet Flow Racking FIFO indirectly) and that join the frames together.
In live pallet racking, the beams support the roller beds on which the unit loads will move.
Beams have connectors that fit into the drill holes of the upright and make the system more secure.
With a wide range of types, lengths and load capacities we adapt to the specific needs of each warehouse.
Pallet Flow Racking protectors
These can be side or upright reinforcement protectors and are passive safety elements that protect the Pallet Flow Racking from potential damage from forklift impacts.
Profile
Component anchored to the beams of each of the level ends and on which the rollers that move the racking are supported.
Pallet guidance
It is situated at the front of the roller bed and helps operators when depositing the unit loads, preventing them from veering from their correct course. These elements also protect the structure against potential impacts.
Rollers
Essential element in Pallet Flow Racking FIFO, designed in steel and anchored to the rails along the entire level to facilitate movement by gravity.
Brake rollers
Safety element repeatedly placed along the roller bed, and whose objective is to control the speed of the unit load as it moves from one end of the rack to the other.
Pallet backstops
Component located at the end of the roller aisle and whose objective is to stop the pallet; it means the pallet can move no further and is ready for removal.
Pallet retainer
Optional component whose function is to separate the unit loads compacted at the end of the aisle and distribute the pressure among all of them.
Quality and security Pallet flow racking
Pallet Flow Racking FIFO systems comply with the strictest nacional safety standards, and also come with AR Racking’s quality guarantee.
100% automated production
The production process of the basic components of our Live Pallet Racking is fully automated in our factory: it incorporates state-of-the-art profiling machines with a continuous cutting process and laser measurement control, welding centres and automated painting and packaging processes, which guarantee the highest quality parameters.
Designs created at the R&D&I Centre
Our Pallet Flow Racking systems are designed and calculated in our R&D&I technology centre where we have an expert team which allows us to tackle projects with the most complex logistics requirements.
Tests at Research and Testing Laboratory
The Research and Testing Laboratory developed in collaboration with the University of Mondragón provides our product area with the appropriate tools for the testing and analysis of our racking systems.
It simulates, calculates and researches the efficacy of the geometries, and makes full structural calculations on the behaviour of systems already installed.
5-year quality guarantee
The quality reliability of our Pallet Flow Racking solutions means we are able to offer 5-year guarantees of excellence against all types of manufacturing or hidden defects in the components of the main structure of our racking solutions.
Advanced component tracking system
The uprights (columns) and beams of our pallet racking systems include an innovative traceability system in the sector.
Thanks to this system, our storage system components have an identifying mark, which means that each upright and beam can be traced and documented from origin, and that information is therefore available on which component it is, its design and the raw material used in its manufacture.
Quality certificates of the Pallet Flow Racking system:
- ISO 9001: 2008
- ISO 18001: 2004
- OSHAS 18001: 2007
- Welding certificate: UNE EN ISO 3834-2: 2006
- Galvanized steel corrosion resistance certificate: UNE EN ISO 14713-1
- Galvanized steel reaction to fire: EN 13501-1: 2007
References
Our projects and customers are our best ambassadors. Therefore as a result of the more than 26,000 projects carried out in over 60 countries, we have satisfied customers from various sectors: food and beverage, automotive, distribution, electronics, pharmacy and cosmetics, industrial and transport and logistics.
Some featured projects of Pallet Flow Racking FIFO:
Selective Pallet Racking
The Selective Pallet Racking system is an adjustable storage solution designed to store palletized goods using forklift trucks.See more
VNA Racking: Very Narrow Aisle Racking
Very Narrow Aisle pallet racking combines the advantages of selective pallet racking and compact racking systems.See more
Double Deep Pallet Racking
Double Deep Pallet Racking is a storage system that is halfway between selective pallet racking systems and compact storage systems.See more
Drive-in and Drive-through Racking
The Drive in Racking System is a high density storage solution that maximizes available space and height in the warehouse by reducing the...See more
Mobile Pallet Racking
Mobile Pallet Racking (AR Mobile) is a system where the pallet racks are placed on chassis or mobile bases guided through fixed tracks on the...See more