Flow racks vs. storage racks
Having the right type of equipment is essential for having a safe, functional, and productive work environment. The rack is one of four kinds of equipment that contribute to successful material flow in a workplace, along with packaging, work stations, and carts. The category of racks includes two different types, which are called flow racks and storage racks. If you are not sure how they compare and which one is best for your needs, the experts at C Tek will gladly explain.
What are Flow Racks?
Flow racks are designed to improve material flow. They facilitate the movement of material that flows through a unit from one side to the other. Flow racks may be referred to by several other names too, including gravity feed racks and flow chutes. They are physically distinguished from storage racks by the number of rows, or levels, that they have along with the number of columns or lanes that they include. They also have a distinctive external footprint.
What are Storage Racks?
Storage racks are also critical for manufacturing. They work in tandem with storage racks and carts to create a more productive and efficient work environment. Storage racks are often used in companies that have adopted lean manufacturing principles. They are ultimately designed with durability in mind and tend to have long lifespans. Storage racks are adaptable by nature and can easily be modified to meet the changing requirements of a work floor. The racks are generally highly transportable, and they often have wheels so that they can be moved to various parts of the manufacturing floor where they are most useful. Storage racks are comprised of flat shelves, lockers or tool bins for storage, and vertical or horizontal picks. They may also have custom components, including custom cabinets that provide additional storage capabilities. One advantage of storage racks is that they vary in size, which makes them a great choice for companies that have specific size needs for their equipment and machinery.
How Flow Racks Work
Flow racks work by using gravity. They are capable of moving items without human intervention, which distinguishes them from other types of racks. Flow racks move materials using either wheels on roller tracks or a flat surface that permits free movement of materials. Flow racks can move a variety of components, including totes, bins, cardboard boxes, pallets, unpackaged goods, and just about any other type of material on a manufacturing floor. They are made in various sizes and dimensions, and they can also be built with a custom design to meet the needs of specific manufacturing requirements.
How Storage Racks Work
While flow racks are designed to facilitate the movement of materials, storage racks are designed to hold objects and goods so that they are organized and safely stored. Storage racks can improve efficiency with their storage capacity by making materials and other equipment easier to see and reach. They’re also essential for improving workplace production and safety. When companies use storage racks, they are able to focus their time on completing tasks rather than having employees waste their time searching for objects and materials that have been misplaced.
Which Rack is Right for You?
While some companies choose one type of rack over the other, many find that they have a use for both. If you are interested in learning more about the racks available for your workplace and how they can help, don’t hesitate to contact C Tek for top-notch assistance and support today. C Tek will happily explain the features of both types of racks to help you figure out which kind is best for your workplace needs.