Warehouse Storage Solutions in the GTA: Benefits of Dynamic vs. Static Storage Systems

In the supply chain industry, there’s no universal or blanket warehouse storage solution in the GTA that works for every single facility. Each warehouse, distribution center, and manufacturing facility has its own unique set of storage requirements and space capacity that must comply with local health and safety codes. Static and dynamic storage systems each offer unique qualities and organizational features that make them the ideal choice for warehouses with specific storage requirements.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between these two storage types along with the reason that dynamic storage systems are the more common configuration.

What Is a Dynamic Storage System?

In the supply chain and warehousing industry, dynamic storage systems are also often referred to as random location, chaotic storage, and free-bin storage solutions. This is a storage method that doesn’t follow any specific type of organizational system. Items are simply stored on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis in whatever space is available at the time of arrival in the warehouse. In other words, there’s no fixed or designated location to store certain products like there is in a static racking system. Products that are the same or similar in nature don’t necessarily have to be placed together.

Dynamic storage systems are ideal for warehouses that move products quickly. This system isn’t meant for long-term product storage. The idea is to make it easier for order pickers to quickly and efficiently retrieve products that are just passing through the warehouse for a day or two.

What Is a Static Pallet Racking System?

In contrast, static pallet racking systems utilize a well-organized structure. Each product or piece of inventory has a designated storage location and must be placed in a uniform fashion with other products that are just like it. Perishable food items are typically categorized together but organized according to their expiry and best before dates. Products that are closest to expiration are placed at the very front, so they go out first, whereas products with later expiration dates are placed at the back and are moved forward as the delivery date approaches.

Unlike dynamic storage systems, static pallet racking demands that the organizational structure remain the same at all times unless you’re planning on making major storage facility modifications.

What Are the Different Types of Dynamic Storage Systems in Toronto and the GTA?

Dynamic storage systems are engineered to be fully customizable according to the structural and operational requirements of your warehouse. With that in mind, there are several dynamic racking systems that you can get in Toronto to maximize the operational efficiency and safety standards of your warehouse.

Pallet Flow

As far as random location goes, pallet flow racking systems are ideal for warehouses that store a lot of date-sensitive inventory that needs to be moved quickly and efficiently. Products nearing expiration or best before dates can be manually moved to the front of the order picking area where they can easily be retrieved by warehouse personnel operating material handling equipment. Pallet flow racking systems operate on a large framework of beams, pulleys, and inclined wheels to seamlessly transport or flow inventory items to their designated picking areas.

Not only does this system increase warehouse productivity and efficiency, but it also supports high-volume picking standards and reduces operational costs significantly.

Pallet Runner Systems

Pallet runner systems are a step up from the conventional pallet flow racking system. They’re semi-automated and use automated carts to seamlessly transport pallets from one end of the system to their designated storage or order picking locations. Ideal for high-density warehouse storage facilities, these systems can accommodate an average of about 22 pallets and reduces the amount of effort forklift operators need to put into retrieving intended inventory.

Carton Flow

Carton flow pallet racking systems are commonly used for both pallet and carton or cardboard box storage. Inventory is stored in a FIFO fashion. Perfect for date-sensitive inventory storage, products stored at the very front of the pallet racking system are picked first whereas products stored in the center or toward the back are reserved for later. New inventory is added from the back, pushing older products toward the front for easy accessibility and organized picking.

Push Flow

Push flow or pushback pallet racking systems are a lot like vending machines. Every time new inventory is added to the back of the racking system, the older inventory is automatically pushed to the front using inclined rails. When the older inventory at the front is picked, the products behind it are automatically pushed to the front of the lane for easy accessibility and to maintain the flow and space efficiency of the entire pallet racking system. Like its predecessors, push flow pallet racking systems are an ideal choice for FIFO warehouse operations that require maximum speed, productivity, efficiency, and reduced product retrieval efforts.

What Are the Advantages of Dynamic Storage Systems?

As you can see, dynamic storage systems are a great option for warehouses and facilities that move through inventory at a rapid pace. Static pallet racking systems, on the other hand, are better suited for facilities that require long-term storage. Here are some of the main advantages of installing any one of the abovementioned dynamic storage systems in your warehouse.

Easy Accessibility

Regardless of the configuration, dynamic storage pallet racking systems operate on a FIFO basis. This helps increase the storage density of your pallet racking system with easy access on all fronts.

Maximum Space Efficiency in Your Warehouse

Since inventory tends to move quickly in warehouses that stock date-sensitive products, dynamic storage solutions maximize space efficiency and operational work flow in addition to easy accessibility at all times.

User-Friendly, Well-Organized, and Convenient

Custom-designed and built dynamic storage and pallet racking systems offer optimal convenience, ease of use, and exceptional organization to take the bulk of the pressure off of your warehouse employees. Products can be retrieved using a number of different order picking locations and techniques that are configured to adhere to the standards and layout of your warehouse.

Expert Warehouse Storage Solutions in the GTA

Canadian Rack Technologies Inc. is one of the leading providers of reliable, safe, and sturdy custom warehouse storage solutions in Toronto and the GTA. We offer a wide range of new and used warehouse pallet racking systems that can be customized to accommodate the space and storage requirements of your facility. Contact us today to learn more.