Pass-through shelving vs. optimizing the flow of goods
Compared to expanding a warehouse or building a new hall, purchasing pass-through racks is a much more cost-effective solution. They make it possible to optimize the flow of goods, which is especially important for the FIFO (First In, First Out) system.
Effective use of such solutions, requires the implementation of a well thought-out system for marking locations in the warehouse. The use of self-adhesive labels with a unique barcode, Auto ID devices and integration with the WMS system, will allow a significant increase in operator productivity and reduction of errors.
Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to these elements when designing a warehouse space to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of goods from the receiving process, through storage, picking and release.
The importance of signage in a high-bay warehouse
With a large number of levels of high-bay racks, warehousemen (especially those working from level “0”), have limited visibility of goods located in the upper locations. This can lead to picking errors and increased time searching for the right goods. To prevent this, the use of an appropriate location marking system is key .
One of the most effective ways to improve the legibility of locations in high-bay shelving is to use color coding:
- Each floor of the rack can be a different color, making it easy to quickly identify the level.
- Rack and section numbers can be marked with contrasting colors to make them clearly visible even from a distance.
- Additional arrows and graphic symbols can support the localization process, especially in warehouses with a large number of storage units.
- A digital marking system for each shelf eliminates the risk of errors and speeds up operations.
WMS versus warehouse labeling
Location labeling is even more effective when it is linked to a WMS system (Warehouse Management System).
- The WMS system uses barcode technology with Auto ID devices. Barcode scanners, or mobile terminals, make it possible to quickly identify locations and provide warehousemen with instant information about the location of goods.
- The combination of labeling with a digital management system guarantees the correctness of the storage and retrieval operations performed.
- The WMS has accurate information on the location of each carrier, its date of receipt, storage and batch number or date of manufacture.
