Warehousing has not escaped our global demand for agility, precision, and convenience, with the rise of e-commerce and international supply chains. Warehouse management systems have progressed to integrate flawlessly with existing resource planning systems, track inventory in real-time, and meet increasingly elaborate order fulfilment requirements. Therefore, warehouse managers must implement the right storage systems that facilitate effective inventory rotation to remain competitive.
FIFO (First-In, First-Out) storage systems like drive-through racking and carton live racking, are pivotal for high-product-turnover facilities where goods must be moved rapidly and correctly. These systems can support the demanding pace of modern supply chain management and, ultimately, raise profitability when implemented properly.
In this article, we’ll contrast drive-through racking vs. carton live racking systems to identify their differences. We’ll explore their respective applications, how they meet FIFO storage requirements, and which system might best apply to your business.
Why Does FIFO Storage Matter?
FIFO is a tactical inventory management standard, especially for industries dealing with perishable goods, time-sensitive products, or items with expiration dates. The FIFO storage method uses or sells the oldest stock first, lowering the risk of obsolete inventory, spoilage, or stockouts. It is most vital in food distribution, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where older items must be prioritised.
Drive-through and carton live racking systems are created to maximise space and improve inventory flow by allowing direct access to older stock first. They may share the FIFO principle, but their design and functionality differ. This makes each suitable for certain applications.
Drive-Through vs. Carton Live Racking Overview
These systems serve different operational functions based on the size, type, and movement of the stored materials.
Drive-Through Racking Differences
This solution is a high-density storage system where forklifts or other equipment can enter the racking structure from both sides to place and retrieve pallets. This system is normally used in warehouses with large volumes of homogeneous materials. Drive-through racking’s key feature is its ability to store goods deep into the racking structure. It optimises storage space and provides access from both ends.
Drive-Through Racking Uses
This racking system works well when storing large quantities of similar stock. It is great for bulk storage, packing bulkier materials regularly moved in and out as a single unit (pallets). This racking solution is suitable for cold storage and distribution centres. Drive-through racking is likely found in cold storage or high-volume distribution centres because of its effective use of space. Finally, it is best for products with few variations in size or type, as it’s not easy to pick a specific SKU from within the system.
Carton Live Racking Differences
Carton live racking is a dynamic storage system configured to facilitate the FIFO principle for smaller items like cartons or individual units. It uses roller tracks where goods automatically flow from the back of the rack to the front as items are removed. This guarantees that the oldest inventory is always picked first.
The system is also referred to as flow racking or gravity flow racking due to the movement of items via gravity, where stock at the rear moves forward automatically when items are picked at the front.
Flow Racking Applications
This system best suits warehouses dealing with smaller, faster-moving items including retail products and components in a pick-and-pack operation. It is great for high-SKU environments, accommodating a broader assortment of SKUs, as each carton or unit has a dedicated lane. Carton live racking is common in e-commerce fulfilment centres because it increases picking capacity. It also lessens the time spent searching for material in large storage areas.
Contact Krost Shelving to learn about flow racking solutions with multiple advantages and applications.
Which FIFO Storage System Is Right for Your Business?
Selecting the right FIFO warehousing system comes down to the nature of your business, the type of goods you store, and the volume of inventory you handle.
Drive-through racking is optimal if you handle high volumes of the same product, usually in palletized form, and have limited item variation. This space-maximising system is best for bulk storage in food, beverage, cold storage, and similar industries.
Carton live racking is better if your business deals with smaller, high-turnover items or many SKUs. E-commerce warehouses, retail distribution centres, and light manufacturing operations mainly benefit from the dynamic flow of carton live racking systems. This improves picking accuracy and speed. Flow-racking is worth its cost.
Conclusion
Drive-through and carton live racking systems provide FIFO inventory control and considerable benefits in optimising warehouse space. The choice between drive-through vs. carton live racking systems centres around your organisation, including the type of inventory you store, the volume of goods, and the turnover rate. Drive-through racking may best fit in high-density storage environments with fewer SKUs. However, carton live racking is a more active solution that supports express order fulfilment for businesses with smaller, fast-moving items or diverse stock types.
