Advantages of Dynamic Storage
Dynamic technology is considered, finally, the “state of the art” in terms of storage systems due to several advantages.
According to Balduir Carletto, Professor of Logistics at Faculdade Santana, in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, “dynamic storage structures are racks with rollers, which facilitate the controlled displacement of loads, taking advantage of the force of gravity.” Such structures usually have several planes, from floor to ceiling. Each storage plan is designed with a slight incline, allowing the gradual sliding of the box or pallet where the goods are stored.
In other words, we can say that it is a system characterized by the program of inclined roller tracks in the different storage levels of the structure, which make it possible to position the pallets at one end. By the action of gravity, these units move towards the other end with constant acceleration, thanks to a device called speed regulator, one installed at each pallet position under the tracks and in direct contact with the rollers. Its actuation, by means of centrifugal force, provides the necessary braking to keep constant the acceleration of the load units. Thus, the speed is controlled, avoiding the impact and products falling when the pallet arrives at the other end or when it accumulates along the storage tunnels.
This movement, made only with the action of gravity, demonstrates the efficiency and sustainability of the system, which, in addition to not using any type of external energy to move the pallets in the structure (thus representing a great saving of energy and fuel of the forklifts), demands little or no maintenance throughout its useful life, thus representing the lowest operating cost among storage and cargo handling systems.
Dynamic technology is considered, finally, the “state of the art” in terms of storage systems, due to the characteristics already described and also because it has the function of moving palletized goods in the same system, efficiently and sustainably.
Efficiency is also evidenced by the operation, considering that there is an entry position and an exit position, which guarantees FIFO (First In, First Out, in Portuguese, PEPS, Primeiro que Entra, Primeiro que Sai), in addition to the immediate availability of the storage position as soon as the pallet is removed from the exit position, thus characterizing 100% occupancy during work, with no harmful “hive effect”.
- EXPLAINING : “beehive effect” or “honycomb” is a synonym for inefficiency in the storage operation (in–out), caused by not taking advantage of the total cubic capacity available, which generates up to 45% loss of storage space in the structures. Simply put, the available space is not fully utilized.
The Dynamic System guarantees the best use of the internal space of a warehouse without the higher costs of an automated version. In addition, it allows intelligent handling of products in an organized manner, reducing internal routes and facilitating the loading and unloading process, generating substantial savings for the company that adopts it.
The speed regulation system was created in the 1950s by inventors Shultz and Begger, who developed and patented the product, industrializing it for several years. They ended up selling the company and a few years later, when the patent expired, several other manufacturers made the invention available on the market. It is based on a reduction system by means of gears connected from the roller outer cap to the shaft and increases the rotation of the central shaft activating by centrifugal action a system of expansive pads that rub against the outer cap, which in turn is in contact with the rollers of the tracks where the pallets slide. There are therefore two corridors around the structure (minimum). In one of them the goods are deposited. In the other, there is the withdrawal of what was stored. This model is indicated for those who work with high-volume products, such as the food sector, for example. FIFO (or PEPS) offers many advantages to those who adopt it:
- Versatile system, as it can be applied to any type of product;
- Provides greater control over stock, as the movement of products follows a logical entry and exit order;
- Greater security in the operation, since the input and output flow is organized with a defined and mandatory meaning.
- It promotes great savings in the movement of forklifts, considering that a broad part of the movement that would be carried out with forklifts will be done with the action of gravity.
- It facilitates the management of self life (expiration date), since products with an expiration date close to expiring must obligatorily leave before the dynamic structure;
- Provides better volumetric use of warehouse space due to high storage density. Also, due to the fact that when removing a pallet, the storage position becomes evaluatable simultaneously.
- It does not demand the use of any energy, being totally sustainable, the movement in the structure by the action of gravity.
- Extremely low maintenance cost, tending to zero if use is adequate to its size and care is taken when operating the forklifts.
- Extremely safe as the movement is always controlled by speed reducers built into the lanes.
In the Intralogistics sector, dynamic structures are also used in the Push Back model, combined with the LIFO system (Last In, First Out), an acronym in English that translated into our language means “the last one in is the first one out”. Generates savings in the layout of the warehouse’s internal space, as the same aisle is used to place and remove products from the storage structure. However, it is not suitable for goods with a very short expiry date. Articles such as household appliances could be stored in this mode without any problems. At Águia Sistemas, we also have this type of product to offer, with the following characteristics:
- Made with steel roller tracks and precision bearings;
- Produced in the necessary safety standards;
- Better use of spaces;
- Allows the creation of different levels, taking advantage of the available space in terms of height and depth;
- It uses the action of gravity, not requiring automation.
Among the dynamic storage structures, we also have the Flow Rack configuration, which, according to the aguiasistemas.com website, “is an efficient manual storage system for boxes and packages that allows the so-called FIFO operation (First In — First Out) structure in the form of a queue, which helps in the organization of small volumes. They are rotating systems, which work by the action of gravity, making the replacement and handling of stocked items even easier and more practical. Flow Racks can be used in conjunction with Conveyor Systems in the picking areas (separation), making the operator’s work more organized. Its plans are adjustable according to the need for operational height and storage of boxes. They can also be used in conjunction with the mezzanine structure in order to provide better vertical use. In addition, they can be used integrated with pick-to-light or pick-by-light systems in order to reduce operational error”.
It is important to emphasize that dynamic structures are practically perfect in terms of storage and cargo handling systems. Firstly, because they combine the two basic functions of Intralogistics, that is, storage and movement of goods. Secondly, due to the intelligent use of the action of gravity, providing safe and free movement and accumulation of pallets. To summarize, to this day it is the most sustainable system available on the international market.
In short, using the force of gravity in favor of the storage system presents operational and financial advantages for the entrepreneur, facilitating the daily life of the Logistics sector. Águia Sistemas has decades of experience in the construction of dynamic storage structures, always developing the best project for each client, in a personalized way. Please contact us for more information and also for a quote.